River Cruises in the US: Where You Can Go
Are there river cruises in the United States? More than most people realize.
Get a Free US River Cruise QuoteAre There Any River Cruises in the United States? Yes
“Are there any river cruises in the United States?” is one of the questions we hear most, usually from travelers who have seen European river cruise advertising. The answer is yes: river cruises in the US cover the heart of the country and the Pacific Northwest, and they have become steadily more comfortable as new boats arrive.
| River | Typical cruise | Who sails it | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Mississippi | About 8 days, New Orleans–Memphis | American Cruise Lines, Viking | Plantation houses, Natchez, Vicksburg, Memphis |
| Upper Mississippi | About 8 days, St. Louis–St. Paul | American Cruise Lines, Viking | Bluffs, Hannibal, locks, river towns |
| Whole Mississippi | About 3 weeks | American Cruise Lines, Viking | New Orleans to the Twin Cities |
| Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee | About a week | American Cruise Lines; Viking on the Ohio from 2027 | Nashville, Louisville, Chattanooga, bourbon and music |
| Columbia and Snake | 6 to 9 days, longer options | American Cruise Lines, Lindblad | The Gorge, Lewis and Clark sites, wine country, Hells Canyon |
| Hudson | About a week in fall | American Cruise Lines | West Point, Hudson Valley estates, foliage |
History Along the Way
A large part of the appeal for older travelers is the story each river tells. The Mississippi carries Mark Twain’s Hannibal, Civil War Vicksburg and the music of Memphis; the Columbia and Snake follow the route of the Corps of Discovery, now the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail; the Hudson is the river of the Revolution and the Gilded Age estates.
Beyond the Classic Rivers
Some lines also run coastal itineraries in New England, along the Gulf Coast and in Puget Sound, and small ships sail the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence. These are not river cruises in the strict sense, but they share the same small-boat style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any river cruises in the United States?
Yes, several. Overnight river cruises sail the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Cumberland and Tennessee, the Columbia and Snake, and the Hudson, on boats from American Cruise Lines, Viking and Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic.
Do US river cruises go to Canada?
The classic American rivers stay within the U.S. Cruises on the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes cross into Canada and need a passport or other approved document.
Are there day cruises as well?
Yes. Many river cities have sightseeing and dinner boats, including historic steamboats in New Orleans and Louisville. They are a good way to try river travel before booking a week.
Choosing Between Them
If it is your first river cruise in the US, the Lower Mississippi is the natural start. If scenery matters most, look west to the Columbia. If you live in the Northeast and want a short trip, the fall Hudson program needs only a train or short drive to reach. Our US River Cruises sister site explains the lines, and US River Cruising covers each river in more depth.
Ask Which American River Suits You
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest the river, line and dates that fit.
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