10 Best United States Small Ship Cruises for 2021-2022

During this incredible 8-day roundtrip cruise from Portland aboard the Wilderness Legacy 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 $4,895

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.

Journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers

Portland to Clarkston
8 Days from $5,590

The Sea Lion hosts this 8-day excursion from Portland, Oregon towards Clarkston, Washington. Along the way, pass through Hells Canyon, visit the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge, zodiac & kayak your way along the Palouse River, and witness the Columbia River Gorge.

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.

Alaska Rail Adventure

10 Days from $2,867

Spend 10 days on active adventures in Alaska including whitewater rafting, hiking Denali National Park, trying your hand at dog-sledding, and cruising the glaciated fjords of Kenai National Park. Spend your Alaska trip spotting wildlife, riding the Alaska Railway and learning about the rich history of the Gold Rush era on this active Alaska tour.

Alaska Highlights

Fairbanks to Anchorage
6 Days from $1,357

Get a taste of Alaska along its historic railroad route on this Alaska tour starting in Fairbanks and traveling south to Denali. This 6-day Alaska tour includes a three night stay in an Alaskan wilderness lodge in addition to other comfortable hand-selected lodges and hotels.

Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

Seattle to Juneau
13 Days from $6,695

Travel the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay on this 13-day small ship cruise. Whales and wildlife, kayaking and hiking. Thirteen days take you through the inside passages and Glacier Bay National Park plus remote wilderness, Native culture, and history.

United States Luxury

Top Luxury United States Cruises

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Hawaiian Seascapes	$5595	8	Nov 20, 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	Oct 3, 2021	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
East Coast USA Adventure	$7895	9	Sep 27, 2021	Tracing down the historic eastern seaboard of the USA and into the shimmering Caribbean, this 9-day voyage is perfect for those who enjoy the … 0
Vancouver to Seward	$3480	8	Jun 16, 2022	Board the Silver Shadow and sail the Inside Passage from Seward to Vancouver and experience the dynamic culture and natural splendor this region has … 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	Board the Silver Muse and sail the Inside Passage from Seward to Vancouver to experience the dynamic culture and natural splendor this region has to … 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	Board the luxurious Silver Shadow and sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seward to Vancouver to experience the dynamic culture and natural splendor … 0
Alaska Odyssey : Vancouver to Anchorage	$11695	14	Jun 10, 2022	Discover Alaska, a place of bountiful wildlife, spectacular landscapes of rugged mountains, verdant temperate forests, and wildlife-rich fjords. Your … 0
Bridgetown to Fort Lauderdale	$3780	10	Dec 27, 2021	Discover the Caribbean on this 11-day sailing adventure. Visit the colorful small cities and exceptional beaches this archipelago is famous for as … 0

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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.