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Explore America’s Most Iconic Waterways With the 5 Best U.S. River Cruises
Discover natural and cultural treasures close to home.
You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.
On these voyages, you'll sail with anywhere from 100 to 400 other guests aboard either modern riverboats or classic paddle wheelers that hearken back to a different time. Like their European counterparts, river cruises in the U.S. typically package everything at a single price, including staterooms, meals, guest lectures and enrichment programs, entertainment, and most shore excursions. Some even include pre-cruise hotel stays.
Here are five river cruises that will show you the U.S. in a whole new light.
American Cruise Lines’ Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville
It's hard to choose from American Cruise Lines' 35 itineraries. For arts and culture lovers, the eight-day Music Cities Cruise along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers presents an opportunity to visit several charming cities and towns in the South. The itinerary is offered on four different 180-passenger ships, including the American Serenade and the classic American Splendor paddle wheeler.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum. The next day, the ship travels through the Barkley Lock and past the stunning coves and limestone bluffs of the Cumberland River's Lake Barkley– a view best enjoyed from the balcony of your stateroom. In Dover, Tennessee, guests visit historic Fort Donelson National Park and learn about the garrison's role during the Civil War. The next day, passengers can tour the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Fort Defiance in Clarksville, Tennessee, and cap off the experience with a whiskey tasting at Old Glory Distilling Co. The voyage ends in Nashville, where you can stroll along historic Lower Broadway, visit museums dedicated to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and take in a Grand Ole Opry show.
American Queen Voyages' Upper Mississippi Cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis
History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature.
After departing St. Louis, the cruise arrives in Alton, Illinois, where guests can play golf on championship courses, explore the National Great Rivers Museum , or just stroll around the town's historic districts. Day three brings passengers further upriver to Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, from which the author drew inspiration for several of his novels. On day four, the ship stops at Bettendorf, Iowa, for a hop-on hop-off tour of museums, artist studios, the German American Heritage Center , and the Quad City Botanical Center . In Dubuque, Iowa, guests can take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, billed as "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway". Day nine, finds the the ship at La Crosse, Wisconsin, famous for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. The final port is Red Wing, Minnesota, home to beautifully preserved artisan workshops, factories, and pioneer-era architecture. After disembarking, passengers can explore nearby Minneapolis before going home.
American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise
This eight-day fall foliage-themed cruise takes leaf peeping to a new level. The round-trip voyage out of New York City takes nature lovers through the heart of the Hudson Valley – swathed every fall in a blanket of bright orange, red, and yellow. Whether you sail on the classic 48-stateroom American Star or the 100-passenger American Eagle , you'll enjoy a stunning display of colors from the comfort of your balcony. On shore, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to the highest waterfall in the Empire State , walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in the world , and visit the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park and author Washington Irving in Sleepy Hollow.
Viking Cruises’ New Orleans & Southern Charms Lower Mississippi Cruise
This eight-day round-trip cruise takes in historic estates, military sites, and comunities bursting with Cajun and Creole culture. After departing New Orleans, the Viking Mississippi stops in the Louisiana towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, which boast Greek Revival mansions, Spanish moss-draped avenues, and even a haunted house . Day four brings travelers to the oldest city on the river, Natchez, Mississippi, home to a rich African American heritage . The next day, guests can learn about one of the most consequential battles of the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park before setting sail for the vibrant capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship then returns to New Orleans, where guests can stay longer or catch a flight home.
Courtesy of Viking
UnCruise Adventures’ Rivers of Adventure & Wine Columbia and Snake River Cruise
Spotting wildlife and sipping wine go hand-in-hand on this UnCruise Adventures expedition around the Pacific Northwest. The seven-night round-trip journey from Portland isn't your typical leisure cruise. Instead, passengers get to go on rainforest hikes, rafting adventures, winery visits, and scenic kayaking excursions through dramatic canyons.
After the champagne departure from Portland and a stop at Astoria, Oregon, the ship passes through the Columbia River Gorge. Passengers can disembark for a guided hike, then return for a wine tasting with the ship's sommelier. The gourmand adventures continue with an excursion to Walla Walla, Washington, which includes visits to olive oil makers, chocolatiers, and family-owned wine cellars. Day five begins at the mouth of the Palouse River, where guests can kayak or paddleboard. The next day, passengers can visit Columbia Hills State Park and Rowena Plateau on foot or by skiff boat while enjoying river dips, farm-to-fork delights, and a wine tour and tasting. Guests then disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for whitewater rafting or a relaxing winery tour. The adventure ends with a farewell dinner back at Portland.
