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United States River Cruises

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Columbia River
Sunrise over Crown Point at Columbia River
Cumberland River
Explore historic Nashville, Tennessee
Florida
Fort Lauderdale strip aerial view
Hawaii
Halawa Bay on Molokai
Illinois River
Aerial views of Chicago
United States
Kayaking
New England
Springtime in Boston
Ohio River
Pacific Northwest
Bridge over Columbia River to Mount Hood
Tennessee River
Washington
Explore the landscape of the Pacific northwest
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Discover the glorious beauty of America through US river cruises with Adventure Life in 2026-2027. With diverse tours available, ranging from 6 to 23 days in length, you can sail through iconic American landscapes, cities, and cultural sites. Navigating the country's waterways offers a unique perspective, allowing you to discover the beauty of the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, or even the Intracoastal Waterway. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity for wildlife viewing, while history buffs can explore archaeological sites along the riverbanks. Adventure Life experts can match you up on the best river cruises USA has to offer. 
 
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Sunrise at Crown Point, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
from $3,675
EXPLORE

Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History

Portland - Clarkston - 6 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Sea Lion
  • Sail under Portland’s iconic bridge
  • See majestic Multnomah Falls
  • Taste wine in charming Walla Walla
  • Visit historic Whitman Mission site
Starts / Ends
Portland / Clarkston
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 6-day cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, and savor exquisite local cuisine and wines curated by Food & Wine's Ray Isle. Explore stunning landscapes through guided hikes and kayaking while learning about the region's rich history and geology from expert naturalists.
Cruise Details
0
Wander through the historic French Quarter
from $3,999
EXPLORE

New Orleans & Southern Charms

Roundtrip New Orleans - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Enjoy Cajun and Creole cuisine
  • Indulge in New Orleans' music
  • Learn the history of Vicksburg
  • See the historic homes of Natchez
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / New Orleans
Activities
Festival Visits, Cooking Classes
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the highlights of the Mississippi River on this 8-day cruise roundtrip from New Orleans aboard Viking Mississippi. Discover port cities such as St. Francisville, Darrow, Baton Rouge, Natchez, and Vicksburg to experience the diverse culture and rich history of the lower Mississippi region.
Cruise Details
0
Visit historic St. Louis
from $5,499
EXPLORE

Heartland of America

Missouri to Minnesota - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Walk Mark Twain’s Hannibal
  • Explore John Deere innovations
  • Explore historic Burlington charm
  • Explore ancient mound builders
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / St. Paul
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Discover America’s heartland on an 8-day Viking Mississippi cruise from Alton to Red Wing, exploring St. Louis, Hannibal, Burlington, the Quad Cities, Dubuque, and La Crosse. From Mark Twain’s hometown to the Mississippi River Museum, each stop offers a direct look into the nation’s past.
Cruise Details
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Explore beautiful Nashville
from $5,499
EXPLORE

Nashville, Memphis & the Cumberland

Memphis to Nashville - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Discover Memphis blues roots
  • See Paducah murals
  • Walk historic Clarksville streets
  • Cruise Tennessee River scenery
Starts / Ends
Memphis / Nashville
Activity Level
Variable
Take an 8-day Viking Mississippi cruise through Memphis, Cape Girardeau, Paducah, Clarksville, and Nashville. Visit key cultural and historical sites, from music landmarks to Civil War history and regional museums.
Cruise Details
0
Explore beautiful Portland
from $13,945
Savings
EXPLORE

National Parks & Legendary Rivers

Portland,OR - Jackson,WY - 16 Day Itinerary aboard American Song
  • Explore Astoria and The Dalles town
  • Visit Mount St. Helens volcano site
  • Jet boat through Hells Canyon gorge
  • Discover Glacier & Yellowstone Park
  • Explore Grand Teton lakes and peaks
Starts / Ends
Portland / Jackson Hole
Activities
Urban Exploration, Archaeological Site Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Local Market Visits, Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Discover national parks and legendary rivers on a 16-day land and river cruise from Portland to Jackson. Cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers, visit Astoria and The Dalles, see Mount St. Helens, and explore Hells Canyon. Continue to Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks with guided tours, meals, and select stays.
Cruise Details
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Explore Pittsburgh
from $5,275
Savings
EXPLORE

Ohio River Cruise

Pittsburgh - Louisville - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Learn Pittsburgh steel city history
  • See Wheeling Victorian architecture
  • Ohio River scenic cruise
  • Visit Louisville Slugger Museum
Starts / Ends
Pittsburgh / Louisville
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day Ohio River cruise from Pittsburgh to Louisville aboard American Melody. Explore Wheeling, Marietta, Cincinnati, Madison, and more. Discover historic architecture, museums, riverfront views, and cultural attractions while enjoying onboard activities, local cuisine, and scenic river landscapes.
Cruise Details
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View the iconic arch when you visit St. Louis, gateway to the west
from $11,999
EXPLORE

