Yes, you can have an adventure close to home with a cruise on America's rivers and lakes.
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7 Best American River Cruises for an Adventure Close to Home
Columbia & Snake River Cruise on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
Best for: Foodies
While the best ocean-going ships wow travelers with exciting features like sprawling spas and giant water slides, this sailing introduces you to the best of Pacific Northwest food and wine. These intimate sailings take place on the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion, both of which are small enough to sail into small coves and under bridges. These vessels cruise with six Zodiacs, 16 kayaks and plenty of stand-up paddleboards that passengers can use to explore ports like Astoria. One highlight of my last cruise on these rivers: treats, including desserts and even vodka, made with fresh local huckleberries.
Pros:
- Menus are seasonal and showcase locally sourced ingredients
- Wine-focused sailings include daily tastings from regional vineyards
- Exclusive access includes a private event at the Columbia Gorge Museum
Cons:
- Starting at $5,827 per person, the eight-day sailing is pricey
- Geared toward active adults who can climb in and out of Zodiacs and kayaks
Lower Mississippi River Cruise on Viking River Cruises
Best for: Music lovers
The “New Orleans and Southern Charms” itinerary sails round trip on the Viking Mississippi from New Orleans, offering plenty of time to explore the culinary creations and renowned nightlife of The Big Easy, to Vicksburg, calling in ports in Louisiana and Mississippi along the way. Along the way you’ll sample cajun and creole classics as well as soul food like fried chicken. Build up an appetite hiking through Civil War-era battlefields, setting off on swamp sailings through the bayou by pontoon or airboat and exploring gardens lined with stately oaks that have dripped with moss for centuries. But the best parts may just be the fabulous and authentic jazz and blues, as well as a private acapella gospel performance you’ll be invited to in Natchez.
Pros:
- You will eat well—picture shrimp étouffée, jambalaya, okra gumbo, crawfish and even fluffy beignets.
- Exclusive access includes a Grammy award-winning artist taking you to a private concert in New Orleans’ French Quarter as well as to the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
- The Aquavit Terrace serves up an American barbecue dinner on the top deck, complete with brisket and sausages, plus a raw bar full of regional oysters.
Cons:
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At an additional $999 per person, the two-day extension that adds on extra time in New Orleans is pricey, but includes hotel and meals.
Upper Mississippi River Cruise on American Cruise Line
Best for: Seniors
Cruising from St. Louis to Minneapolis, this itinerary can check a whopping five midwestern states off of your bucket list — Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. It’s offered on four different ships, including the striking 150-passenger American Heritage paddlewheeler. Whichever you choose, you’ll spend your days immersing yourself in American history, diving deeper into the work of Mark Twain and exploring iconic sites such as the St. Louis Arch. Evenings include dinners of American fare, followed by local musicians who entertain with guitars, banjos and basses or perhaps a bluegrass singer.
Pros:
- Complimentary cocktails are served before dinner
- The cruise fare includes beer and wine with lunch and dinner, plus soda and water all day long
- On the newer ships, Aquavit Terrace serves up an American barbecue dinner on the top deck, complete with brisket and sausages, plus a raw bar full of regional oysters
- Elevators reach all decks, a real boon for those who need them
- The line has its own fleet of buses for use in port
Cons:
- On the Upper Mississippi River, fluctuating river conditions can impact the itinerary
- As is the case with many cruises, at home and abroad, pre- and post-cruise stays may be necessary to get enough time in the embarkation and disembarkation ports as they deserve
St. Lawrence Seaway on Victory Cruise Cruises
Best for: Nature lovers
Victory Cruise Lines relaunched in 2025 with industry veteran John Waggoner at the helm. With two 202-guest vessels, Victory begins service in May 2025. This particular cruise, which begins in Chicago and sails on all five Great Lakes as well as the St. Lawrence, kicks off with a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio in Oak Park, Ill., just outside the city. On Mackinac Island, you’ll explore by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle and explore coastal bluffs and summertime treats like ice cream and fudge. Later, in Detroit you’ll see the Henry Ford Museum Of American Innovation, and learn about the automobile manufacturing industry’s impact on the country. As you cruise on the Great Lakes, keep an eye out for dolphins and learn about the ecosystem of the lakes.
Pros:
- Activity levels for shore excursions are clearly marked on the website.
- Nature photography workshops that will help you commemorate your travels for years to come.
