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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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Enjoy stunning views of Portland
from $6,715
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 $6,995
Savings
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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
Activities
Local Market Visits
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
A scenery in Tennessee
from $5,275
Savings
EXPLORE

Tennessee Rivers Cruise

Nashville to Chattanooga - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Symphony
  • Explore Nashville’s music landmarks
  • Visit Paducah’s Quilt Museum
  • Walk historic Shiloh battlefield
  • Cruise through Appalachian scenery
Starts / Ends
Nashville / Chattanooga
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 9-day Tennessee Rivers Cruise from Nashville to Chattanooga aboard American Symphony. Relax with expert talks, regional cuisine, and comfortable accommodation while exploring the history, culture, and natural beauty of America’s heartland.
Cruise Details
0
Explore Nashville
from $5,275
Savings
EXPLORE

Tennessee Rivers Cruise

Chattanooga to Nashville - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Symphony
  • Walk Walnut Street Bridge
  • Cruise Lake Barkley
  • Stroll Florence Local Loop
  • Tour Old State Bank
Starts / Ends
Chattanooga / Nashville
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise from Chattanooga to Nashville aboard the American Symphony. Cruise the Tennessee River, visiting historic towns like Decatur, Florence, Savannah, and Paducah. Experience cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and enriching excursions that highlight the region's rich heritage.
Cruise Details
0
Columbia River
from $4,125
Savings
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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
Wine Tasting, 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
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Vibrant Sunset with St. Paul City Skyline and Mississippi Riverfront
from $12,620
Savings
EXPLORE

Grand Heartland Cruise

St. Paul to New Orleans - 16 Day Itinerary aboard American Serenade
  • Cruise Mississippi River scenery
  • Discover Davenport museums
  • Visit Gateway Arch landmark
  • Tour Vicksburg battlefields
Starts / Ends
St. Paul / New Orleans
Activities
Biking
Activity Level
Variable
Cruise the Mississippi River on a 16-day voyage aboard American Serenade. Visit La Crosse, Dubuque, Davenport, Hannibal, St. Louis, Memphis, Tunica, Vicksburg, Natchez, and Baton Rouge while exploring museums, riverfronts, historic landmarks, Civil War sites, and music destinations. Enjoy scenic cruising through the Upper and Lower Mississippi.
Cruise Details
0
View the iconic arch when you visit St. Louis, gateway to the west
from $9,920
Savings
EXPLORE

Grand Ohio River Cruise

Pittsburgh to St. Louis - 16 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Explore historic Marietta, Ohio
  • Explore Maysville’s Railroad
  • Visit Louisville’s Churchill Downs
  • Tour Paducah’s wall murals
Starts / Ends
Pittsburgh / St. Louis
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Sail from Pittsburgh to St. Louis on a 16-day Ohio River cruise aboard American Melody. Visit historic towns like Marietta, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Paducah. Discover museums, landmark sites, and cultural excursions while enjoying daily enrichment programs and scenic cruising.
Cruise Details
0
Natchez
from $4,299
EXPLORE

Mississippi Delta Explorer

New Orleans - Memphis - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi
  • Explore Darrow
  • Visit Natchez historic sites
  • Learn the history of Vicksburg
  • Culinary adventure of Mississippi
  • Know the history of rock 'n' roll
  • American South's Cultural Heritage
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / Memphis
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Visit the Quad cities, including Davenport, Iowa
from $5,635
Savings
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Upper Mississippi River

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Explore the culture of St. Louis
  • See Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal
  • Experience wildlife and nature
  • Admire local artwork in Red Wing
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / Red Wing
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
0
Enjoy the colorful architecture of New Orleans
from $5,275
Savings
EXPLORE

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans - Memphis - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Explore New Orleans lively culture
  • Discover Oak Alley with landscapes
  • Discover Baton Rouge
  • Visit Graceland Memphis
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / Memphis
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Cooking Classes, Village Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise from New Orleans to Memphis aboard American Melody, exploring Southern culture and history with local guides. Enjoy enriching excursions, gourmet meals, daily cocktails, and captivating shows at historic sites like Vicksburg and Natchez.
Cruise Details
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Tennessee
from $6,600
Savings
EXPLORE

Music Cities Cruise

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Symphony
  • Discover Memphis live music scene
  • Witness scenic cliffs
  • See Nashville’s iconic Hall of Fame
  • Walk at Clarksville’s streets
Starts / Ends
Memphis / Nashville
Activity Level
Variable
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.
Cruise Details
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13-24 of 34 Results

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.

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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.

Mary Curry Adventure Life employee profile
Mary C.
United States

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