riverboat cruises in the us

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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.

Discover the Beauty of US Rivers Cruise

River Cruise Lines

Get The Best Deals on US River Cruises

Award-winning cruise services, join us on the us river cruises, memorable journey with us river cruises, experience the splendor of us river cruises.

Welcome to US River Cruises , your gateway to exploring the serene and majestic rivers that flow through the heart of America. With over 25 years of excellence in river cruising, Cruise Genie's specialists are dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable journey that blends luxury, history, and natural beauty.

Why Choose US River Cruises?

Embarking on a US river cruise offers a unique opportunity to:

• Explore Iconic Waterways: Navigate the Mississippi, Ohio, Columbia, and Hudson rivers, each with its own story and stunning landscapes.
• Discover American Heritage: Visit historic sites, vibrant cities, and quaint towns that capture the essence of American culture and history.
• Enjoy Unmatched Comfort: Relax in luxury aboard state-of-the-art vessels that offer fine dining, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service.

Benefits of Taking a US River Cruise

Experience the magic of exploring America's heartland by water with a US river cruise. Here are some key benefits of taking a river cruise in the United States:

• Scenic Beauty: Sail along majestic rivers like the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Hudson, Columbia, and more, and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of America.
• Cultural Exploration: Discover vibrant cities and charming towns along the riverbanks, including iconic destinations such as New York, New Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis, and more, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and attractions.
• Relaxation and Luxury: Unwind in the comfort of luxurious river cruise ships, equipped with all the amenities you need for a relaxing and memorable journey, including gourmet dining, onboard entertainment, and spacious accommodations.

Featured River Cruise Destinations

• Mississippi River Cruises: Experience the heart and soul of the South with stops in New Orleans, Memphis, and more.
• Ohio River Cruises: Discover the rich history and natural beauty of the Midwest and Southern states.
• Columbia River Cruises: Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia River Gorge.
• Hudson River Cruises: Enjoy the scenic beauty of New York State, from the bustling Big Apple to tranquil upstate landscapes.

With Cruise Genie , you're not just booking a cruise; you're embarking on a journey that promises adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Our award-winning service, curated by experts with decades of experience, ensures that every aspect of your river cruise exceeds your expectations.

Ready to set sail on America's beautiful rivers? Visit our website to learn more about our luxury US river cruises and start planning your next adventure today.

Contact us to learn more about our exclusive US river cruise offerings and let us help you discover the beauty of America's waterways.

RIVER CRUISING IS HOT!!!

The cruise industry's greatest success story in the past two decades has been the surge in growth and popularity of river cruises. With an ever increasing number of new river cruise lines and river boats introduced, and river cruise companies adding new itineraries to more destinations, coupled with the ever expanding interest in river cruises by the traditional ocean cruising population looking for something new, many more lucky travelers are able to enjoy the more intimate, immersive and attentive experience that river cruises bring to the world!

River cruising is a type of travel that involves navigating a river on a small, often luxurious, ship. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises take passengers on journeys through inland waterways, such as the Danube, Rhine, Nile, Yangtze, Mekong, and many other rivers around the world. River cruises typically offer a more intimate and relaxed experience than ocean cruises, with smaller ships and fewer passengers. The itineraries often focus on exploring smaller towns and cities along the river, allowing passengers to get a closer look at the local culture and history. This can include visits to historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites, as well as opportunities to sample local food and wine. River cruises often include a variety of amenities and services, such as fine dining, entertainment, educational lectures, and excursions. Some river cruises are all-inclusive, while others offer optional add-ons for certain activities or services. River cruising has become a popular way to explore Europe, Asia, and other regions of the world, with many cruise lines offering a wide variety of itineraries and ship sizes to suit different preferences and budgets.

With so many River Cruise Companies vying for this ever increasing number of passengers, each claiming to be the best option in the Budget, First Class or Deluxe categories, it has becomes quite difficult for travelers to know which is the best River Cruise Company, River Boat, Destination or Itinerary for them! Without years of experience and the knowledge and access to information that those years bring, consumers run the risk of paying more than they need to, or getting less than they expected to!

That is where we come in! RiverCruiseLines.com, a service of Smart Traveler and MisterCruise.com, puts you in touch with the best cruise counselors for your lifestyle and budget - and our service is FREE.

In fact, we guarantee that, at the time of your river cruise reservation, you will never pay more than if you booked it yourself directly! In addition to absolutely NOT paying more using our services, for over 80% of our reservations, our customers pay less, sometimes much less, than if they booked it themselves!

So, please, look around, get some ideas, and whenever you feel ready for some assistance, simply fill out the River Cruise Quote Request Form. You will enjoy exceptional value when you book your discount river cruises and discount luxury cruises with RiverCruiseLines.com. Act now for the best deals on Yangtze River Cruises, Nile River Cruises, Europe River Cruises or Mississippi River Cruises and sail away with bonus offers such as free onboard spending and free upgrades. Plus, discount river cruises include all meals, accommodations, and countless onboard activities. Discount river cruises are the way to save — plan your cruise vacation of a lifetime before these phenomenal river cruise deals are gone.

"Mister Cruise" Peter Coloyan Sr. President, Smart Traveler

RIVERS UPDATE - River cruises continue to be discontinued until further notice on all rivers of the Ukraine and Russia.

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RIVER CRUISE specialist!!!

A river cruise specialist can be a valuable resource for anyone who is considering a river cruise anywhere in the world! Often selling at group discounted prices, which can save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars, they can help maximize the value of any budget to add days to your river cruise vacation, upgrade your experience, or both!

Here are some ways in which they can help

Knowledge of destinations.

River Cruise Specialists have extensive knowledge about the different river cruise destinations available worldwide. They can provide information on the various ports of call, cultural attractions, and local experiences that each destination has to offer. This information can help you make an informed decision about which river cruise itinerary will best suit your interests and preferences.

Expertise on Cruise Lines & Ships

River Cruise Specialists can provide information about the different river cruise lines and ships that service various destinations worldwide. They can help you choose the best cruise line for your specific needs, taking into account your budget, travel style, and desired level of comfort.

Experience and Advice

River Cruise Specialists the experience and expertise to provide valuable advice on how to get the best value for your river cruise dollar. They can offer insider deals, promotions, and discounts, as well as provide guidance on how to choose the right cabin category and when to book.

Customization

River Cruise Specialists can help you customize your river cruise experience, tailoring it to your specific interests and preferences. They can help you choose the right shore excursions, onboard activities, and dining experiences to ensure that your river cruise is a truly personalized and memorable experience.

River Cruise Specialists can help you navigate the wide range of options available for worldwide river cruises, providing you with the knowledge, expertise, and advice you need to make an informed decision and get the best value for your river cruise dollar.

Don’t make a costly mistake by booking online or direct. Only a live, experienced River Cruise Specialist can provide the personalized service, experience, access to proprietary pricing, and knowledge of all amenities on the different lines, and ships – and can help compare multiple options! They can also provide additional travel arrangements, such as airfare, travel insurance, pre or post cruise stays and local excursions.

Plus, getting your river cruise booked is only the core part of the process for a successful, less stressful vacation experience. Advice and assistance with your river cruise travel document requirements, travel safety, health requirements, luggage delivery and all other concierge services can best be provided by a River Cruise Specialist!

Completing our River Cruise Quote Request form is the first step to getting true expert advice.. We have been selling, and sailing, river cruises since 1984. We can help you find what is right for you! For avid river cruisers, please join our mailing list, as we will soon be announcing special, Concierge escorted river cruises for those traveling single, with special needs, 55+, and niche cruises for wildlife viewing experiences, Food & Wine, and more!