Cons:
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It’s a new incarnation of the line, so 2025 sailings will be illustrative.
Great Lakes on Pearl Seas Cruises
Best for: Those seeking relaxation
The seven-night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruise on the 210-passenger Pearl Mist sails to ports in Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario. And it is exactly what you might picture for a river cruise before you go. Passengers are older and happy to have time for an afternoon nap. Onboard facilities and entertainment are limited, but that’s just fine with this social group, who seem to get to know each other quickly. Passengers enjoy painting classes and talks by historian during the day, as well as kayaking on the lakes and Georgian Bay. At night, evening entertainment includes music shows (piano and banjo players, singers) in addition to comedy acts.
Pros:
- On Mackinac Island, which is known for its Victorian-style mansions, the line explores the Native American traditions of the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe tribe
- Cabins have private balconies with rocking chairs
- By all accounts, the enrichment lectures are a step above on this ship
- The Pearl Mist has elevator service to all decks
Cons:
- The onboard pace will feel too slow for active types, and there aren’t always choices of shore excursions
- The Pearl Mist has a small amount of fitness equipment…and it is all located outside on deck, where it’s unusable in inclement weather
Ohio River Cruise on American Cruise Line
Best for: Midwestern exploration
Cruising from Louisville to Pittsburgh, this itinerary can also check a whopping five midwestern states off of your bucket list — Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. And while the itinerary may not sound exotic at first, you’ll dive deeper into learning about the Underground Railroad and visit several local sites linked to the abolitionist movement. You’ll also get to see the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Stadium and the opportunity to try Cincinnati-style chili (which features cinnamon and chocolate) and a scoop from Graeter’s ice cream shop, which was founded in 1868. Over the course of the year, they whip up 42 flavors, but the signature is black raspberry chocolate chip. In Pittsburgh, you’ll learn about the history of steel manufacturing and how it shaped not just the city but the country as well.
Pros:
- With a smaller number of guests on board, the ship never overwhelms the local communities when it’s in port—and you get to know all of the passengers quickly.
- The line has one of the newest fleets in the industry; their average ship age is only four years.
- The visit to the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Stadium includes a behind-the-scenes private tour.
Cons:
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If you’re traveling alone, you’ll want to book early to get one of the few “single” staterooms. If they’re sold out, occupying a double stateroom alone will cost you 150% to 175% of the double occupancy rate that’s pro-rated per person.
Hudson River Cruise on American Cruise Line
Best for: Summer seekers
In the summertime, New Yorkers looking for mountains and country vibes flock to the Hudson Valley, where much of the city’s best ingredients are produced. Since these sailings set off from Manhattan, they’re especially good for travelers from other parts of the country that haven’t done a deep-dive into the city’s many historic and cultural landmarks. The cruise includes a narrated sailing around the Statue of Liberty and a guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial. But if you’ve never been to the city before, you may want to fly in a day or two early to allow extra time for museums and restaurants.
Pros:
- Airfare is included
- Most cabins on the 100-passenger American Eagle have balconies
- Dates offered are some of the best weather of the year on the Hudson River
Cons:
- Outdoor enthusiasts may not get as much hiking time as the Catskill Mountains warrant
- Like some U.S. river cruises, this itinerary could be duplicated on a road trip, allowing for more exploration of personal interests
American river cruises FAQs
Ready to set sail on one of America’s waterways but have some remaining questions? Read on for answers to your FAQs.
How much does an American river cruise cost?
On average, U.S. river cruises start at $300 to $400 per person per night, based on double occupancy in the cabin, depending on the line, cabin, and itinerary. Of course, this can add up fast—we didn’t find any three-day river cruises, for example; itineraries generally start at six days and go up from there with long sailings commonplace on many lines.
Are USA river cruises all-inclusive?
Yes! Typically, river cruises include your cabin, three meals a day with unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, shore excursions, entertainment and Wi-Fi.
What is the best river cruise in the USA for seniors?
Honestly, all of these American river cruises cater to seniors in just about every way. Look for a relaxed pace—these lines don’t try to pack too much into each day, leaving time for restorative napes or quiet time with books, games, or puzzles.
Are the ships accessible?
On these vessels, you’ll likely find elevators, ramps, spacious cabins, and some options with bathrooms that have been fitted with accessible features such as wider doorways, roll-in showers, and grab bars near the toilets.
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