10 Best US Adventure Cruises, River Cruises & Tours for 2023-2024

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

Seattle to Seattle
8 Days from $5,600

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 $8,700

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.

Calm waters disturbed only by the flick of a whale's tail

Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

Seattle to Juneau
13 Days from $7,000

On this 13-day small ship tour onboard Safari Endeavour, explore the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Whales and wildlife, kayaking, and hiking are just some of the activities available. Thirteen days immerse you in the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, as well as secluded landscapes, native culture, and history.

Last Frontier Adventure

Sitka to Juneau
8 Days from $3,895

This Last Frontier Adventure aboard Admiralty Dream is an 8-day small-ship cruise that offers more time in wilderness areas and a higher level of activity as you explore Alaska from Sitka to Juneau. The dynamic itinerary features hiking rainforest trails, kayaking in a glacial fjord, and scouting marine animals in Frederick Sound.

Spot the Northern Lights. Credit Arturo Polo Ena.

Remote Alaska Adventure

5 Days from $12,500

Experience a 5-day luxury Alaska lodge adventure and backcountry flight safaris at Ultima Thule Lodge. View the landscape and wildlife from a bush plane flying you into the wilds of Wrangell - St. Elias National Park. Each evening retreat to your own comfortable private cabin overlooking the Chitina River to get a true backcountry taste of Alaska.

New Orleans paddlewheel steamer in New Orleans, Lousiana

New Orleans to Memphis

New Orleans to Memphis
9 Days from $2,399

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.

Last Frontier Adventure

Sitka to Juneau
8 Days from $4,095

Chichagof Dream's 8-day Last Frontier Adventure offers more time in the woods and a higher level of adventure. On this journey, visit Baranof Island, Endicott Arm Fjord, and Glacier Bay National Park.

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.

Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise

Seattle to Juneau
13 Days from $8,700

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.

Top US Adventure Cruise Destinations for 2023-2024

Alaska

Embark on a cruise of Alaska exploring wildlife and spectacular small bays and inlets impossible to access on a large cruise ship. Spot bears, moose, birds, and whales from the comfort of your small cruise ship.

Mississippi River

Taking a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River is a journey into the heart and soul of America. The Mississippi is known for being one of the longest rivers in the world, starting in Northern Minnesota and flowing down to the Gulf of Mexico. You'll get to know some of America's most culturally influential cities, such as New Orleans, …

Explore the rocky shores and clear waters of Lake Superior

Great Lakes

A cruise of the Great Lakes may take you to Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie,Ontario, or the Saint Lawrence Riverthat flows between the lakes into the Atlantic Ocean. All lakes are bordered by both the United States and Canada except Lake Michigan, which is only part of the United States. There are many things to do on the largest freshwater …

Columbia River

The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, and with its 485 miles of scenic beauty and rich cultural history, it is one of America's most popular rivers. While on a Columbia River cruise you will explore small river towns and come to appreciate the beauties of the green Pacific Northwest. You can also expect to take …

Tennessee River

At a length of over 600 miles and winding through three states, the Tennessee River is the largest river that flows into the Ohio River, and we've hand selected the best itineraries that cruise through this part of America's heartland. Our river cruises will likely make stops in the cities of Savannah, Decatur, and Chattanooga,where you …

Illinois River

The Illinois River is one of the major tributaries to the Mississippi River, winding over 250 miles across the state of Illinois. Popular cities visited on our Illinois River cruises includeOttawa and Peoria, the largest city on the Illinois River. While on your cruise, you can expect to admire beautiful port towns along the river, and also the …

Ohio River

The Ohio River is nearly 1,000 miles long and stretches from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania all the way to the Mississippi River,between Missouri and Kentucky’s border. Our Ohio River cruises will usually visit cities such as Louisville, which has a vast array of cultural diversity that quickly captivates the heart of its visitors, and smaller …

New England

New England is a region in the northeast of the United States made up of six states, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, being the only one that doesn’t have direct ocean access. Most of our New England cruises will visit the beautiful cities of Boston and Portland, sometimes going up as far …