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United States River Cruises

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America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
• Enjoy American music styles
• Learn Civil War history
• Experience New Orleans' culture
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Heart of the Delta

• Enjoy the music of Memphis
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• See the historic homes of Natchez

New Orleans & Southern Charms

• Enjoy Cajun and Creole cuisine
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• Learn the history of Vicksburg

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• Discover history of the Mississippi
• Explore Dubuque, Iowa
• Experience Mississippi river towns
• Admire local artisan work

Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey

• Bike or walk along the river
• Zodiak or kayak the Palouse River
• Jet boat through Hells Canyon
• Explore the Lewis & Clark Refuge

Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History

• Trek up the iconic Beacon Rock

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USA Cruises

Sometimes the greatest adventures can be found just outside our own front doors. USA River Cruises offers trips that navigate the coastal waters, rivers, and inland waterways the world over. But some of the most popular and exciting trips take place in the vast nation that we call home: the United States of America.

We encourage you to look through our U.S.A. offerings. The trips detailed on our website comprise many of the most phenomenal cruises we’ve put together for you. And since they take place right here in the U.S. of A., there’s less travel time involved in getting to the embarkation points, and more time to relax and travel the winding waterways of America.

Here are a few of our more popular offerings — but again we wish to stress how much we’d like you to look over all our offerings in order to tailor a trip that works best for you and your family.

There’s so much to choose from! Consider:

Grand Heartland Cruise: Cruise the length of the Mississippi River on a 14-night southbound trip that starts in St. Paul, Minnesota, and ends in the Big Easy (New Orleans, Louisiana). You’ll cruise down the mighty Mississippi and pass 10 states along the way!

Canyons, Glaciers & Waterfalls: This one’s actually a little off the beaten path — seeing as how it includes hotel stays and five nights aboard an Amtrak train! Visit so many sights and cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon (Arizona), Yosemite National Park, Glacier National Park, and more! Whew!

At USA River Cruises, we want to help you plan the trip of a lifetime — and to do it more than once! That’s right, </> all our trips can be considered trips of a lifetime. That’s how diverse, wide-ranging, and spectacular our itineraries are.

Each member of our team is passionate about traveling, and our strong dedication to customer service reflects our longstanding commitment that started the day we first opened our doors in 1996.

Contact USA River Cruises today to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable cruise agent. We want to help you “Imagine the Journey” — and then turn that imagination into reality.

Call us today. We’ll take care of everything.

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

The Tennessee Rivers Cruise

Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN

• May 10, 2024, May 17, 2024, May 24, 2024 -- 9 more dates available.
• From $5,190
• American Serenade

Grand Ohio River-American Melody

St. Louis to Pittsburgh

• July 12, 2024
• From $9,095
• American Melody

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

Music Cities Cruise-American Symphony

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

• August 2, 2024, August 9, 2024, August 16, 2024
• From $4,530
• American Symphony

St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes

Quebec City, QC to Milwaukee, WI

• April 28, 2024, September 20, 2024, April 27, 2025 -- 1 more date available.
• From $10,410

Great Lakes Explorer

Toronto, ON to Duluth, MN

• June 14, 2024, June 15, 2024, June 28, 2024 -- 1 more date available.
• From $11,580
• New Great Lakes Itinerary for 2024!!

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.

Grand Heartland Cruise-American Serenade

St. Paul to New Orleans

• September 17, 2024, August 15, 2025
• From $11,090

Grand Heartland Cruise-American Melody

• August 2, 2024, October 17, 2025
• From $11,755
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American River Cruises: Start Here to Plan Your US River Vacation

You may be surprised to learn there are excellent options for American river cruises across the United States.

Having experienced one firsthand, we understand the beauty that awaits travelers when exploring the USA's rivers from the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers to the Snake and Columbia Rivers and beyond.

When you hear the words “river cruises,” you may initially think of Europe, where they're most popular, exploring France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. But it turns out there are phenomenal options right here in our home country, good ‘ole America. We have the information you need to start planning your US River Cruise vacation. 

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase,  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to Book a US River Cruise

If you’re American, the many benefits of an American river cruise may push you to book a cruise in the country you live in instead of traveling abroad. 

You Do Not Need a Passport

You may like the idea of not having to have a passport with you if your stops are all in the United States. (If it crosses into Canada, like a Great Lakes cruise , you may need a passport. But US River Cruises are nearly all purely American so that you won’t need a passport.) 

You Can Potentially Drive to Your Port of Embarkation

You may be able to drive to your point of departure. This especially works well if you have a close-jaw itinerary that begins and ends in the same city.

Many people are afraid of flying, simply love to drive, or want to budget without the cost of flights. This could be reason enough for you to book a US River Cruise!  (Which is also an eco-friendly way to approach cruising .)  

Support America's Industries and National Parks

Another reason to support the river cruise line industry in the United States is simply to support American-made and American-operated products.

Perhaps you love American history and US Parks and want to learn more about them; a river cruise in the United States is a phenomenal experience to support your learning. 

You'll Be Closer to Home in case of a Health Emergency

Lastly, if you like the thought of being on American soil during vacation because you’re concerned about your health, it may be comforting to know that you’ll be in a country where you’re familiar with the hospitals or urgent care facilities and pharmacies. We're talking about places like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid.

In the case of a medical need or emergency, you’ll be closer to home than if you were overseas and near familiar day-to-day chain stores we all rely on. 

Even in a non-emergency medical situation, it’s comforting to know that your medical insurance plan will work in whatever areas your insurance coverage functions in the United States! (Regardless, we still recommend buying trip insurance , which is different than medical insurance.)

US Rivers that American River Cruises Sail

If you’ve ever looked at a map of United States rivers only — absent of state borders, mountains, and other information — it’s clear that the country's rivers are like its veins that keep it alive. Why not explore them?

From the east coast to the west and the land in between, there are many rivers in the US that cruises sail on. Cruising these United States rivers presents a unique view of the American landscape. 

Each river cruise in the US also offers interesting excursions that allow travelers to gain a unique perspective on the history and cultures of the country. Usually, a river cruise includes one activity in a given city and then has the option to change to a different activity (or upgrade your excursion) for an additional cost.

We are going to take you through the following areas and subsequent rivers you can sail on within each region of the US: 

West Coast River Cruises

Mid-america river cruises, east coast river cruises.

There are two well-known rivers on the west coast to consider sailing: the Columbia River and Snake River. Cruises on these rivers usually operate between spring and fall. 

This area is so well-liked that many river cruise companies offer cruises that explore both rivers. A river cruise on these two rivers usually lasts for five to eight days and makes stops at ports along the way. 

Naturally, these US river cruises highlight west coasts attractions.

Columbia River and Snake River: US River Cruise Combo

Most river cruises in the United States combine Columbia River and Snake River stops. River Cruises offering trips on these rivers are available from spring until the early months of the winter season. They explore Oregon and Washington.

You’ll be wowed by the mountainous scenery and various city stops over your five to eight adventurous days filled with activities, socializing, and learning about the northwest coast.  

The most famous landmarks you may get to see during a cruise on these US rivers include The Dalles (famous for being the last stop on the Oregan Trail), Mount St. Helens, Multnomah Falls, Hells Canyon, and Lower Granite Dam Fish Ladder. 

For example, you may book a nine-day cruise with American Queen Voyages that begins in Spokane and ends in Portland . There is also a choice with them for a one-way cruise from Portland to Spokane .

More About the Columbia River

This river flows between the US and Canada, British Columbia, and Washington State, and then into Oregon.

If You Only Want to Cruise the Columbia River

You can take a shorter, five-day river cruise on the Columbia River, only, with American Cruise Lines.

Their Highlights of the Columbia River Cruise stops at many great spots, such as Hayden Island, Astoria-Megler Bridge, Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood, and Mount St Helens. 

