Astoria: when your ship stops here
A tower on the hill with a view of the Columbia River, a riverfront trolley, and the town from The Goonies.
Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.
Astoria is a port city on the south shore of the Columbia River in the northwest corner of Oregon, near where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. It had 10,181 people in the 2020 census. Founded in 1811, it is the oldest city in the state. It has been a port of call for cruise ships since 1982.
Source: Wikipedia: Astoria, Oregon
Top 3 things to do
1. The Astoria Column
A tower 125 feet (38 m) high, built in 1926 on Coxcomb Hill, the highest point in Astoria. An inner circular staircase leads up for a view of the town, the land around it, and the Columbia flowing into the Pacific.
Tip: The Cathedral Tree Trail is nearby. Our sources give no travel time from the pier, so ask on board.
Source: Wikipedia: Astoria, Oregon
2. The Riverwalk and the Riverfront Trolley
Wikipedia lists the Astoria Riverwalk with the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, the Uniontown neighborhood and the Columbia River Maritime Museum together among the points of interest.
Tip: The sights sit along the river, which suits a short call. Our sources give no hours for the museum.
Source: Wikipedia: Astoria, Oregon
3. The Goonies and the Oregon Film Museum
Astoria is the setting of the 1985 film The Goonies, which was filmed on location in the city. Other films shot there include Short Circuit, Kindergarten Cop and Free Willy. The Oregon Film Museum is on Wikipedia's list of points of interest.
Tip: Our sources give no address or opening hours for the museum, so check them for your day.
Source: Wikipedia: Astoria, Oregon
What to skip
Fort Clatsop on a short call
Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805 to 1806, is a replica southwest of the town. It sits with Fort Stevens and Youngs River Falls among the places outside the center. Our sources give no travel time, so leave them for a long call.
Source: Wikipedia: Astoria, Oregon
Before you go ashore
You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.
Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?
Back-to-backs that stop in Astoria
Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Astoria, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:
- Back-to-back cruises from Vancouver 2 back-to-backs with a stop in Astoria
- Back-to-back cruises from Los Angeles 1 back-to-back with a stop in Astoria
- Back-to-back cruises from Tampa 1 back-to-back with a stop in Astoria
Sources
Find back-to-backs that stop in Astoria
Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Astoria on the way.
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