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Top Alaska Small Ship Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise	$7000	13	Apr 24, 2023	On this 13-day small ship tour onboard Safari Endeavour, explore the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Whales and wildlife, kayaking, and hiking are … 0
Last Frontier Adventure	$4095	8	Jun 2, 2023	Chichagof Dream's 8-day Last Frontier Adventure offers more time in the woods and a higher level of adventure. On this journey, visit Baranof Island, … 0
Last Frontier Adventure	$3895	8	May 13, 2023	This Last Frontier Adventure aboard Admiralty Dream is an 8-day small-ship cruise that offers more time in wilderness areas and a higher level of … 0
Northern Passages & Glacier Bay	$8700	8	May 27, 2023	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 … 0
Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn	$5395	9	May 13, 2023	Sail through Alaska's Inside Passage on this 9-day Alaskan cruise on the Baranof Dream. Visit the ports of Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and visit Glacier … 0
Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness	$7560	8	May 13, 2023	Explore Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Venture on its 8-day Alaska cruise from Juneau to Sitka. Hike over the spongy earth and float … 0
Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise	$8700	13	Sep 9, 2023	Thirteen days take you through the Inside Passages and Glacier Bay National Park, encountering remote wilderness, Native culture, and history. Set … 0
Glacier Bay National Park Adventure	$3900	8	May 10, 2024	Make the most out of this 8-day cruise aboard Wilderness Adventurer as you explore the wilderness and encounter marine animals by kayaking, paddle … 0

Top Mississippi River Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
New Orleans to Memphis	$2399	9	Mar 26, 2023	The American Queen hosts this 9-day Lower Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee. Experience southern culture … 0
Memphis to St. Louis	$3119	9	Jul 9, 2023	Board the American Queen and join this delightful 9-day journey from Memphis, Tennessee to St. Louis. Cruise the Mississippi river and explore the … 0
America’s Great River	$11299	15	Jun 24, 2023	Cruise America's great river on this 15-day itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi. Journey from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana and … 0
Heart of the Delta	$3999	8	Mar 25, 2023	The Viking Mississippi hosts this 8-day voyage from New Orleans, Louisiana to Memphis, Tennessee. Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of the … 0
St. Louis to Minneapolis	$2799	9	Jul 3, 2023	Explore the segment of the Mississippi River that inspired legendary American author Mark Twain on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. … 0
Louisville to St. Louis	$3919	9	Aug 21, 2023	Experience this 9-Day Midwestern Passage cruise on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers from Louisville, Kentucky to St. Louis, Missouri aboard the … 0
Minneapolis to New Orleans	$5999	16	Aug 6, 2023	Cruise the entire length of the mighty Mississippi River on this 16-day river cruise from Minneapolis to New Orleans aboard the historical American … 0
New Orleans & Southern Charms	$3999	8	Dec 9, 2023	Explore the highlights of the Mississippi River on this 8-day cruise roundtrip from New Orleans aboard Viking Mississippi. Discover port cities such … 0

Best Columbia River Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Rivers of Adventure and Wine	$4800	8	Sep 2, 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 … 0
Clarkston (Spokane) to Vancouver (Portland)	$3619	9	Apr 9, 2023	The American Empress hosts this 9-day voyage from Clarkston to Vancouver. Cruise the Columbia and Snake rivers, historic sites, and dams. Explore … 0
Journey on the Columbia & Snake Rivers	$6430	8	Sep 25, 2023	The National Geographic Quest hosts this 8-day voyage from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington. Along the way, pass through Hells Canyon, visit … 0
Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey	$5880	8	Apr 15, 2023	The Sea Lion hosts this 8-day excursion from Portland, Oregon towards Clarkston, Washington. Along the way, pass through Hells Canyon, visit the … 0
Vancouver (Portland) to Clarkston (Spokane)	$3619	9	Apr 2, 2023	The American Empress hosts this 9-day voyage from Vancouver, Washington to Clarkston, Washington. Cruise the Columbia and Snake rivers, historic … 0
Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey: Harvests, History & Landscapes	$5880	8	Sep 24, 2023	The Sea Bird takes you on this 8-day Pacific Northwest cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, including zodiac & kayak excursions, hiking and … 0
Roundtrip Portland	$3509	7	Nov 26, 2023	Sail roundtrip from Vancouver, WA, and savor a panoramic experience of the Pacific Northwest region's history, harvests, and landscapes on this 7-day … 0

Cruise the Great Lakes in 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Great lakes of North America	$5790	8	Sep 4, 2023	Set sail aboard Le Bellot for an 8-day cruise to discover the Great Lakes of North America. Admire the splendid colors of early autumn from Toronto … 0
Chicago to Montreal	$7209	13	Sep 29, 2023	Begin this grand exploration of North America’s Great Lakes from the dazzling city of Chicago, discover all the wonders of this city and embark on … 0
Chicago to Toronto	$5689	11	May 15, 2023	Explore the wonders of the Great Lakes on this 11-day voyage aboard the Ocean Navigator from Chicago, Illinois to Toronto, Ontario. Sail on Lakes … 0
Expedition in the heart of the American Great Lakes	$9160	11	Sep 24, 2024	Set out on Le Champlain's 11-day adventure voyage to discover the natural and cultural wonders of North America's Great Lakes, surrounded by … 0
A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys	$6980	8	Aug 28, 2024	Discover the North American Great Lakes on an 8-day journey onboard the Le Champlain. Follow along the steps of the earliest settlers, trappers, and … 0
Milwaukee to Montreal	$8369	15	Sep 16, 2023	Explore the midwest on this 15-day Milwaukee to Montréal Cruise aboard Ocean Navigator. Discover the stunning beauty of Michigan's upper peninsula … 0
Montreal to Milwaukee	$8369	15	Sep 3, 2023	On this 15-day Montreal to Milwaukee cruise aboard Ocean Navigator, explore the Midwest. Learn about the breathtaking beauty of the southern Canadian … 0
Chicago to Toronto	$5689	11	May 26, 2023	Join this grand exploration of North America's Great Lakes on this 11-day cruise aboard Ocean Voyager. From Chicago, Illinois, cruise Lakes Michigan, … 0

