Astoria OR

The cruise ships dock at the port's East Basin about 2.5 miles from downtown. If more than one ship in port, you might be tendered in.

A shuttle service is available which departs every fifteen minutes when a ship is in port. Eleven buses will convey riders from the pier to downtown Astoria. An all-day pass for only $15 provides for unlimited on and off privileges, and even rides on Astoria's historic trolley that operates on the rail line along the Columbia River. It only has 2 stops; 10 and 16 street. Local taxi services, with a total of 7-8 cabs available on cruise days.

• A shuttle service is available which departs every fifteen minutes when a ship is in port. Eleven buses will convey riders from the pier to downtown Astoria. An all-day pass for only $15 provides for unlimited on and off privileges, and even rides on Astoria's historic trolley that operates on the rail line along the Columbia River. It only has 2 stops; 10 and 16 street. Local taxi services, with a total of 7-8 cabs available on cruise days.
• Live Music-Local bands including the Brownsmead Flats, Bond Street Blues, Jackson Andrews Band and others play on the cruise pier as each ship docks, and through out the day in port.
• The Astoria River Trail, a paved, 2.5-mile path from downtown Astoria to the port's East Basin.
• The Astoria Column, atop the highest peak in Astoria, offers stunning area views.
• Lewis & Clark National Historical Park featuring Fort Clatsop, the wintering over camp of the Corps of Discovery and many other Lewis & Clark historic sites throughout the area.
• Columbia River Maritime Museum
• Flavel House Museum
• Fort Astoria Memorial
• Clatsop County Heritage Museum
• Chamber of Commerce info

The Astoria Riverfront Trolley runs along the Riverfront, $1 for a round trip, $2 for full day. Schedule changes seasonally and is subject to weather..

With a rental car you could visit Astoria Column, Fort Clatsop ( the site where Lewis and Clark wintered), Seaside (really a fun tourist town) and Ecola State Park at Cannon Beach.

"Never on a Sunday Market" is a festive, open-air market with up to 40 art, craft and jewelry booths manned by the artists and craftsmen themselves. Cruise passengers enjoy strolling the pier and getting a glimpse of the special offerings available from the area.

The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $). ATM's everywhere.

Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely used and accepted, even for transactions worth only a few dollars. In fact, in some cases, it may be the only way to make a transaction. Note to overseas visitors: Prices of goods and services always seem lower than they really are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included.

Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices (except for gasoline, and in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay.

Tipping in America is widely used and expected. While Americans themselves often debate correct levels and exactly who deserves to be tipped, generally accepted standard rates are:

• Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (Often this is the only income of the wait(ress). Tips are either left in cash or you can add it to the credit card slip) Note: Few restaurants add an automatic service charge, in which case it is up to you how much you tip extra. Check your bill! Note: Few restaurants add an automatic service charge, in which case it is up to you how much you tip extra. Check your bill!
• Taxi drivers, hairdressers, other personal services: 10-15%
• Bartenders: $1 per drink if inexpensive or 15% of total
• Bellhops: $1-2 per bag ($3-5 minimum regardless)
• Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab
• Tour guides: Depending on tour length, size, and overall quality of guided tours; for half day tours or less $5-10 per person, for longer tours $10-20 per person.
• Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%
• Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for long stays or $5 minimum for very short stays (optional)
• Food delivery (pizza, etc.): $2-5, possibly more for very large orders

The U.S. has no official language at the federal level, but English is by far the standard for everyday use. Several states have declared their official state language as English. Spanish is also official in the state of New Mexico, where it is widely spoken; French is official in Louisiana and the Hawaiian language is official in Hawaii, but neither approaches the use of English and are official for primarily historical reasons.

Emergency 911

In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other large retailers are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays - generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m. On holidays, the tendency is to remain open (with the exception of the most important holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day where stores are generally closed)