Top 10 Most Magical River Cruises Around The US

Which River Cruises Should You Take?

Since the dawn of the first civilization, settlements, towns, and cities have sprung up around rivers because of their great importance.

The United States has an abundance of beautiful rivers that flow through the country, with many of them attracting visitors to fish, swim, and float down each day.

And even though our country DOES have several rivers and waterways in danger due to pollution, there are still lots of beautiful rivers in the US to visit on your next vacation or weekend getaway.

With the Mississippi, the Columbia, and many others, America is home to some enormous and iconic rivers that have played vital roles in developing this nation.

Each of these rivers has its own stories to tell and spectacular scenery to offer, and one of the most enchanting ways to take in the beautiful rivers of our country is by going on a river cruise.

With cruise lines like American Queen that offer you a multitude of routes and experiences at incredible prices, there’s never been a better time to book a river cruise.

Wanna know more? Keep reading if you want to learn more about the 10 best river cruises our country has to offer!

8 Night “Mark Twain’s Mississippi” River Cruise

One of the most famous rivers in the country is definitely the Mississippi. And the 8 Night Mark Twain’s Mississippi cruise from the American Queen Steamboat Company is a terrific way to explore this beautiful river.

With rooms for around $300 per night and plenty of room types, this fully flexible cruise can work with different budgets and needs.

This cruise ship is unique because the American Queen was designed to look like the old Mississippi riverboats, offering an authentic Mississippi River cruise experience.

The vessel has been lovingly crafted and decorated with Victorian-era influences and original furnishings. It even features a saloon, where live music is played regularly and offers multiple dining options.

The cruise starts in St Louis, Missouri, before heading off along the Mississippi through various states, including Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

You’ll get to admire the scenery and multiple landmarks along the Mississippi while also exploring the different ports like Hannibal in Missouri, Clinton in Iowa, La Crosse in Wisconsin, and Minneapolis in Minnesota.

It’s a great American river cruise, and it lets you experience one of the country’s most important waterways in a way you never thought possible.

8 Night “Southeast Alaska Cruise”

This is no ordinary river cruise! Bald eagles, blue glaciers, and humpback whales! This is what you can expect on this eight-day vacation for wildlife lovers. And you’ll be able to see it all from your private balcony.

But don’t worry. If you choose to leave your luxurious quarters, the American Constellation has naturalists and historians on deck to answer all the questions you could have.

On this unforgettable cruise, you’ll discover the unique ports, colorful history, and inspiring wildlife of Alaska in the most personalized way possible. You can savor breakfast on your private balcony as you admire panoramic views of the wildlife.

You’ll get free guided shore excursions at every port, featuring world-class experts and entertainers who bring the region to life.

Highlights of this incredible journey will give you exclusive access to Glacier Bay, it includes a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, bald eagle sightings in Haines, and an opportunity to cruise under Tracy Arm’s 1,500ft vertical cliffs.

For some more “beautiful” ideas for your next trip, check out: The 12 Best US Places To Visit By Month

8 Night “Welcome to the Magnificent Pacific Northwest” River Cruise

Head off on a fantastic cruise along the Columbia River with this cruise from the American Queen Steamboat Company.

With prices starting at $2,000, this luxury American river cruise is a fantastic choice for your entire family to enjoy, and it’s also well-suited for romantic getaways and more.

This cruise lets you travel onboard the American Empress, one of the best river cruise ships worldwide. Beautifully decorated both inside and out, this ship offers total luxury and opulence and was created to be a home away from home for every visitor.

Regionally-inspired meals will be served onboard the vessel, offering Broadway-style live shows and entertainment in various forms. The full concierge service will help organize guided tours and activities at the different ports.

You’ll find that the Empress can make every aspect of your trip as thrilling and unforgettable as possible.

The cruise begins in Vancouver, Washington State, and goes along the famous river, stopping first at Astoria in Oregon. You’ll have the Columbia River Maritime Museum to visit or even take a ride on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley.

Next, you’ll spend some time just cruising along the Columbia before arriving at The Dalles, Oregon, a picture-worthy area for people of all ages to appreciate.