Best New England Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Boston, MA to Nassau, Bahamas	$8089	16	Nov 2, 2023	On this 16-day journey along the United States' Atlantic Coast, board the Ocean Voyager. Sail from Boston, Massachusetts to Nassau, Bahamas. Explore … 0
Montreal to Gloucester	$5889	11	Oct 10, 2023	Pass across the St. Lawrence Seaway and into Canada and the United States on Ocean Voyager. Maritime Canada and New England are well-represented on … 0
Boston to Saint John	$4309	9	Oct 18, 2023	Join Ocean Navigator on this spectacular cruise from Boston, Massachusetts to Saint John, New Brunswick. Along the route, visit New England ports and … 0
Chicago to Montreal	$7209	13	Sep 29, 2023	Begin this grand exploration of North America’s Great Lakes from the dazzling city of Chicago, discover all the wonders of this city and embark on … 0
Portland to Toronto	$5709	12	May 7, 2023	Embark on a spectacular 12-day sailing expedition aboard the Ocean Voyager from Portland's spectacular waterfront, that combines active fishing … 0
Chicago to Montreal	$7209	13	Aug 23, 2023	Explore the highlights of the Great Lakes on this 13-day discovery cruise from Chicago, Illinois to Montreal, Quebec aboard the Ocean Navigator. Sail … 0
Chicago to Toronto	$5689	11	May 15, 2023	Explore the wonders of the Great Lakes on this 11-day voyage aboard the Ocean Navigator from Chicago, Illinois to Toronto, Ontario. Sail on Lakes … 0
Symphony on the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys	$13160	15	Oct 16, 2023	Le Bellot hosts this 15-day specially tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world, departing from Toronto. Set sail and … 0

America's Top Paddle Riverboats for 2023-2024

American Queen

The American Queen sails the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee rivers on five- to 14-night theme cruises. Cruises depart from New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, St. Paul, Louisville, Nashville and Cincinnati. Victorian design, floor to ceiling windows, the front Porch Cafe, and River Grill and Bar Theater distinguish her majesty.

American Countess

American Countess welcomes 245 guests along the Tennessee, Ohio, Cumberland, and Mississippi Rivers. Her sleek, contemporary design offers plenty of open space for gathering and sharing the fun. Savor fresh regional cuisine from America's heartland and hang out at the portside bar with an 80-foot view floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the shoreline morning, noon and night.

American Empress

The American Empress is an authentic paddle wheel river boat cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Proudly serving as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River, the American Empress guests will delight in the luxurious modern amenities, gracious service and endless authentic experiences of the American Northwest.

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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.

North America Cruise: When to Go?

As seasoned travelers, sometimes we forget that there is so much to see in our own diverse country! Maybe your next adventure should be exploring within the United States. Whether you prefer hiking, snorkeling and spending time on beautiful beaches in Hawaii or keeping your eyes peeled for whales in Alaska, we have some fantastic trips that show off the best of our nation.

Top 5 Reasons to Cruise the United States:

Scenic beauty: Enjoy stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife not found on land such as the Columbia River Gorge, San Juan archipelago and Deception Pass, glacial fjords, Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds, Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, and Waterfall Coast in Baranof Island.
Relaxation: Find peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.. Unwind while admiring Lake Michigan and Niagara Falls, or watch the sunrise from the intimacy of a veranda aboard one of America’s Top Paddle River Boats.
Adventure: Participate in on-board activities, shore excursions and water sports. Activities include kayaking, hiking, trekking, camping, white-water rafting, and many others. Adventurers will not be found wanting.
Convenience: Visit multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Port towns, National Parks, remote destinations, iconic cities, and other unique locations are explored during all the top United States cruises.
Luxury: Indulge in high-end cruising, upscale amenities, fine dining, wine tasting, and entertainment on and off the ship.