This cruise is a close-jaw , Hayden Island, Oregon option that visits three cities between the start and end of the cruise. 

More About the Snake River 

The Snake River connects with the Columbia River in Burbank, Washington. (It reminds us of how three rivers converge in Passau, Germany, which you see during a Europe Danube River Cruise .) 

The Snake River and Columbia River separate as the Snake River heads northeast. It then goes on a winding, snake-like journey. The water travels in an intense snake-like pattern for almost 1,079 miles, hence its name.

Once it reaches Lewiston, Idaho, the Snake River snakes south between the Oregon and Idaho border. It continues through the border of Idaho and Washington, and finally continues its journey east until it reaches Palisades Reservoir, which is on the border between Idaho and Wyoming. 

There are no cruises that only cover the Snake River. That may change as cruise lines change their itineraries depending on the year. However, as mentioned above, you can join a cruise that sails on the Snake River and Columbia River if you want to explore both.

The mid-America region of the United States is beautiful and has a lot to offer. But unfortunately, these “flyover” states, as they are often called, don’t get the attention they deserve.

One of the most famous US river cruises in the entire country is here, on the Mississippi River.  

From nature parks, hiking trails, water activities, and even areas to learn about the country's history, famous landmarks are worth visiting along Mid-America river cruise stops from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to New Orleans’ Creole culture. 

Mississippi River Cruises

The Mississippi River is undoubtedly one of the most famous rivers in the US. Therefore, naturally, cruise lines would be remiss not to offer cruises on this river. 

It stretches 2,340 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Due to its popularity, there are plenty of options for overnight Mississippi River Cruises on the three major cruise lines that offer US river cruises. 

Their cruise options span five days to 22 days. Cruisers can choose to explore the lower Mississippi River, upper Mississippi River, or both. 

The Mississippi River flows through the following states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. 

Though these states may be less popular for tourism than California, New York, or Florida, a Mississippi River cruise excitingly brings them attention.

If you're a guest of a US river cruise on the Mississippi, you will discover the region as you visit places like the National Great Rivers Museum and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois. You may also stop by the Mississippi River Museum in Tennessee, and Natchez National Historical Park in Mississippi, just to name a few.

Some cruises span another river in addition to a stop or two along the Mississippi River. For example, this is the case with an Ohio River Cruise and Mississippi River Cruise or an Illinois River Cruise and Mississippi River Cruise .

Upper Mississippi River Cruise vs. Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Because there is so much to see along this great river, cruise lines often offer an Upper or Lower Mississippi River cruise or a long cruise that explores both. (To us, this just means more reasons to be a repeat cruiser!) 

You can’t go wrong with either cruise, but in our humble opinion, a Lower Mississippi River Cruise is a bit more exciting. 

On the other hand, an Upper Mississippi River Cruise is more low-key in its ports and activities, drawing more on US History than the hustle and bustle of more major southern cities (like New Orleans).

Ohio River Cruise (Along with Mississippi River Stops) 

The Ohio River is 981 miles, travels from Pennsylvania to Illinois, and then flows into the Mississippi River. The river's path is along the border of a few additional states: West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. 

“Ohio” is a Native American name that translates to “Good River.” And what could be better than a river cruise on its waters? 

American Queen Voyages has several cruises that sail the Ohio and Mississippi rivers . Here are a few options: 

• A nine-day river cruise that begins in Pittsburgh and ends in Louisville, Kentucky. Highlights include visiting the Rosemary Clooney museum in Augusta, Kentucky, and a visit to Cincinnati, Ohio, famous for its John A. Roebling Bridge. (Which we read about in The Great Bridge , thanks to its architect of the same name.) The reverse voyage, a nine-day sailing from Louisville to Pittsburgh, differs slightly only by one city. 
• Over nine days, sail from Louisville, Kentucky, to St. Louis, Missouri. Taste bourbon and the cuisine of this notable “Louisville Slugger” city, and end with a Hop On Hop Off bus tour of St. Louis, where you’ll catch photo-worthy glimpses of the city’s architecture, including the Gateway Arch.  

Illinois River Cruise (Along with Mississippi River Stops)

The Illinois River is entirely contained within the state and is relatively short at 273 miles. This small river meets up with the Mighty Mississippi close to St. Louis in Grafton, Illinois. 

An example of a journey that travels on both rivers is a nine-day American Queen Voyages Upper Mississippi and Illinois River itinerary. 

Start in Ottawa, Illinois, and visit the most popular park in the state, Starved Rock State Park. Days later, complete your river cruise in St. Louis after visiting Grafton – where the Illinois River meets the Mississippi – and enjoy a taste of this iconic city in Missouri before heading home. (You can also extend your trip and tack on an Upper Mississippi itinerary!)  

Whether you are a cruise lover or not, the East Coast is a fantastic area to explore by boat. The Atlantic region has a lot of great ports.

The typical timeframe of an east coast United States River Cruise is between eight and 11 days. If you’re cruising the northeast, you should plan for late spring, summer, or early fall. The opposite season (winter) may be best if you want to cruise Florida’s waterways.

Hudson River Cruises

The most beloved river in New York is the Hudson River. This body of water flows from the north to the south for 315 miles. It begins in the Adirondack Mountains at Lake Tear of Clouds and flows to New York City, and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

A river cruise in the US on the Hudson River usually lasts eight days, stopping along sought-after locations like Albany, Hyde Park, West Point, and of course, New York City. 

American Cruise Lines operates eight-day cruises on the Hudson River during September and October when it’s prime time for leaf-peeping. If you’re keen on photography, this could be a splendid time to capture the colors of the fall foliage in all their glory )if mother nature is kind enough to show off during your cruise). 

Stops along your journey will showcase amazing spots such as the Vanderbilt Mansion, Olana State Historic Site, Sleepy Hollow, and West Point Military Academy. 

Southern River Cruises

Head south for some palm trees, delicious southern cooking, and Civil War history. Traveling on waterways in the USA to experience this southeastern part of the country with a lot of heart is sure to be memorable. 

Cumberland and Tennessee River Cruises

The Cumberland River is 688 miles long and runs through Kentucky and Tennessee. The Tennessee River, a tributary to the Ohio River, is 653 miles long and runs through Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky.   

A Tennessee River Cruise itinerary with American Cruise Lines visits cities that are very appealing to us over the course of eight days. We loved sailing with American Cruise Lines for a Tennessee River Cruise from Chatanooga to Nashville and were wowed by the beauty of the river.

Highlights include visiting Nashville for a taste of country music, meandering through charming small towns with historical significance like Wheeling, West Virginia, and disembarking in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

St. Johns River Cruises

Florida’s St. Johns River is approximately 320 miles long. It travels from Jacksonville in northern Florida to Ocala National Forest, near Central Florida’s famous city of Orlando . 

You can book a closed-loop itinerary from Jacksonville with American Cruise Lines. Eight incredible days of discovery take you to exciting spots where you’ll learn more about Florida’s wildlife, its connection to golf, and see historic homes.  

Ports highlighted during a river cruise on the St. Johns River in Florida include Jacksonville, Green Cove Springs, Palatka, Lake George, Amelia Island, and St. Augustine. 

If you sign up for a St. Johns River cruise you can expect to travel on Mill Cove Lake near Jacksonville and onto the Tolomato River (part of the Intercoastal Waterway) near St. Augustine and Amelia Island. 

This is an exciting trip for wildlife lovers. You will have a chance to spot alligators, manatees, and bald eagles in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to pack travel binoculars and your telephoto camera lenses!

What Cruise Lines Operate River Cruises in the US? 

We’ve mentioned a few in this post and, if you noticed, repeat many of the same cruise line names for different itineraries. This is because there are not as many river cruise lines sailing in America as on other continents, like Europe. 

