10 Best United States Small Ship Cruises for 2022-2023

Join this incredible 8-day cruise roundtrip from Portland aboard the Wilderness Legacy to discover the award-winning wines that come out of the Red Mountain AVA. Whitewater rafting, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking opportunities abound as you learn about this area's culture and natural history!

Explore! Olympic Wilderness & San Juan Islands

8 Days from $4,995

You are sure to enjoy this 8-day roundtrip adventure cruise aboard the Safari Quest from Seattle to San Juan Island and back. Keep your eyes open and camera ready for whales, seals, and sea lions as you kayak and paddle board among glacial fjords and winding channels. You'll also have a chance to hike through a unique temperate rainforest.

Alaska travel and dall sheep grazing on Alaska hillside

Northern Passages & Glacier Bay

Juneau to Sitka
8 Days from $7,295

Embark on the Safari Explorer for an 8-day cruise to Glacier Bay National Park, Chichagof Island, and Peril Strait as you cruise from Juneau to Sitka, Alaska. Explore this majestic region and its wildlife by skiff, kayak, and paddle board. Hike in Glacier Bay National Park and Chichagof Island’s waterfall coast.

New Orleans to Memphis

New Orleans to Memphis
9 Days from $2,099

The American Queen hosts this 9-day Lower Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee. Experience southern culture from the Gulf of Mexico, to the cradle of the Civil War, to the doorstep of Graceland on a trip through space and time.

Mark Twain's Mississippi

St. Louis to Red Wing
9 Days from $2,799

Explore the segment of the Mississippi River that inspired legendary American author Mark Twain on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. Board American Duchess and discover ports such as La Crosse, Wisconsin; Dubuque, Iowa; Red Wing, Minnesota; and Hannibal, Missouri, hometown to Mark Twain.

View the iconic arch when you visit St. Louis, gateway to the west

America’s Great River

St. Paul to New Orleans
15 Days from $11,299

Cruise America's great river on this 15-day itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi. Journey from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana and explore highlights of the mighty Mississippi River. Along the way, visit historic ports such as St. Louis, Memphis, Baton Rouge, and more.

Hawaiian Seascapes

8 Days from $5,595

Board the boutique yacht Safari Explorer for an 8-day cruise of the Hawaiian paradise between four islands - Moloka'i, Lana'i, Maui, and Hawaii. Snorkel, paddle board, kayak, explore by skiff, or hike at Lana'i Island, then visit the Humpback Marine Sanctuary and search for dolphins & whales along the way.

Kenai Explorer

7 Days from $3,478

This 7-day Alaska adventure tour takes you to the glacial fjords along the south coast near Seward in Kenai Fjords National Park. Stay in a remote Alaska wilderness lodge as you set out on canoe, kayak, and boat adventures to spot abundant wildlife and paddle by icebergs. Enjoy a dog-sled adventure and walk on Exit Glacier in Seward.

Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

Seattle to Juneau
13 Days from $6,695

Thirteen days take you through the Inside Passages and Glacier Bay National Park, encountering remote wilderness, Native culture, and history. Set sail onboard Safari Explorer searching for the mighty humpback whale, orcas, harbor seals, and Steller's sea lions. Celebrate with a toast to nature's handiwork.

Alaska Backcountry Adventure

7 Days from $4,087

This week-long Alaska trip is perfect for the avid hiker who wants a flexible, exclusive and remote hiking experience in the alpine magic-land they've seen in photos. Take a bush plane into the vast wilderness with your private guide and set up camp from which to explore and hike each day as you adventure into the tundra.

United States Luxury

Top Luxury United States Cruises

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Hawaiian Seascapes	$5595	8	Dec 4, 2021	Board the boutique yacht Safari Explorer for an 8-day cruise of the Hawaiian paradise between four islands - Moloka'i, Lana'i, Maui, and Hawaii. … 0
Remote Alaska Adventure	$8550	5	Mar 6, 2022	Experience a 5-day luxury Alaska lodge adventure and backcountry flight safaris at Ultima Thule Lodge. View the landscape and wildlife from a bush … 0
Vancouver to Seward	$3480	8	Jun 16, 2022	Venture through Alaska's Inside Passage on the Silver Shadow, a luxury cruise ship that sails from Seward to Vancouver. This week-long … 0
Seward to Vancouver	$4230	8	May 19, 2022	Join the Silver Muse and sail the Inside Passage from Seward to Vancouver and experience the dynamic culture and natural splendor this region has to … 0
Vancouver to Seward	$4230	8	May 26, 2022	Find yourself in the heart of Alaska's stunning coastal scenery as you journey via the Inside Passage and its fjord-carved glaciers. Cruise from … 0
The Northwest Passage	$42100	25	Sep 7, 2022	The brand new Le Commandant Charcot hosts this novel 25-day Arctic expedition cruise to the north of Russia via the legendary Northwest Passage. This … 0
Seward to Vancouver	$3660	8	Jun 9, 2022	Immerse yourself in the diverse culture and natural splendor of Alaska's Inside Passage aboard the beautiful Silver Shadow. Sail from Seward to … 0
Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale	$3780	10	Dec 27, 2021	Discover the Caribbean on this 10-day sailing adventure from Bridgetown, Barbados to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Visit the colorful small cities and … 0
The Russian Arctic: Between Wrangel & Chukotka	$10650	13	Sep 20, 2022	Board Le Boreal for an unforgettable expedition cruise to discover the wonders of Russian High Arctic. Cruise between Alaska and Russia on this … 0
From Canada to the American East Coast	$10840	15	Oct 16, 2022	Board the luxurious Le Bellot to explore the natural beauty and historic cities of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Cruise from Toronto, Canada to … 0

All United States Articles

United States Small Ship Cruising Guide

While the United States of America is largely known for its modern metropolitan cities, like New York, Las Vegas, & Los Angeles, many people don't realize how much natural beauty hides in the towering mountains, glacial frontiers, and expansive wilderness of this North American nation. Experience the United States from sea to shining sea, as you take part in activities like:

Kayaking through coves & fjords, like the Misty Fjords National Monument & Walker Cove.
Exploring the Lewis & Clark Wildlife Refuge of the Pacific Northwest via Zodiacs or kayaks.
Hiking through virgin old growth forests, pristinely preserved in the vast Alaskan backcountry.
Trekking across the frozen tundras of Glacier Bay National Park.
Whale watching in the Arctic Circle & Alaska, where massive blue whales, orcas, & gray whales breach the water with impressive power.
Learning the tales of the explorers who first surveyed the boundaries of the North American continent.
Visiting the historic Eastern coast of the United States, including Maine & Boston, Massachusetts.
Swimming in the crystal waters of the volcanic Hawaiian Islands or relaxing in the warm tropical sun aboard the Hawaiian Seascapes Cruise.