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United States Small Ship Cruises, River Cruises & Tours

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Choose from of the best United States tours for 2025. Led by a local English-speaking guide, these small group or private tours offer extraordinary adventures. The United States trips below allow you to experience . Our United States tours for 2025 start from for unforgettable trips lasting days. Many of these trips can be customized to suit your specific preferences, while cruises offer fixed itineraries. Contact one of Adventure Life's United States tour specialists to start planning your next seamless adventure.
 
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10 Best US Adventure Cruises, River Cruises & Tours for 2025-2026

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Top US Adventure Cruise Destinations for 2025-2026

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Trip Name From Days Summary
Last Frontier Adventure $5,700 8 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.  
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Last Frontier Adventure $6,400 8 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.
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Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka $5,800 8 Set sail aboard the SafarI Endeavour from Juneau to Sitka, Alaska, on an 8-day voyage to the Glacier Bay National Park, Chichagof Island, and Peril Strait. By boat, kayak, and paddleboard, you may explore this breathtaking area and its animals. Also, hike Chichagof Island's waterfall coast and Glacier Bay National Park.
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Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn $7,700 9 Sail through Alaska's Inside Passage on this 9-day Alaskan cruise on the Baranof Dream. Visit Ketchikan, Misty Fjords, Glacier Bay, and more. Encounter wildlife, visit indigenous sites, and experience the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier.
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Alaska's Inside Passage $7,240 8 Explore Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Venture on its 8-day Alaska cruise from Juneau to Sitka. Hike over the spongy earth and float past massive icebergs, glaciers, and, with some luck, bears , humpback wales, wolves, moose, sea otters, orcas, sea lions, or mountain goats.
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Wild, Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay $5,500 8 Sail round-trip from Juneau on an 8-day Alaska cruise aboard Wilderness Legacy. Explore Robert and Crow Islands, LeConte Glacier, Thomas Bay, Kuiu Island, Chichagof Island, and rarely visited Glacier Bay. Spot whales, bears, otters, and sea lions. Experience kayaking, skiff rides, hikes, and breathtaking landscapes in remote wilderness.
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Alaska's Glacier Country $8,800 8 Make the most out of this 8-day cruise aboard Safari Quest as you explore the wilderness and encounter marine animals by kayaking, paddle boarding and taking a skiff into remote inlets. Never miss the beautiful Blue glaciers that can capture your heart while looking at it.
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Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly and Wow with Glacier Bay $7,500 8 Embark on an 8-day Alaska family cruise from Juneau aboard Wilderness Legacy. Explore Robert and Crow Islands, LeConte Glacier, Thomas Bay, Kuiu Island, Chichagof Island, and Glacier Bay’s rarely visited Outer Bay. Spot whales, sea lions, sea otters, black and brown bears, and hike trails. Discover Alaska’s wild beauty by skiff, kayak, or snorkel.
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Trip Name From Days Summary
Music Cities Cruise $4,915 9 Travel from Memphis to Nashville on a 9-day river cruise aboard American Symphony. Enjoy live onboard music, explore cities like Paducah and Clarksville, and visit landmarks such as Fort Donelson and the Grand Ole Opry. Experience music, history, and river scenery through curated excursions and onboard activities.
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Upper Mississippi River $5,635 9 Set sail for 9 days aboard American Serenade from St. Paul to St. Louis. Walk through historic Summit Avenue, admire La Crosse from Grandad’s Bluff, explore Dubuque’s River Museum, and discover Mark Twain’s legacy in Hannibal. Experience curated onboard programs, live music, and the beauty of the Upper Mississippi’s diverse wildlife.
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Historic Mississippi River Cruise $3,630 8 The American Heritage hosts this 8-day Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans. Explore historic plantations, Civil War sites, and charming towns. Immerse in the rich culture, cuisine, and music of the Deep South.
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Grand Heartland Cruise $12,620 16 Embark on a 16-day Mississippi River cruise from Minnesota to Louisiana aboard American Serenade, exploring St. Paul to New Orleans with stops in La Crosse, Dubuque, Davenport, Hannibal, St. Louis, Memphis, Vicksburg, and Natchez. Enjoy onboard activities, stunning scenery, and experiences like the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and more.
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Mississippi Delta Explorer $3,999 8 On this 8-day Mississippi Delta Explorer from New Orleans to Memphis aboard the Viking Mississippi, visit historic towns like Darrow, Natchez, and Vicksburg. Enjoy Cajun and Creole cuisine, Memphis barbecue, and explore the South’s rich history, culture, and music.
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Upper Mississippi River $5,635 9 Explore the Upper Mississippi River on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis aboard the American Melody. Begin in St. Louis, Missouri, and travel through Alton, Hannibal, Muscatine, Dubuque, Winona, and Red Wing. Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home, explore historic towns, and marvel at the diverse landscapes.