The rules and regulations cruise lines need to follow to operate in the United States are stringent. This means abiding by requirements like their vessels being built within the country and a certain percentage of the crew being US citizens. 

The three major US river cruise lines are as follows: 

American Cruise Lines

• American Queen Voyages – no longer operating as of February 2024
• Viking 

Due to the increased popularity and demand for American river cruises in recent years, these cruise lines have upgraded the interiors of their existing river cruise boats. We are excited they have ordered new boats for the future! 

Let’s dive a little deeper into each cruise line.

American Cruise Lines has one of the largest United States river cruise portfolios. Across all their cruises, they operate nearly year-round. They offer cruises on the Mississippi River, in New England, the southeast United States, the Pacific Northwest, and even Alaska. 

Five different classes of cruise ships comprise their fleet; they vary in guest capacity from 90 to 180 passengers, as follows:

• American River Boats (180 guests)
• Eagle Class (109 guests)
• Constellation Class (170 guests)
• Authentic Paddlewheelers (180)
• Independence Class (90)

Seventeen American Cruise Lines vessels fall into one of the five categories of cruise ships above. They operate 35 itineraries that travel to 34 states. 

Their focus on sustainability makes our earth-loving hearts happy. They source local ingredients as much as possible and have upgraded their ships to reduce energy consumption. What's more is that American Cruise Lines is committed to reducing the use of single-use plastics, just like we are .

Viking Cruises

Though Viking has been around for decades on other continents, they’re the newest to the American market. They debuted their first US river cruise ship on the Mississippi River in 2022. 

Many people are loyal to the Viking brand for worldwide river cruise travel in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They offer an entry-level luxurious experience at an affordable price.

An investment with Viking for a US River Cruise will be money spent in confidence, knowing the product you’ll get for remaining loyal to the Viking brand. 

Their Viking ship that sails in the US is aptly named “Viking Mississippi.” Its guest capacity is 386, and they have 148 crew onboard. The river ship has five decks; three and a half of those decks are made up of guest cabins. 

American Queen Voyages

As of February 2024, American Queen Voyages has ceased operations .

American Queen Voyages (AQV) has three different classes of ships that indicate where they sail: 

• Lakes and Oceans

Their river cruise boats have the famous red paddlewheels that make them easy to identify. You may know the brand by its former company name, American Queen Steamboat Company.

The names of their vessels all begin with “American”: American Queen, American Countess, American Duchess, and American Empress. 

Their lakes and oceans boat names begin with “Ocean,” and they currently have two: Ocean Voyages and Ocean Navigator. These vessels do not offer balconies with their cabins, whereas the river cruise and expedition boats with AQV do.

Lastly is their expedition ship, Ocean Victory, which sails in Alaska. 

Cost of US River Cruises

If it’s your first time on a river cruise, you’ll be happy to learn that a lot is included in the cost. Things such as all meals, excursions, and gratuities are usually already worked into the price you’ll see when you browse options online. 

River cruises are one of the best ways to explore the world (including the United States). Some people think that river cruises are expensive, but to us, the value of a river cruise is noteworthy .  

Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $14,000 per person for a river cruise in the United States. The range varies depending on the length of the sailing you pick, like whether you go on a river cruise for seven or 14 days, the time of year, and the cabin you select. For example, an interior cabin will likely cost less than an exterior cabin with a balcony. 

Some river cruises include beer and wine with lunch and dinner. Others have it as an optional upgrade along with the usual drinks packages you can add to any cruise.

United States and North American Small Ship Cruise Options, Beyond Rivers Cruises

The US is a massive country with many rivers and other water bodies. It means the options to cruise American waters are not limited to rivers. 

There are also lake cruises, cruises on bays, and ocean cruises. Cruise options are plentiful, and you can sail for nearly a week if that’s all your time and budget allows or for two to three weeks if you wish.

Perhaps river cruise boats that are 200 passengers or less aren’t for you, but you’d enjoy a ship with over 1,000 passengers with more entertainment options onboard, like multiple pools and thermal spas . If this is the case, you can cruise from many different ports along the coastal United States on bigger ships, as we did along the coast of California with Princess Cruises . 

While these ships cannot possibly sail small bodies of water, like rivers, it’s possible to get the feel of a small ship aboard larger cruise ships if you look for cruise lines offering ship-within-a-ship experiences . (Which we highly recommend for big cruise ships!)

Great Lakes Cruises in America

If you want to sail the northern part of the United States but don’t want to head west to the Columbia and Snake Rivers, Great Lakes Cruises are a terrific option. They take guests on massive, breathtaking lakes that sail between the United States and Canada. Read more about Great Lakes cruises and decide what's right for you.

Historic River Cruises from Baltimore (Sailing the Chesapeake Bay and Inland Passage) 

Chesapeake bay cruise.

You can sail on the Chesapeake Bay out of the Port of Baltimore. While this isn’t technically a river, it will give you a similar feel to river cruising. This is especially true because American Cruise Lines offers a cruise here on the same ships that sail rivers. 

Some cities visited during a six-day itinerary on the Chesapeake Bay with American Cruise Lines include Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland, and Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia .  This cruise sails numerous times in late October, early November, and May. 

East Coast Inland Passage Cruise that Sails Through Charleston

Many people wonder how you can cruise on an overnight ship and visit Charleston, a highly sought after destination on the east coast, in South Carolina. In this case, American Cruise Lines has two itineraries that may be of interest to you. They travel through the East Coast Inland Passage .

One is their cruise that begins in Baltimore, Maryland, and ends at Amelia Island in Florida, just south of the Florida-Georgia border. This 15-day cruise sails in October, November, or April and allows passengers to see more of the southeast coast than any other option. 

Enjoy stops at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (in the Outer Banks ), Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Savannah and Jekyll Island, Georgia , to name a few. 

If you’re looking for a shorter cruise that's something like eight days, consider a cruise that begins in Charleston and ends at Amelia Island. This essentially cuts the 15-day itinerary in half, but you still get to stop at key locations like Savannah, Hilton Head, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island .  

Sail Maine’s Coast

We embarked on a four-day summer sailing aboard the schooner American Eagle along coastal Maine. The trip was delightful and definitely a favorite vacation memory. 

As our trip report recalls , sailing on a schooner isn’t luxurious or fancy. It is, however, a unique experience where you bond with other guests and enjoy being on deck most of the time you’re on the water. You'll certainly quickly appreciate the beauty of Maine.

You can help with the sails if you want and enjoy being row-boated to the shore to explore Maine’s beautiful terrain on one of the many islands that are part of the state. The ship goes where the captain chooses – and there's really no area that isn't worthy of a stop in the captain's repertoire.

If you don’t fancy a US river cruise but still want to cruise the waters of the United States on a small boat, consider a Maine Windjammer Cruise .

Puget Sound Cruises from Seattle

If Great Lakes Cruises and Chesapeake Bay cruises make your eyes perk up, then consider a Puget Sound Cruise on the west coast. 

American Cruise Lines offers two itineraries in this breathtaking area: one is a Grand Puget Sound cruise that lasts 11 days and the other is eight days. Both sail roundtrip from Seattle and visit the gorgeous city of Victoria, British Columbia, the only Canadian stop on the journey. 

They have scattered dates of availability; the longer Grand Puget Sound cruise is available throughout spring, summer and fall, while the shorter Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Cruise takes place throughout July.

Mega-Ship Cruise Itineraries Sailing from United States Ports 

If small ship cruising isn’t for you, or perhaps you’re desiring a change of scenery from the usual small-ship cruise you sign up for, a bigger cruise ship may be the solution.

There are more differences than similarities when it comes to river cruises vs. ocean cruises , but we can all agree their commonality is a love for traveling on the water with hospitality in mind. 