America’s Great River

St. Paul to New Orleans - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Explore St. Louis' arts scene
  • Enjoy American music styles
  • Learn Civil War history
  • Experience New Orleans' culture
  • Visit the Quad Cities
Starts / Ends
St. Paul / New Orleans
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
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Grinnell Valley in Glacier National Park
from $13,915
Savings
EXPLORE

National Parks & Legendary Rivers

Portland, OR to Jackson, WY - 16 Day Itinerary aboard American Jazz
  • Cruise Columbia River Gorge
  • Visit Mount St. Helens
  • Enjoy Richland wine tastings
  • Discover Yellowstone’s geysers
Starts / Ends
Portland / Grand Teton National Park
Activities
Kayaking
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 16-day combined Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise aboard American Jazz and land tour through iconic national parks, Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks. Explore vibrant towns, hike scenic trails, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy wine tastings, nature tours, and enriching excursions.
Cruise Details
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Enjoy stunning views of Portland
from $6,355
Savings
EXPLORE

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Portland - Clarkston - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Jazz
  • Astoria historic exploration
  • Learn Mount St. Helens eruption
  • Explore The Dalles museums
  • Richland heritage tour
Starts / Ends
Portland / Clarkston
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American Jazz, 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.
Cruise Details
0
Tour colorful, historic Charleston, South Carolina
from $6,575
Savings
EXPLORE

Southeast Sea Islands Cruise

Charleston to Amelia Island - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Liberty
  • Tour historic Charleston homes
  • Explore Beaufort’s Cypress Wetlands
  • Visit Mighty Eighth Museum
  • Walk Savannah’s historic district
Starts / Ends
Charleston / Amelia Island
Activity Level
Variable
Cruise the southeastern coast on a 9-day voyage from Charleston, South Carolina to Amelia Island, Florida, aboard American Liberty. Explore Savannah, Beaufort, Hilton Head, and more.
Cruise Details
0
Columbia River Gorge
from $6,060
Savings
EXPLORE

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Portland - Clarkston - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Song
  • Explore Astoria's Victorian charm
  • Step ashore in Kalama
  • Discover Richland's scenic trails
  • Cruise the legendary Snake River
Starts / Ends
Portland / Clarkston
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American Song, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood, 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.
Cruise Details
0
Bridge across the Mississippi at Cape Girardeau
from $5,275
Savings
EXPLORE

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Memphis - New Orleans - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Symphony
  • Admire the diversity of New Orleans
  • Discover the cultures of the delta
  • Learn the history of Vicksburg
  • Enjoy the music of Memphis
Starts / Ends
Memphis / New Orleans
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Symphony 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.
Cruise Details
0
Vibrant Sunset with St. Paul City Skyline and Mississippi Riverfront
from $5,635
Savings
EXPLORE

Upper Mississippi River

St. Paul, MN - St. Louis, MO - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Serenade
  • Tour historic Summit Avenue
  • Explore Dubuque River Museum
  • Experience John Deere Pavilion
  • Visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home
Starts / Ends
St. Paul / St. Louis
Activities
Village Visits, Wine Tasting, Biking
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Columbia River Gorge
from $5,240
Savings
EXPLORE

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Portland to Clarkston - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American West
  • Explore Astoria's Victorian charm
  • Step ashore in Kalama
  • Discover Richland's scenic trails
  • Cruise the legendary Snake River
Starts / Ends
Portland / Clarkston
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Columbia River
from $3,890
Savings
EXPLORE

Columbia River Gorge Cruise

Roundtrip Portland - 7 Day Itinerary aboard American Pride
  • Discover Hood River’s museums
  • Walk through The Dalles
  • Visit Mount St. Helens
  • Taste local wines from Hood River
Starts / Ends
Portland / Portland
Activities
Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Visit Louisiana's capital city of Baton Rouge
from $3,630
Savings
EXPLORE

Highlights of the Mississippi Cruise

New Orleans Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard American Heritage
  • Experience Natchez’s beauty
  • Visit historic Civil War sites
  • Discover Oak Alley's historic charm
  • Visit charming ports and cities
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / New Orleans
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Vibrant Sunset with St. Paul City Skyline and Mississippi Riverfront
from $12,620
Savings
EXPLORE

Grand Heartland Cruise

Minnesota - Louisiana - 16 Day Itinerary aboard American Serenade
  • Visit mansions and art galleries
  • See the Gateway Arch and St. Louis
  • Visit Natchez’s antebellum homes
  • Experience Memphis' musical legacy
Starts / Ends
St. Paul / New Orleans
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
View monuments from the Civil War in Mississippi
from $4,610
Savings
EXPLORE

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Memphis - New Orleans - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Heritage
  • Admire the diversity of New Orleans
  • Discover the cultures of the delta
  • Learn the history of Vicksburg
  • Enjoy the music of Memphis
Starts / Ends
Memphis / New Orleans
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
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Top US River Cruises

US river cruises offer a unique way to explore the country’s landscapes, cultures, and history from a new perspective. From the rolling waters of the Mississippi to the rugged Pacific Northwest, river cruises in the USA combine relaxation, discovery, and regional charm. 

