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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
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Hawaii
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Illinois River
Aerial views of Chicago
United States
Kayaking
New England
Springtime in Boston
Ohio River
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Bridge over Columbia River to Mount Hood
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Explore the landscape of the Pacific northwest
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View the iconic arch when you visit St. Louis, gateway to the west
from $9,240
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
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 $3,999
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
Tennessee
from $4,915
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
0
Visit the Quad cities, including Davenport, Iowa
from $5,635
Savings
EXPLORE

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
A scenery in Tennessee
from $4,915
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
Visit Louisiana's capital city of Baton Rouge
from $4,295
Savings
EXPLORE

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Memphis - New Orleans - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Splendor
  • 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
Explore the rivers of America
from $5,275
Savings
EXPLORE

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

Memphis - New Orleans - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Admire the diversity of New Orleans
  • Visit Myrtles' haunted estate
  • Learn the history of Vicksburg
  • Enjoy the music of Memphis
Starts / Ends
Memphis / New Orleans
Activities
Cooking Classes
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Melody 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
Vicksburg Battlefield overlooking the Mississippi River
from $4,610
Savings
EXPLORE

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

New Orleans - Memphis - 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
New Orleans / Memphis
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Heritage from New Orleans to Memphis, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns along the Mississippi River. Experience rich history, music, and southern hospitality.
Cruise Details
0
Mississippi River, St. Paul Minnesota
from $4,610
Savings
EXPLORE

Upper Mississippi River

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Heritage
  • Explore the culture of St. Louis
  • See Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal
  • Witness wildlife and nature
  • Admire local artwork in Red Wing
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / St. Paul
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Upper Mississippi River aboard the American Heritage on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis. 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 take in the diverse scenery.
Cruise Details
0
Visit historic Memphis, Tennessee
from $6,360
Savings
EXPLORE

Mississippi River Gateway Cruise

New Orleans to Louisville - 12 Day Itinerary aboard American Heritage
  • Explore Oak Alley Plantation
  • See Paducah wall murals
  • Explore Sun Studio
  • Visit Elvis Presley’s estate
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / Louisville
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to Louisville aboard American Heritage. Explore iconic sites like Oak Alley, Vicksburg, and Memphis. Enjoy enriching excursions, Civil War history, live music, and Southern cuisine.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the Snake River in the Pacific Northwest of the US
from $6,355
Savings
EXPLORE

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

Clarkston to Portland - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Jazz
  • Visit Multnomah Falls
  • Explore vineyards and local artwork
  • Witness volcanic remains
  • Sail through Hells Canyon
Starts / Ends
Clarkston / Portland
Activities
Wine Tasting, Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
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.
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
  • Uncover St Francisville stories
  • Engage Cleveland music heritage
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / Memphis
Activities
Village Visits, Urban Exploration, Archaeological Site Visits, Local Market 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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Visit historic Minneapolis
from $15,890
Savings
EXPLORE

Complete Mississippi River

New Orleans - St. Paul - 23 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Explore Natchez's Grand Homes
  • Visit Oak Alley
  • Delve into Baton Rouge's history
  • Unravel Vicksburg's Civil War
Starts / Ends
New Orleans / St. Paul
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the Mighty Mississippi on a 23-day cruise covering 10 states aboard American Melody. Immerse in history, culture, and cuisine from New Orleans to Minneapolis, exploring charming ports along the way.
Cruise Details
0
Explore historic New Orleans
from $4,255
Savings
EXPLORE

Highlights of the Mississippi Cruise

New Orleans Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard American Melody
  • Explore the antebellum of Natchez
  • 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 Melody 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
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
from $7,070
Savings
EXPLORE

Hudson River Fall Foliage

New York - New York - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Glory
  • Visit Sleepy Hollow landmarks
  • Tour West Point Academy
  • Discover Hyde Park’s history
  • Admire Vanderbilt Mansion
Starts / Ends
New York / Catskill
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a scenic Hudson River 9-day cruise from New York to Albany aboard American Glory. Visit historic sites in Sleepy Hollow, West Point, Kingston, Hyde Park, and Catskill. Enjoy scenic views, onboard enrichment, and cultural landmarks. Experience the beauty and history of the Hudson River on this unforgettable journey.
Cruise Details
0
from $13,440
$1000 SBC
EXPLORE

Fall Foliage on the St. Lawrence: Quebec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys

Toronto - Boston - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Sail the scenic St. Lawrence Seaway
  • Visit Montreal, a cosmopolitan city
  • Explore Prince Edward Island
  • Experience the Acadian culture
  • Explore Nova Scotia and Lunenburg
Starts / Ends
Toronto / Boston
Activity Level
Variable
Explore eastern Canada and New England on a 13-day Smithsonian Journeys cruise. Sail from Toronto to Boston with stops in Quebec, PEI, Nova Scotia, and Cape Cod. Highlights include Montreal, Tadoussac, Magdalen Islands, Charlottetown, and Lunenburg. Includes expert talks and a shore excursion in each port.
Cruise Details
0
Mississippi River, St. Paul Minnesota
from $5,635
Savings
EXPLORE

Upper Mississippi River

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN - 9 Day Itinerary aboard American Symphony
  • Explore Mark Twain’s hometown
  • Cruise through historic towns
  • Explore St. Paul's grand mansions
  • Visit National River Museum
Starts / Ends
St. Louis / Red Wing
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the segment of the Mississippi River on this 9-day cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis American Symphony. Begin in St. Louis, Missouri, and 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
19-35 of 35 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.

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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