A mega-ship cruise out of a United States port doesn’t stay within the United States for the entire journey. But you can start in the country and travel to places like Bermuda, or the Caribbean, on these cruises. (Don’t forget your passport!) 

You can even sail to Disney’s island, Castaway Cay , from Florida. 

United States cruise ports of embarkation are all around the country, including the California coast, Seattle, Baltimore, Charleston, Galveston, New Jersey, and Florida. 

Book Your US River Cruise Vacation

If it’s your first time going on a cruise and you want to stay within the United States (either because you don’t want to get a passport, for example, or you’re more comfortable staying closer to home), consider signing up for an American river cruise. In fact, you can contact our preferred travel advisors to learn more.

They are quite different — and are much more intimate — than mega-ships. There are fewer guests on riverboats, the crews’ attention is less divided, and you can explore US towns and cities that are not crowded yet have a lot to offer.

Consider a US river cruise for a honeymoon to celebrate your anniversary or simply a memorable vacation for five days to a week or even longer. River cruises in the USA are worth considering and are sure to open your eyes up to exploring your own American backyard.

Ready to Book Your Cruise or INquire?

Use our preferred travel advisors, bolds travel, because….

• They take away the hassle of travel planning : time spent on the phone with the cruise line could be time you spend doing other things.
• You don't pay them a dime : their service is free (this is because they get paid by the cruise line or destination).
• Their experience: They have decades of experience and attention to detail.

Read this next:

• 5 Reasons to Book United States River Cruises
• 26 Helpful Things to Know your First Time on a River Cruise
• Why are River Cruises So Expensive? (Or are They the Best Cruise Value Out There?)

Mikkel and Dan Woodruff co-own and operate Sometimes Sailing. Through their cruising expertise, they bring the best travel ideas on the world's waterways to their audience along with packing tips, budgeting advice, and seasonal deals. They have been featured on many of the best cruise podcasts, including DCL Duo and the Joy of Cruising. Their articles are nationally syndicated and have appeared on AP Wire various times.

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USA River Cruises

Find a River Cruise that explores USA. There are 10 cruises to choose from, that range in length from 8 days up to 15 days. The most popular month for these cruises is March, which has the most tour departures. Considering other destinations? Check out all river cruise tours .

10 river cruises through USA with reviews

• River Cruise

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise featuring a 7-night Holland America Cruise (Fairbanks, AK to Vancouver, BC) (2025)

• Christmas & New Year

New Orleans & Southern Charms

Heart of the Delta Memphis, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana

Heart of the Delta New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee

America's Great River St Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana

Mississippi Holiday Season New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee

America's Heartland St. Louis, Missouri (Alton) to St Paul, Minnesota

America's Heartland St Paul, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri (Alton)

America's Great River New Orleans, Louisiana to St Paul, Minnesota

Natural Wonders of Alaska  (2023)

• Mississippi (8)

Regions in USA

Popular cruise ships.

• Viking Mississippi from Viking Cruises
• Noordam from APT

Travel Styles

• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)
• USA Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Best Backpacking Tours & Trips 2024/2025
• Best time to visit East Coast USA (Low & High Season)
• Best Time to Visit the West Coast, USA in 2024/2025 (with California)
• Best USA Vacation Spots for Couples: Parks, Cities and more
• 5 Best Guided Backpacking Trips & Tours
• Best 10 Day USA Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Flusskreuzfahrt USA
• Français: Circuits Croisière fluviale aux États-Unis 2024/2025
• Español: Crucero fluvial Circuitos en los Estados Unidos (EUA)
• Nederlands: Riviercruise Rondreizen in de USA

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best mississippi river cruises for 2024.

Explore the history, culture and cuisine of the U.S. while cruising along the Mighty Mississippi.

The Best Mississippi River Cruises

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

The more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines | www.AmericanCruiseLines.com

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Viking River Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Length: Eight days Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You may have seen riverboat gambling ships or are at least familiar with riverboat gambling along U.S. waterways. However, while high rolling on the river sounds like an exciting way to spend a night (or two, or more) while on your riverboat cruise, you'll have to jump ship to play the slots, roll the dice, spin the wheel or play a hand of Texas Hold 'em. Gambling on cruise ships sailing on internal waters is prohibited by U.S. law.

Gambling on boats in the U.S. is a complicated matter. While you will find some ships sailing along American waterways that are only set up for gambling, they are not carrying passengers from port to port. Most vessels that feature riverboat gambling are now moored, offering sports betting, table games, entertainment, live music and dancing while tethered to shore.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises
• Cruise Packing List Essentials
• The Top Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

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Mississippi river cruises.

Stretching for 2,350 miles down the United States, from Minnesota's Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, our new cruises on the "Mighty Mississippi" offer a different type of cross-country journey for the curious explorer—one that allows you to be immersed in American history and culture.

Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and our signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.

Heart of the Delta

New orleans, louisiana to memphis, tennessee, reduced cruise & airfares | $25 deposit.

America’s Heartland

St. louis, missouri to twin cities, minnesota.

New Orleans & Southern Charms

New orleans, louisiana to new orleans, louisiana.

America’s Great River

St. paul, minnesota to new orleans, louisiana.

NEW! Mississippi Delta Explorer

NEW! Upper Mississippi Explorer

Memphis, tennessee to st. paul, minnesota.

Grand Mississippi Voyage

New orleans, louisiana to st. paul, minnesota, free roundtrip airfare* & reduced cruise fares | $25 deposit.

NEW! The Big Easy to the Gateway City

New orleans, louisiana to st. louis (alton), missouri.

NEW! Mississippi River Odyssey

New orleans, louisiana to red wing, minnesota, highlights of mississippi river cruises.

A Mississippi River cruise offers the rare opportunity to sail through America's heartland on the world’s #1 river cruise line. Explore picturesque towns and boom cities; take in views of pastoral farms and towering bluffs; and immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture with an included excursion in every port. Here are a few highlights Viking reveals to you:

• Festive French Quarter and Creole cuisine in New Orleans
• Cajun heritage in Baton Rouge
• Civil War history at Vicksburg National Military Park
• Memphis BBQ, Graceland and appreciation of the Delta Blues
• Steamboat sailings with diverse wildlife sightings
• Mark Twain's boyhood home and America’s literary history
• Up close look at America’s national symbol, the bald eagle
• Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the pioneering spirit of the Midwest
• Norwegian cultural experience at Vesterheim
• Intricate locks and dams of the Upper Mississippi

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The Family Vacation Guide

9 of the Best US River Cruises for Families

posted by Charmaine Cortes on January 9, 2023 // last updated on February 28, 2023

Are you looking for a new and exciting way to spend your family vacation? Have you ever considered a river cruise?

American river cruises offer a unique and immersive way to explore the world with your loved ones. They provide the perfect opportunity to visit multiple destinations in a single trip while offering a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere than the traditional ocean cruise industry.

From the beautiful landscapes and charming towns along the river to the onboard amenities and activities. There’s something exciting for every member of the family to enjoy on a USA river cruise.

Plus, with various destinations, you can tailor your trip to suit your family’s particular interests and preferences.

River Cruises Target Audience

Top 9 american river cruises, frequently asked question.

Older retired or semi-retired people generally make up the majority of the passengers on river cruises. However, there has recently been a surge in younger couples and families who are also interested in these fun trips.

Younger couples find that the activities provided outside the ship are actually pretty fun, and they can only be reserved via the river cruise operator.

River cruises appeal to family vacations because they offer interesting activities for all age groups, from sunbathing on the sun deck to taking family bike trips.

You and your family have decided to avoid the hustle and bustle of an ocean cruise line for a more cozy and intimate river cruise instead. With many options to choose from in terms of river cruise lines and destinations to travel to, it can become overwhelming to make a final decision.