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Lower Mississippi River Cruise $4,610 9 Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Heritage from Memphis to New Orleans, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns along the Mississippi River. Experience rich history, music, and southern hospitality.
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Lower Mississippi River Cruise $4,295 9 Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Heritage from Memphis to New Orleans, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns along the Mississippi River. Experience rich history, music, and southern hospitality.
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Trip Name From Days Summary
Columbia River Gorge Cruise $3,890 7 Set sail on a 7-day Columbia River Gorge cruise aboard American Pride. Explore Portland, Hood River, The Dalles, and Kalama. Discover the pioneers at the Oregon Trail’s end and learn about the region’s history at museums like the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the Fort Dalles Museum.
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Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise $6,355 9 Embark on an unforgettable 9-day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise aboard American Jazz. Experience scenic landscapes, historic towns, and diverse wildlife. Highlights include traveling through Hells Canyon, Columbia River Gorge, and Mount St. Helens.
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Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise $5,240 9 Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American West, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, reliving the golden age of riverboats. Explore Astoria's Victorian charm and visit Fort Clatsop. Journey through history in The Dalles, Richland, and Pendleton, culminating in the majestic landscapes of Hells Canyon.
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Trip Name From Days Summary
Great Lakes and Thunder Bay $9,699 16 Sail from Chicago round-trip on a 16-day Great Lakes and Thunder Bay cruise aboard Victory II and explore scenic ports across the Great Lakes. Cruise through Lake Michigan and Lake Superior on a journey full of natural and historic highlights.
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Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway $7,999 13 Sail from Chicago to Montreal on a 13-day cruise aboard Victory I, exploring iconic cities, engineering marvels, and natural wonders. Scenic lake crossings offer time to unwind between dynamic destinations.
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Niagara and the Great Lakes $6,995 8 On this 8-day Niagara and the Great Lakes cruise from Toronto to Milwaukee aboard the Viking Great Lakes, explore nature and culture. Navigate the Welland Canal, witness Niagara Falls, and spot migratory birds at Point Pelee. Visit Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum, kayak in Alpena, tour Mackinac Island, and explore Milwaukee’s waterfront history.
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All Five Great Lakes $6,799 11 Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard Victory I at Chicago’s Navy Pier and cruise across all five Great Lakes. Explore Milwaukee’s breweries, Mackinac Island’s historic charm, the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit’s vibrant art scene, Cleveland’s Rock and Roll history, and the power of Niagara Falls.
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All Five Great Lakes $6,799 11 Sail from Chicago to Toronto aboard Victory II on an 11-day cruise, exploring the best of the Great Lakes. Discover a mix of vibrant cities, quiet natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural icons throughout this immersive Great Lakes journey.
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Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway $7,999 13 Embark on an unforgettable 13-day cruise from Montreal to Chicago aboard the Victory I, exploring all five Great Lakes. This voyage combines scenic sailing with onshore excursions, offering a unique blend of urban exploration and natural wonders.
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A Voyage Along the Great Lakes – with Smithsonian Journeys $9,150 9 Set sail on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Bellot to uncover the Great Lakes' stunning landscapes and rich history. Highlights include Niagara Falls, Lake Huron's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Mackinac Island's Victorian charm, and Milwaukee's vibrant culture, making this an unforgettable journey.
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Great Lakes Treasures $7,995 10 Discover the treasures of the Great Lakes on a 10-day Viking cruise, from Milwaukee’s RiverWalk and Mackinac Island’s timeless charm to kayaking Killarney’s lakes and exploring the shipwrecks of Fathom Five. End in Chicago after hiking, wine tasting, and uncovering rich history, natural beauty, and culture along the way.
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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:
Top 5 Reasons to Cruise the United States:
  1. Scenic beauty: Enjoy stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife not found on land such as the Columbia River Gorge, San Juan archipelago and Deception Passglacial fjords, Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds, Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, and Waterfall Coast in Baranof Island.
  2. 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
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. Luxury: Indulge in high-end cruising, upscale amenities, fine diningwine tasting,  and entertainment on and off the ship.

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