Faces of the Northwest is our regular series featuring Q&A interviews with the small business owners and tourism professionals that help make the Northwest such a wonderful place to visit and live. Today we’re talking with Cindy Anderson of USA River Cruises and co-founder of Best of the Northwest.

How did you get started in your business?

I had worked in the travel industry for 17 years before purchasing my own agency and in 2000 decided that we really loved working with the smaller ship companies and our clients really enjoyed the more intimate and personal small ship cruises.

What’s something about you or your business that not everyone knows?

We are a dog friendly office.

When you have a day off, what Pacific Northwest experiences do you like to go and enjoy?

Kayaking in Ridgefield or Vancouver Lake, horseback riding in Whipple Creek Park

What is considered a small ship/boat?

Less than 900 passengers

What rivers in the USA do you have ships on?

Mississippi, Columbia, Hudson, Ohio, Illinois, Cumberland and St. Lawrence.

Are there any rail trips in the USA?

There are many, some even on the original Pullman Rail cars.

If you had to describe what you love about the Pacific Northwest in 3 words, what would you choose?

It’s Serene Beauty