Below we have put together the nine best river cruise options and will explore what makes each unique and a possible match for your next family vacation.

1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $2,000 to $23,000

Uniworld provides luxurious river cruises in historic locations throughout central Europe, France, Italy, Portugal, India, Egypt, and Peru. The 19 ships in its fleet are designed to resemble boutique hotels with their chic interiors, old-timey artwork, and specialty eateries.

The ships can accommodate 120 passengers on average, and the firm prides itself on having one of the most excellent staff-to-guest ratios in the river cruise business, roughly one crew member for every two passengers.

In addition to entertainment and enrichment programs, the river cruise line’s all-inclusive fares cover meals, alcoholic drinks, some excursions, gratuities, onboard fitness classes, and Wi-Fi. The top-notch food served onboard Uniworld ships is produced using regional ingredients acquired from the places on your itinerary.

Uniworld’s regular passengers are often in their 50s or 60s and come from North America, the UK, and Australia. At the same time, the river cruise company operates a few vessels specifically targeted at younger passengers. Making this better suited for more mature families.

Popular Destinations

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Uniworld Boutique River cruises:

• South America

Depending on the ship and river cruise, stateroom amenities might range from marble baths to Egyptian cotton linens, French balconies, iPod docks, Nespresso coffee makers, rainfall showers, and more.

2. AmaWaterways

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,400 to $26,000

AmaWaterways is a family-owned company established in 2002. It has 26 modern riverboats with an average capacity of 150 guests. The line’s newest vessel, AmaMagdalena, will start sailing in 2023.

The river cruise company provides special themed sailings for guests with particular interests. It strives to give excursion-rich trips. Wine-themed river cruises are ideal for oenophiles who want to see some of Europe’s most well-known wine areas.

A concierge golf program will take travelers from renowned golf courses to famous golf courses.

AmaWaterways generally draws older North American tourists who love participating in physically active shore activities like walking or cycling. However, this river cruise service also accepts travelers from Australia and the United Kingdom.

Due to the variety of accommodation options offered by AmaWaterways, you should anticipate a mix of couples, families, and lone travelers.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the AmaWaterways River cruise line:

• South America(By 2024)

Staterooms are spacious, with bathrobes, slippers, soft bedding, and upscale toiletries. With AmaWaterways’ twin balcony design, which enables a complete step-out balcony and a French balcony with sliding glass doors, cabins can have up to two balconies. Visitors may access movies and music on demand, and in-room Wi-Fi is free.

3. American Queen Voyages

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,300 to $6,000

American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines amalgamated to establish American Queen Voyages in the fall of 2021. American Queen Voyages is based in North America and operates on a few US rivers, including the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland, as well as the Columbia and Snake rivers.

American Queen Voyages employs four authentic paddle wheelers to accommodate 150 to 400 people. All-inclusive sailings include Wi-Fi, unlimited drinks, unlimited guided tours, meals every day of your trip, and live daily onboard entertainment.

The main dining area, showroom, sun deck, poker rooms, and lounges are on board. The native food served onboard each cruise differs depending on the route. Making American Queen Voyages is perfect for families exploring new tastes and cultures.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the American Queen Voyages River cruise line:

• Canada(by 2023)
• Mississippi River

The staterooms on the American Queen Voyages come equipped with soft bedding, coffee machines, minifridges, TVs, and private balconies, making all river cruises onboard comfortable and enjoyable.

4. Viking River Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $2,000 to $11,000

One of the most well-known river cruise companies operating today, Viking, was founded in 1997. The Danube river, the Rhine river, the Douro river, and other important rivers in Europe are all traversed by Viking’s 60+ longships, which can transport anywhere from 75 to 250 passengers.

People may be familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises, which runs more extensive ocean journeys emphasizing lavish amenities and various enrichment activities. Viking river cruises follow a similar format with meals, daily walking tours, and Wi-Fi access included in the base price.

Additional features and activities include guest lectures, culinary classes, musical performances, libraries, outdoor decks, and shore excursions.

The majority of the passengers on the river cruise will speak English. Due to its higher price point, Viking often draws older passengers in the 55+ age range, and its cruises require passengers to be at least 18 years old.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Viking River cruise line:

On Viking River Cruises ships, facilities including air conditioning, a TV, and a minibar are available in every accommodation. A desk, a seating space, and a safe may also be in certain rooms. The ship’s trip places inspired the interior design and furnishings, which were created to be cozy and welcoming.

5. American Cruise Lines

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $2,300 to $14,000

As its name suggests, American Cruise Lines only has USA river cruises, including Mississippi river cruises, that only two other cruise lines have on the itinerary.

American Cruise Lines visit locations in New England, the Hudson River, the Mississippi River, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Other sites include Alaska, the Southeast coast, Florida, and the Puget Sound between Washington state and the Canadian border.

The fleet of 15 small ships and river vessels operated by American Cruise Lines includes modern riverboats, small coastal ships, and open paddle wheelers. The ships have a capacity of 100 to 190 people.

Sailing on American Cruise Lines includes flat-rate domestic airfare for all voyages, complimentary pre-cruise hotel stays, plus specific shore excursions and shoreside transportation.

These are the destinations that you can travel to on the American cruise line:

American Cruise lines staterooms can have up to three people can comfortably share a cabin, and all ships include single guestrooms exclusively for tourists. Picture windows, a large bathroom, and occasionally a private balcony may be found in every room.

6. Avalon Waterways

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,100 to $11,000

Avalon Waterways operate twenty riverboats along well-traveled waterways like the Danube river, Rhone river, Seine river, Nile river, Rhine river, Moselle river, Mekong river, and Ganges river. Avalon, which debuted in 2004, is notable for its expansive ships, referred to as Suite Ships.

Throughout the river cruise journey, A sun deck with beach chairs, whirlpools, a game area, several restaurants and bars, and a 24-hour self-serve coffee station are available to guests.

Depending on your interests and physical capabilities, you can choose from Classic, Active, or Discovery shore excursions, which range from regular tours with a local guide to trekking expeditions up a hilltop castle.

English-speaking travelers, mainly in their 50s and 60s, travel on Avalon Waterways from various nations. The train welcomes passengers eight years of age and older, making it perfect for a full family vacation.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on American cruise lines:

The bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views, and are among the biggest cabins in the river cruise business. Complimentary breakfast in bed, L’Occitane products, height-adjustable seating places, plenty of storage, and your option of a soft, medium, or firm mattress are just a few more cabin goodies.

7. Emerald Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $1,200 to $10,400

Emerald Cruises, formerly known as Emerald Waterways, offers river cruises on some of the most well-known rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube river, the Rhine river, the Douro river, and the Mekong river.

The cruise fee includes gratuities in the base price. It covers all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, daily shore excursions, Emerald ACTIVE choices that are more physically demanding, Wi-Fi, and onboard entertainment.

Emerald owns and runs nine boats that accommodate 84 to 180 guests each. The ships include large common areas and bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs.

Heated indoor pools, sun terraces, massage and wellness centers, and a selection of restaurants are all included in the common areas’ amenities. There are fitness courses on board, as well as various entertainment options. Cruisers can rent bicycles on land to tour old city cores.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Emerald cruise lines:

Depending on the ship and its itinerary, the cabins aboard Emerald Cruises ships vary. Cruise ships often provide a variety of accommodation classifications, such as inner staterooms, oceanview cabins, and balcony staterooms, each of which may have a distinct set of features and facilities.

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $3,000 to $13,000

Tauck is a multifaceted travel firm that offers small-ship trips worldwide, land tours on all seven continents, small-group excursions for a maximum of 24 passengers at a time, family vacations, and, last but not least European river cruises.

