Whether you’re obsessed with American history, culture, and food, or you love cruising in Europe, but now looking to explore closer to home, the American River cruise is an easy and enjoyable vacation option.
Choose your American River cruise from two main waterways: the Mississippi River, which passes through nine states (from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans), or the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise routes also venture into three smaller, lesser-known rivers: Ohio, Cumberland County, and Tennessee. You can even explore New York’s Hudson River on a fall cruise.
Only two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American cruise ships sail all the waterways mentioned above, while the Vikings only offer itineraries in Mississippi (although it also offers great lake navigation). Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions offers river cruises centered on food and wine on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Keep reading for our seven American River Cruise. They range from 7 to 15 nights to visit destinations in 16 states; the itinerary will take you through the colonially prosperous Northeast, the agricultural heart of the United States and the pioneering routes in the Northwest Pacific.
8-night music city cruise on American cruise
From Memphis Blues and Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” to Kentucky Bluegrass and New Orleans Jazz, the American Cruises’ eight-night music city cruises your music world. You will cross the Three Rivers (Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland County) from Memphis to Nashville (and vice versa).
Among the two famous music cities in Tennessee, you will have the opportunity to visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Stroll Blues Club-Lin-Lin-Lin-Line Beale Street, and check out Grand Ole Opry. You will also visit Paducah, Kentucky and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, which includes whiskey and bourbon tastings, landmark art mural tours and of course the Civil War history.
While you cruise, you will enjoy nighttime entertainment celebrating the region’s musical heritage. With departures in 2025, 2026 and November 2027, the itinerary is available on two ships: the Modern Riverboat American Symphony Orchestra and the Paddlewheel American Brilliant, each with the capacity of up to 180 passengers.
Related: Book your first river cruise? Here’s what you need to know
Viking’s 14-night American River Cruise
Want the total experience in Mississippi? As you visit the Vikings’ two-week voyage, you can cruise the entire length of this powerful river.
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The Great River Parade of America begins every year (July, September and October) in St. Paul and ends in New Orleans, allowing you to experience the complex tapestries of American history and culture.
Eagle was found in Red Wing, Minnesota, Iowa, and agricultural innovation. You will enjoy Hannibal, the legend of Mark Twain in Missouri and architectural landmarks such as the towering portal arches in St. Louis. As you tour Mississippi, you will delve into the civil rights history of Memphis; Civil War battles and historic buildings in Vicksburg and Natchez, Mississippi; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and legendary cooking and jazz in New Orleans.
All voyages were carried by Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it is the largest riverboat in the United States, featuring three restaurants and a stern infinity pool.
Related: Viking Mississippi River Cruise Ship Review: Viking’s First Large Muddy Ship
American Cruise Line 8 Nights Columbia and Snake River Cruise
If your vacation preference prefers mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneering knowledge, consider the eight-night Columbia and Snake River cruise on American Cruises. You will explore the Pacific Northwest (and vice versa) from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, WA (and vice versa).
At the end of the sailing Pacific Ocean, you will visit Astoria, Oregon, the oldest permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of Columbia is known for Victorian homes, wineries, wine bars and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can take a tour of the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which had a devastating eruption in 1980.
In Dalles, you can enjoy a Columbia Valley wine tasting by sommeliers, visit the Multnomah Falls or take a adventure in the River Kayak Tour. On the phone in Richland, Washington, you can enjoy the beauty of the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers at the Sacajawea Historical Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventures are waiting on the way to Clarkston.
The American Cruise Line offers the itinerary on seven ships from March to October, departing in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Five of these ships will be the growing 180-passenger modern riverboats on the line (American Song, American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony, as well as American Jazz and American Nationals in 2026 and 2027). The others are paddle wheels: 150 passengers of American Pride and 110 passengers of American Western.
