Americans who want the unhurried pace and relaxed charm of river cruising don’t have to fly to Europe. Across the United States you can find vessels from replica paddlewheelers to sleek contemporary river ships cruising not only the ever-popular Mississippi and Columbia but also the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and even the Hudson.
PHOTO: © VIKING
The Mississippi remains the most popular river for domestic cruising. Multiple lines offer a range of options, from short voyages between New Orleans and Vicksburg aboard Viking’s 386-passenger Viking Mississippi to longer sailings such as Viking’s multiweek Grand Mississippi itinerary that links New Orleans with Minneapolis/St. Paul.
For a taste of classic steamboat romance, American Queen — the largest steamboat ever built — sails with ornate period décor and an authentic paddlewheel. American Queen Voyages operates multiple Mississippi itineraries and also runs paddlewheel cruises on the Ohio River between Louisville, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh.
American Cruise Lines links rivers in the nation’s heartland with itineraries such as a 15-day voyage from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, one of several cruises the company operates on its small U.S. ships. On the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, paddlewheelers connect travelers with cultural hubs like Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis. Further north, paddlewheel cruises extend from Chicago and Detroit through the Great Lakes and across the border to Canadian ports including Toronto and Montréal.
On the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, major river operators trace the historic Lewis and Clark route aboard paddlewheelers. Smaller expedition-style ships from UnCruise Adventures add active land- and water-based experiences—kayaking, whitewater rafting, guided treks and e-bike excursions—making these itineraries ideal for travelers who want both scenery and activity. Most Columbia-Snake cruises begin or end in Portland, Oregon, and highlights include the 80-mile Columbia River Gorge and Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge.
Along the East Coast and in New England, coastal cruises are especially popular in autumn when fall foliage turns the landscape vivid red and gold. Several lines operate seasonal fall-foliage cruises that call at major ports such as Boston and Portland, Maine, and often include stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick.
PHOTO: © JOE SOHM | DREAMSTIME.COM
While the largest cruise ships can no longer call at Bar Harbor, Maine—gateway to Acadia National Park—smaller vessels still visit Bar Harbor and many charming coastal towns. American Cruise Lines in particular offers an extensive collection of itineraries along the Maine coast and throughout New England. Shorter cruises, such as an eight-day Maine Coast & Harbors voyage, visit Portland, Bar Harbor, Bangor, Camden, Rockland, Boothbay Harbor and Bath. The 10-day New England Explorer adds Boston, Gloucester, Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown and Newport, while longer options—like a 15-day Grand New England cruise—cover the coastline from Bar Harbor down to Block Island, Rhode Island.
In autumn, American also operates a Hudson River foliage cruise that sails from New York City and stops at Catskill, Albany, Kingston, Hyde Park, West Point and Sleepy Hollow, showcasing riverside history and fall color.
Full-length cruises along the entire East Coast are less common, though repositioning sailings occur each season as lines move ships between northern homeports and Caribbean itineraries. American Cruise Lines again offers the broadest selection and the most frequent departures along the U.S. coastline.
One of the longest coastal itineraries runs about three weeks, sailing from Washington, D.C., around the Florida Keys to Tampa with calls in Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine and Key West. Shorter cruises focus on highlights such as Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Historic South and Golden Isles from Charleston to Amelia Island, or ports around the Chesapeake Bay that played central roles in early American history.
Fort Lauderdale occasionally serves as an embarkation point for cruises that include U.S. destinations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while San Juan is a base for new small-ship itineraries operating in the Caribbean.
Scenic Group, known for all-inclusive luxury on European rivers, has added U.S.-operated Caribbean itineraries on a 100-passenger yacht. These shorter Caribbean voyages explore islands in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and can extend to destinations such as Saint Barthélemy and Saint Kitts. Longer, more in-depth itineraries departing from San Juan visit a wider selection of islands across the eastern Caribbean.
Whether you prefer gentle river decks, historic paddlewheel charm, active small-ship adventures or all-inclusive yacht comfort, Americans have a wide array of domestic and nearby cruising choices—without a long trans-Atlantic flight. Welcome aboard.
PHOTO: © VIKING
ALASKA ADVENTURES
Alaska’s dramatic fjords, bays and passages offer a wide spectrum of sailing experiences. Large ocean liners and mainstream cruise lines operate seasonal Alaska itineraries, while luxury expedition operators and small-ship outfitters provide more immersive options. Silversea, for example, runs more than 80 Alaska sailings each season, including multiweek expedition voyages aboard smaller, well-appointed ships. Windstar Cruises offers a yacht-style experience in the Inside Passage and Kenai Fjords with Zodiac excursions to view wildlife up close.
For a truly expeditionary approach, UnCruise Adventures specializes in active exploration. Its Aleutian Islands Adventure is an eight-day journey that visits remote islands and wilderness areas such as Kodiak, Katmai and the Kenai Peninsula aboard a small expedition vessel. Guests explore narrow fjords and hidden coves by kayak, paddleboard and skiff, maximizing opportunities for wildlife viewing and hands-on discovery.