On one of our nine riverboats, a cruise travels across famous rivers, including the Douro, Moselle, Rhine, Danube, and Rhone. All-inclusive rates include gratuities, refreshments, onboard entertainment, and wine tastings.

River Voyages with Tauck can accommodate up to 84 to 130 people. Excellent views are provided by the French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows found in more than 80% of the cabins.

The river cruise amenities include a sun deck, putting green, enrichment activities like culinary demos, a fitness facility, and free bikes for onshore exploration outside your cabin.

These are a few destinations that you can travel to on the Tauck cruise lines:

Tauck’s accommodations are generally cozy and practical, with features like private bathrooms, air conditioning, and baggage storage. Stateroom and cabin sizes can differ, with some being bigger than others.

9. CroisiEurope Cruises

Price Range for a Single Ticket: $600 to $7,000

Since its founding in 1976, the French cruise company CroisiEurope has been operated by a family. This company has a fleet of 55 ships and barges that travels to 40 different nations, including Egypt, Cambodia, and Spain.

The company sails two specially designed ships in Lake Kariba in southern Africa, which is unusual for river cruises. Furthermore, CroisiEurope has a subsidiary that offers barge tours on six distinct French canals, including those in Burgundy and Provence, around the country.

The minimal onboard amenities keep the cruise ticket at a realistic cost. The cruise line aims to provide the finest value in the cruise business. French cuisine with a touch of local flavor is the focus of the cuisine in the main dining room, which is included in the price of the voyage.

A CroisiEurope cruise has a diverse mix of passengers, with significant contingents from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and North America. Depending on the itinerary and season, the cruise company hosts a mix of elderly couples, groups, and families and younger families.

Several different accommodation types are available on CroisiEurope’s ships, including standard cabins, luxury cabins, and suites on river cruises.

On board CroisiEurope’s ships, every place has air conditioning, a cozy bed, sheets, and towels. The firm also offers daily housekeeping services to preserve the cleanliness and upkeep of the cabins.

Do River Cruises Offer Wheelchair or Mobility Access?

Regarding wheelchair accessibility, river cruise ships fall short of ocean cruise ships. When docked, there will frequently be gangplank access and occasionally the need to walk up and over other boats.

Due to the ship’s hardware lacking expanded entrances or accessible restrooms, permanent wheelchair users will find river cruises challenging. When utilized on trips, wheelchairs are welcome if a person can only walk short distances.

What Precautions Should I Take in Terms of Safety?

It would be best if you weren’t concerned about anything in particular. Once you have boarded your ship and are comfortable, the Cruise Director will give you a thorough safety and navigational briefing in the comfort of the lounge.

Onboard, if you have any more inquiries, these will be addressed.

When is the Ideal Season to Go on Mississippi River Cruises?

The spring, from April to mid-June, in the fall, or during the holiday season, when temperatures are warm and humidity levels are lower than in the summer, is the finest time for river cruises on the upper Mississippi river.

American Queen Voyages, American Cruise Lines, and Viking River Cruises are among the only three cruise lines with the Mississippi river on their itinerary.

How Much do You Tip on river cruises?

Most river cruises incorporate gratuities. But, if yours didn’t, the recommended range is between $10 and $20 per person daily.

More about our TFVG Author

Charmaine Cortes

• Destinations

Indian River Rowboat

Available all year

Relax in the serenity of the Indian River as you’re gently rowed upstream but local boatmen.

Admire the lush rainforest scenery and spot wildlife as you peacefully pass.

Pause upstream to enjoy a rum punch at the Bush Bar in the heart of the rainforest.

On the river 

Relax as local boatmen peacefully and leisurely row your wooden boat up the Indian River. Surrounded by lush rainforest and swamp-like banks, the river is brimming with life. Look out for herons, kingfishers and iguanas as you glide by. 

Upriver, we’ll pause and head ashore so you can take a closer look at some of Dominica's unique flora, and we’ll enjoy some homemade rum punch at the renowned Bush Bar. 

Practical information

Included: One rum punch or water at the Indian River Bush Bar. 

Remarks/requirements: Please dress according to the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Please bring water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. 

Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. 

Wheelchair accessible: No 

Language availability: English 

Expedition cruises offering this activity

See some of the world's most wonderful nature on a cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Expedition Cruise to the Southern Caribbean | Panama to Barbados

Departure date

Price from $8,033

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Viking Cruises Begins 2024 River Cruise Season

Viking Cruises has begun its 2024 river cruise season aboard its  Viking Longship in Europe.  She will sail various itineraries on the Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, and Elbe rivers.

“With its rich history, culture and scenic regions that are best explored by river, Europe remains our most popular destination,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “As more curious travelers become familiar with river voyages as a seamless method for exploring, we are pleased to begin a new season on Europe’s iconic waterways.”

NEW WINTER ITINERARY

Treasures of the Danube will run from December 2024 to early March 2025, allowing guests to visit ports along the Danube River between Budapest and Passau.

Guests can also opt for the 10-day Treasures of the Rhine itinerary, launched in December 2023, which travels between Amsterdam and Basel. Winter is a great time to visit these destinations as there are fewer crowds, better access to landmarks, and chances to experience local traditions.

2024 RIVER ITINERARIES 

Rhine Getaway  (8 days; Amsterdam—Basel) – Explore the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, and medieval towns. This journey includes stops in Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel.

Danube Waltz  (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Experience the relaxing thermal baths of Budapest and learn the waltz at a Viennese dance school. Indulge in Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest, and admire the stunning beauty of the Wachau Valley. Visit lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau and explore daily monastic life at Göttweig Abbey.

Romantic Danube (8 days; Budapest—Regensburg) – Explore Budapest’s Castle District and the famous Chain Bridge. Visit Göttweig Abbey and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Discover historic Salzburg and enjoy a concert featuring Mozart and Strauss in Vienna. This 8-day journey along the “Blue Danube” offers medieval towns, grand cities, and stunning scenery.

Paris & the Heart of Normandy (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Experience Paris and the Normandy beaches. Explore Rouen’s Gothic architecture and Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. This voyage celebrates France’s history, art, food, and customs.

Lyon & Provence (8 days; Lyon—Avignon) – Experience a painting class in Arles, Roman Provence, Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, and Lyon’s culinary scene. Savor local wines, truffles, and chèvre cheese. This voyage along the Rhône showcases the beauty that inspired artists like Cézanne and Chagall.

Christmas on the Rhine (8 days; Basel—Amsterdam) – Immerse yourself in Christmas spirit in storybook villages. Enjoy yuletide treats, browse festive stalls, and admire the lights of Cologne. This voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer along the Rhine.

Danube Christmas Delights (8 days; Budapest—Passau) – Explore cultural capitals, fairy-tale villages, and Christmas markets. Savor Austro-Hungarian cuisine and admire the Wachau Valley.

Christmas on the Seine (8 days; Paris roundtrip) – Enjoy the holiday season in Paris and Normandy. Enjoy festive markets, regional dining, and seasonal treats onboard.

Portugal’s River of Gold (10 days; Lisbon—Porto) – Explore Lisbon, Coimbra, Salamanca, and Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine, fado singing, and a Douro River cruise.

Grand European Tour (15 days; Budapest – Amsterdam) – Explore Rhine Valley vistas, Austria’s Wachau Valley, Vienna’s culture, and Budapest’s cafes. This 15-day journey spans Europe’s iconic rivers.

Will you be sailing with Viking Cruises during their river cruise season? Let us know in the comments!

Julie Bouchner

Julie Bouchner is the Digital Editorial Manager for Porthole Cruise and Travel. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Syracuse University. When she is not writing, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, baking, and playing with her Siberian Husky named Ellie.