Related: The Best River Cruise Around the World
Vikings’ 7 Nights New Orleans and Southern Charm
If you have never visited New Orleans, or have been a while, take the Mississippi River cruise and navigate from Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city’s food, music and landmarks – as well as easy round trip flight bookings. The Viking’s Seven Nights New Orleans and Southern Charming itinerary focuses only on the ports of Louisiana and Mississippi, focusing on historic buildings, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.
From Darrow, Louisiana, you’ll stroll under towering oak trees, visit historic mansions or slide past Bayou. More historic buildings and bird watching are awaiting in St. Francisville and Natchiz, Louisiana. Vicksburg is home to one of the most famous battlefields of the Civil War. Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, can satisfy all the interests, from Cajun Cuisine to the restored World War II tour.
This tour can be completed in November 2025 and January 2025 and January 2026 and January 2027, June and December 1227, with a full day of exploration last night in New Orleans, and then last night on 386-Passenger Viking Mississippi.
Related: New Orleans Cruise Port Guide: A Cruise Guide from Mississippi Estuary
7 night Hudson River Fall Leaf Cruise on American Cruise
Not only is the visually appealing fall landscape in New York’s Hudson Valley not only fascinating, but the small towns on the river bank are filled with fascinating early American history, dating back over 400 years.
A round trip from Hudson River Fallen Cruise on a Seven Night Hudson River Autumn Leaf Cruise from New York City. You will visit the Hudson River School Art Trail and Catskill at the Orana Historic Site, or have a more active exploration at the Hudson River Skywalker and Kaatskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can visit the newly renovated New York State Capitol building built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum dating back to 1836. Do you think you look like an Apple? This is also an option.
Next, on the Kingston/Hyde Park call, you can visit the home of the Franklin Roosevelt National Historic Site, where you will find the 32nd U.S. Presidential Library and Museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, which features the American Beaux Arts Mansion completed in 1899. The American Military Academy in West Point, located in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as well as Sleepy Hollow. The sleepy hollow legend comes to life when visiting the local cemetery, author Washington Irving is buried. Back to the Big Apple on Day 7, you will have time to explore before saying goodbye to your boat.
Sailings began from late September to 2025, in 2026 and late October 2027; there was also one in early November 1227. The vessels provided for them include four 100-passenger catamarans (American Eagle, American Glory, American Legend and American Freedom); 90 passengers American Independence and American Stars; and 130 passengers American Rangers.
Related: River Cruise Packaging List: What to Pack when traveling on a riverboat
7 Nights of Lindblad Expeditions Colombia and the Snake River: Food, Wine and History
The nature-focused cruise series Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with Food & Wine Magazine, offers the new Seven Nights Columbia and the Snake River: Food, Wine and multiple dates in history, including September and October 2025, and April, April, September and October 2026.
A complement to the itinerary will be a gourmet Northwest cuisine and hand-picked over 40 local wines by the company’s executive wine editor. All ingredients will be sourced sustainably from the region. Naturalist, a historian and geologist will guide you in your hands on walking, kayaking, zodiac signs and jet boats.
Freight experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having lunch at local breweries and exploring downtown Walla Walla, Washington.
The voyages took place on two identical Lindblad ships: 62 passengers National Geographic Sea Lions and National Geographic Seabirds.
Related: The Best Small Cruise Ship
15-night Ohio River cruise on American cruise
Did you know you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the Central American – Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri – without a drive, consider the 15-night Big Ohio River cruise offered by the US Cruise Company. As you sail, you will enjoy dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
During the past two weeks, you will be modest by the Underground Railroad and take a step back in time as you stroll through the Northwest settlements in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Slager Museum and Factory in Louisville, or the Kentucky Derby Museum and Kentucky Horse Park (both in Louisville). Take some time to enjoy American art at the Padica National Quilt Museum. Take a break in your harbor adventure within five days of cruise on scenic rivers.
The itinerary is available from June 2025 to August 2026 to August 2027 on the modern river American Melody and American Symphony Orchestra of 180 passengers and the paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-paddle-
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