1. Mississippi River Cruises in the US

Cruising the Mississippi River is one of the most iconic river cruises in the US. Sail from New Orleans to Memphis, St. Louis, or St. Paul, discovering the heart of America through its historic towns and musical roots.

  • Route highlights: New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, St. Paul
  • Cultural stops: Jazz performances, Civil War landmarks, Southern cuisine, and antebellum architecture
  • Ideal for: History enthusiasts, culture seekers, and first-time cruisers

2. Columbia & Snake River Cruises in the US

Journey through the scenic waterways of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho on a Columbia and Snake River cruise. These US river cruises follow the legendary path of Lewis and Clark, passing dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and vineyards.

  • Route highlights: Astoria, Portland, The Dalles, Clarkston
  • Activities: Wine tastings, hiking excursions, and visits to historic sites
  • Best for: Nature lovers and adventure-focused travelers.

3. Hudson River Cruises in the US

A Hudson River cruise captures the charm of New York’s Hudson Valley, especially during autumn when foliage paints the landscape in vibrant hues.

  • Route highlights: Albany to New York City
  • Stops: Art towns, historic estates, and cultural landmarks
  • Best for: Short luxury getaways and fall-themed trips

4. Ohio & Cumberland River Cruises in the US

Explore America’s musical heartland aboard an Ohio or Cumberland River cruise. These river cruises USA has to offer blend historic charm with soulful melodies and Southern hospitality.

  • Route highlights: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio
  • Cultural focus: Jazz, country, and bluegrass heritage in cities like Nashville, Louisville, and Cincinnati
  • Best for: Music lovers and history buffs

5. Alaska and Pacific Coast Cruises in the US

For travelers seeking wilder frontiers, small ship US river cruises along Alaska’s coast and the Pacific Northwest offer glacier views and abundant wildlife.

  • Route highlights: Sitka, Juneau, and the Inside Passage
  • Attractions: Glacier cruising, whale watching, and cultural encounters with local communities
  • Best for: Adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts.

Planning Tips for River Cruises in the United States

Planning US river cruises is all about timing, preparation, and choosing the right itinerary to match your travel style.

  • When to Go: The prime cruising season runs from spring through fall, with warm weather and seasonal beauty at its peak.
  • Booking Tips: Reserve river cruises in the USA 6–12 months in advance for the best cabin selection and departure dates.
  • What to Pack: Bring comfortable walking shoes, light layers, and casual resort wear for excursions and onboard activities.
  • Accessibility: For domestic travelers, no passport is required for most river cruises in the USA.

Ready to explore America’s waterways?

Start planning your US river cruise today and discover the beauty, culture, and history that flow through every mile of its legendary rivers.

US River Cruises FAQs

What is the best river cruise in the USA?

Deciding what the best river cruises in the US are depends on your interests and preferred pace. The Mississippi River is ideal for exploring America’s cultural roots, with stops in New Orleans, Memphis, and St. Louis showcasing jazz, Southern cuisine, and Civil War history. For travelers seeking scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure, the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest offer waterfalls, vineyards, and dramatic canyons. Like our partners’ river cruises in Europe or Canada, each route provides its own blend of nature, history, and regional charm.

How much does a USA river cruise cost?

The cost of river cruises in America varies depending on the route, ship type, and length of the voyage. Shorter regional river cruises USA has to offer tend to be more affordable, while longer or luxury itineraries cost more due to premium inclusions like fine dining, guided excursions, and onboard entertainment. Many options are designed to be all-inclusive, providing strong value for travelers who want an immersive and hassle-free experience. Contact us for current pricing according to your interests.

How long are most river cruises in the U.S.?

Most river cruises USA has to offer range from 5 to 14 days, with the majority lasting about a week. Shorter itineraries, such as those along the Hudson River or Ohio River, are perfect for quick escapes, while extended Mississippi River or Columbia River journeys can span multiple states for a more in-depth exploration.

Are USA river cruises all-inclusive?

Many United States river cruises are partially or fully all-inclusive, covering meals, beverages, excursions, and onboard entertainment. Some also include pre-cruise hotel stays, transfers, or enrichment programs led by regional experts. Your Adventure Life Trip Planner will check the specific itinerary for details, as inclusions may vary by cruise line and destination.

What are the most scenic US river cruise routes?

Several river cruises in the USA are celebrated for their breathtaking scenery and cultural depth:

  • The Mississippi River, rich in heritage and Southern charm
  • The Columbia and Snake Rivers, with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and vineyards
  • The Hudson River, especially during autumn foliage season
  • The Ohio and Cumberland Rivers, blending musical history and river-town traditions

The Alaska and Pacific Coast waterways, featuring glaciers, wildlife, and dramatic coastlines.

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