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The 7 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2024

T he more than 2,300-mile Mississippi River invites travelers to discover its multifaceted heritage, with a vast range of deeply rooted culture, music and history. A cruise is a fantastic way to discover many of the riverfront cities on a single trip, from the comfort of your modern riverboat or traditional paddle-wheeler.

The following Mississippi River cruise itineraries can help you choose from cruises of various lengths and options for the Lower and Upper Mississippi. Note that all fares are listed as double occupancy (based on two people per cabin), and that they might not reflect taxes, port fees or gratuities. The itinerary availability listed is also subject to change.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines operates small ships accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers that are built, flagged and crewed in the U.S. – and it's the only company in the world operating a 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and cruise ships. ACL's itineraries traverse waterways across 35 states, with 11 itineraries dedicated to the Mississippi River. Cruisers can choose to sail on modern riverboats with a sleek interior design or while away their time aboard classic paddle-wheelers reminiscent of days gone by.

ACL offers variety as well as versatility: This line boasts both the longest and shortest sailings on this list with cruises ranging from eight to 60 days in length, including The Great United States. This inaugural 60-day voyage spans four major rivers and 20 states, making it the longest U.S. river cruise in history.

Complimentary hotel and transportation packages are available from every departure city before your cruise. You can book certain premium packages for added perks, such as two nights spent next door to Graceland in Memphis – with VIP tickets and a city tour included in the price.

Music Cities Cruise

Length: Eight days

Price: Starts at $3,610 per person

Spend a week getting lost in the sounds of the Memphis blues, rock 'n' roll and country music legends on the seven-night Music Cities Cruise. A hotel stay the night before your sailing is included, but embarking in Memphis means you also have the chance to splurge on a two-night pre-cruise package near Elvis' former home Graceland .

Ports of call include Paducah, Kentucky; Dover, Tennessee; and Clarksville, Tennessee, with an overnight in Nashville and an included excursion to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Two scenic sailing days feature picturesque views of America's Heartland along the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland rivers as well as Lake Barkley.

2024 dates: In 2024, there are two available itineraries in September and November.

Grand Heartland Cruise: St. Paul to New Orleans

Length: 15 days

Price: Starts at $9,455 per person

This 15-day voyage allows you to explore America's rich history in towns along the Upper and Lower Mississippi River. The immersive voyage covers six states and 12 cities including St. Paul, Minnesota ; Dubuque, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennessee; Natchez, Mississippi; Baton Rouge, Louisiana ; and more.

Take a step back in time while visiting Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, exploring stately historic estates in Natchez and Civil War sites in Vicksburg. At the end of a busy day ashore, you'll have plenty to chat about with fellow passengers during the evening cocktail hour.

2024 dates: American Heritage – ACL's traditional paddle-wheeler – and three modern riverboats set off on this journey from August to October in 2024.

Complete Mississippi River Cruise: New Orleans to St. Paul

Length: 22 days

Price: Starts at $14,935 per person

If you want to see the entire Mississippi in one shot, check out this multiweek sailing that begins in New Orleans and ends in St. Paul, Minnesota. Along the way, you'll sail 1,393 miles, visit 10 states and experience a staggering 20 ports of call as you tour Louisiana and then head northbound to Minnesota.

In the South, walk the battlefields of the Civil War and sample delicious Southern barbecue before listening to the rhythms of jazz, the blues and rock 'n' roll. Then, explore the small and larger cities along the upper parts of the river. Remember to take time to gaze out at the picturesque scenery and the rolling farmlands of America's Midwest before disembarking in St. Paul.

2024 dates: Three of ACL's modern riverboats sail this itinerary in May, June and August in 2024.

The Great United States

Length: 60 days

Price: Starts at $51,000

This two-month long journey – the longest domestic itinerary ever created – will check all the boxes for U.S. history and Civil War buffs, music and nature lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and beer and distilled spirits aficionados alike as the ship traverses America's iconic waterways through 20 states and 50 ports of call.

This epic journey showcases the natural beauty and living history of the U.S. from sea to shining sea. The sailing embarks in Portland, Oregon , on the Pacific Coast before traveling east to the Atlantic shore along four major rivers that highlight some of the country's most stunning coastlines. Upon arrival in New York Harbor, guests will have an unforgettable view of one of the most iconic landmarks in the U.S.: the Statue of Liberty .

Passengers can follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Snake and Columbia rivers; cruise along Ol' Man River in search of Mark Twain and Elvis; see the vibrant colors of fall during peak season on the Hudson River; and take in the coastal breezes (and fresh seafood) along New England's rocky coastline.

This curated adventure also includes two flights: Jackson, Wyoming , to New Orleans as well as St. Paul to Portland, Maine , plus a land package through Glacier , Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. All-inclusive pricing covers the pre-cruise hotel stay, all flights and hotels between cruise segments, an ACL jacket and gear pack, daily excursions, all meals and beverages, gratuities and port charges, entertainment, and Wi-Fi.

2024 dates: The inaugural cruise sets sail on August 16, 2024.

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Viking River Cruises

Viking is no stranger to sailing Europe's rivers; the brand is synonymous with river cruising worldwide aboard its dozens of ships. However, Viking River Cruises is a newcomer to U.S. rivers, with its purpose-built ship: the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Looking to carve out its own niche in the American river cruising category, Viking claims it has the region's "first truly modern cruise ship" with its distinct Scandinavian design and expansive top sun deck with an infinity plunge pool.

Viking's mostly all-inclusive fares include a complimentary excursion in each port, destination lectures and performances, beer and wine at meals, free Wi-Fi, specialty coffees and teas, and more. The line offers five itineraries ranging in length from eight to 22 days along the Mighty Mississippi. Pre- and post-cruise extensions can be added to all voyages for an additional expense.

New Orleans & Southern Charms: Round-trip from New Orleans

Price: Starts at $3,999 per person

If you don't know which Viking Mississippi itinerary to choose, start here. A round-trip voyage from New Orleans is convenient for booking flights and offers an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in NOLA. Six guided tours are included across eight days, from the historic estates of Natchez to Vicksburg National Military Park. A stop in St. Francisville gives you the chance to marvel at some of the 140-plus buildings it has on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you extend your stay in New Orleans, plan to sample the local Creole cuisine and take in some of the city's nightly jazz entertainment. In the morning, grab a beignet and a steaming cup of chicory coffee au lait at the original Café du Monde in the French Market.

2024 dates: This itinerary is available on select dates in February, November and December.

Heart of the Delta: New Orleans to Memphis

Length: Nine days

Price: Starts at $4,299 per person

Similar to its round-trip New Orleans Southern Charms itinerary, the Heart of the Delta cruise begins in New Orleans and calls on the same five ports, before sailing through the Lower Mississippi and disembarking in Memphis. Enjoy scenic views of the serpentine river route – perhaps with expert commentary or a local cooking demonstration – and then take time to explore the birthplace of the Memphis blues, which is also a center of civil rights history.

2024 dates: In 2024, this cruise is available in February, March, April, May, June and November.

America's Great River: St. Paul to New Orleans

Price: Starts at $12,999 per person

This Viking voyage sails from St. Paul to New Orleans on a two-week trip that calls on 13 ports with one day of scenic sailing. This itinerary combines the best of Viking's other Mississippi sailings for an all-encompassing Midwestern and Southern experience with 12 guided tours.

Included in the fare is a tour of Graceland; a stroll through small-town Burlington, Iowa, to see Snake Alley, deemed the most crooked street in the world; and a visit to the National Eagle Center of Red Wing, among others. For an additional fee, hop on an airboat ride through the Atchafalaya Swamp in Baton Rouge or tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery of St. Louis.

2024 dates: Viking has availability for this itinerary in July, September and October.

Want to cruise the Mississippi River? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

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Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on America's waterways, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. Most recently, she traveled on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries, specializing in cruises, for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

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