East Coast Cruises
From big cities like Boston, NYC, and DC, to quant towns in the New England Islands and coast of Maine, our small ships will help you explore the many wonderful and historic parts of the east coast. Whether you want to relax on the beach at a lobster bake or you love the hustle and bustle of the big city, USA River Cruises has something for everyone.
Yankee Seaports-American Independence
Boston, MA to New York City, NY
- June 25, 2024, October 4, 2024
- From $5,145
- American Independence
Yankee Seaports-American Eagle
- From $5,970
- American Eagle
New England Islands-American Liberty
Roundtrip Providence
- August 15, 2024, August 22, 2024, August 29, 2024 -- 3 more dates available.
- From $8,195
- American Liberty
Hudson River-American Liberty
Roundtrip New York City
- September 26, 2024, October 3, 2024, October 10, 2024 -- 2 more dates available.
- From $8,475
Hudson River-American Eagle
- June 4, 2024, June 11, 2024, June 18, 2024 -- 4 more dates available.
East Coast Inland Passage – American Liberty
Jacksonville to Baltimore
- November 2, 2024
- From $12,270
Cape Codder Cruise-American Eagle
Roundtrip Boston
- July 2, 2024, July 9, 2024, July 16, 2024 -- 1 more date available.
Downeast Maine Cruise
Roundtrip Bangor, ME
- July 31, 2024, August 7, 2024, August 14, 2024 -- 6 more dates available.
- From $6,290
Great Rivers of Florida-American Eagle
Roundtrip Jacksonville
- November 24, 2024, December 1, 2024
- From $5,010
Canada & New England Charms-Montreal to Boston
Montreal, QC to Boston, MA
- October 6, 2024
- From $4,099
- Oceania Insignia
New York to Montreal-Autumnal Allure
New York City, NY to Montreal, QC
- September 15, 2024, October 17, 2024
- From $3,799
Complete Southeast Cruise
Washington, D.C. to St. Petersburg, FL
- November 20, 2024
- From $13,225
- American Glory
- Best of the Northwest
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Our southern U.S. river cruises bring guests to unique, historic, and bucket-list destinations such as Tangier Island, Charleston, SC, Cambridge, MD, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and St. Augustine, FL. Read More. For a limited time, save up to $1,500 on select American Revolution Cruises and receive Free Airfare.*. View Itinerary Details.
14 Nights. April 20, 2024, November 6, 2024. From $8,515. American Independence. Book Now More Info. Southeast Cruises including Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage, Historic Chesapeake Bay, and Intracoastal Waterways cruises. Book your Southeast Cruise today!
There’s so much for you to see and do. From the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi to the Columbia River and our Alaskan Cruises ports of call — all the way to our cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean. USA River Cruises has been making travel dreams come true since 1999. We’re experts at matching people with the experiences ...
Complete Southeast Cruise. This comprehensive exploration celebrates everything wonderful about the Southeast, enveloping you in its very essence as you cruise in the sublime comfort of our brand new Coastal Cat. Begin your journey along the Chesapeake Bay, abounding with a rejuvenated maritime spirit. Board the decks of celebrated ships in ...
The package includes a 1 night stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located on the riverfront and steps away from the dock. Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.
Save up to 75% on USA - Southeast Cruises 2024/2025. Setting sail on a Southeast USA cruise unlocks a world rich in diverse histories, flavors, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From the sun-kissed beaches of Florida to the vibrant cultural rhythms of New Orleans and the historic landmarks in Charleston, this region offers a wealth of ...
See Reverse Itinerary. Day 1 Charleston, SC. Day 2 Beaufort, SC. Day 3 Hilton Head Island, SC. Day 4 Savannah, GA. Day 5 Cruising Intracoastal Waterway. Day 6 Jekyll Island / St. Simons Island, GA. Day 7 Amelia Island, FL. Day 8 Amelia Island, FL.
18 tours. 1 country. $14,699 from. Learn More. PRICE & BUILD. From the Great Lakes region to the banks of the Mississippi and the Eastern Seaboard to the Pacific Coast, uncover cities brimming with culture and charm. Viking reveals America’s diverse landscapes and fascinating history on unforgettable river, ocean and expedition journeys.
American Queen Voyages' Upper Mississippi Cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen ...
Complete Southeast Cruise. Washington, D.C. to St. Petersburg, FL. 21 Nights. November 20, 2024. From $13,225. American Glory. Book Now More Info. Next Page ». Book your 2024 East coast cruises on the Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage, Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, and several New England destinations!