Your next stop is in the small city of Stevenson, WA, where you’ll find some local golf courses and nature trails to hike. And finally, the cruise will make its last stop in Portland, Oregon.

8 Night “New Orleans to Memphis River Cruise”

If you’ve been dying to eat grits, drink iced tea and feel like a southern belle, a voyage through the Mississippi Delta on a steamboat sounds just right.

You’ll depart from New Orleans, this is the perfect time to sample some beignets, and from there, you’ll explore the romantic antebellum South, visiting historic mansions and towns as you head up to Memphis.

You can relax on deck with a copy of Huckleberry Finn or any other selection from their esteemed Mark Twain Gallery, enjoy some quiet time in the Ladies’ Tea Parlor, or play a board game in the Gentlemen’s Card Room.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, take a guided tour of the American Queen’s Engine Room to explore the inner workings of a classic, steam-powered ship.

Experience authentic Southern culture as you travel through living history and absorb the energy of the Antebellum era.

Abundant cotton fields, expansive sugar cane plantations, and imposing pillared mansions will transport you back in time… and so will the Civil War battlefields!

10 Night “Ohio River Cruise”

This river cruise is available at some fantastic prices. This smaller cruise lets you enjoy an authentic river cruise experience on board a real riverboat, the Queen of the Mississippi. It’s been conceived with comfort but also authenticity in mind.

You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time when you climb aboard and see the elaborate details on the woodwork and the designs and furnishings found all over the vessel.

Still, you’ll also be able to enjoy all the comforts and convenience of a modern cruise ship, including high-speed Wi-Fi, lounges, a putting green, the Mark Twain Library, and live entertainment.

Onboard experts are also there to help you learn more about the Ohio River and the various locations you’ll be visiting. This ten-night cruise starts from St Louis in Missouri and travels through numerous states along its unique, beautiful journey.

You’ll be able to stop off at many locations, including Paducah and Louisville in Kentucky, Cincinnati and Marietta in Ohio, and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

Each stop is different, having individual charms and experiences to enjoy, making this cruise an authentic, one-of-a-kind experience.

7 Nights “Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise”

Lewis and Clark took this trip about 200 years ago, and now it’s your turn to see what explorers witnessed on this epic adventure.

You’ll start in Portland, and visit locations like Astoria, Oregon, the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, ultimately ending your voyage along the pristine Snake River. You might even enjoy the onboard musicians performing maritime songs and sea shanties.

Adopt the pioneering spirit of Lewis and Clark on this riverboat cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Meanwhile, immerse yourself in the expedition’s history in the West.

Along your way, you’ll stop in Pendleton and learn about the native people of the land while enjoying guided museum tours and underground tunnel explorations.

Enjoy the finest wines and local cuisine of the area. Be inspired by the stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, and the mesmerizing Cascade Mountain Range.

You’ll be able to glimpse the power of mother nature at Mount St. Helens and the impact human engineering has had as the river’s famed lock, and dam system lifts your ship above sea level.

7 Night “Hudson River Cruise”

This isn’t a typical visit to see Lady Liberty! You’ll be boarding in New York City and head north through the Catskill Mountains.

You’ll stop in historic towns like West Point, Kingston, and Sleepy Hollow, taking in the sweeping views of the majestic Hudson River Valley, don’t forget your camera. This cruise is perfect for anyone who’s forgotten that NYC is more than just the Manhattan skyline.

We recommend a fall river cruise where you will be able to enjoy the changing colors on a beautiful Fall Foliage cruise, roundtrip from the “City that Never Sleeps”! The Hudson River will guide you while you cruise North along the New York landscape.

Through the Catskill Mountains, you’ll anchor in some of the oldest towns in our country while the world around you is framed by magnificent oranges, reds, and yellows! The cruise line itself will provide you with some very hospitable staff.

The large staterooms provide you with a relaxed, private area where you can watch the river or visit any of the fantastic onboard lounges. Daily entertainment is brought onboard, including historians and musicians.

So, have we convinced you yet to pack your bags? If you’ve already been on any of these river cruises, be sure to give us your feedback about them in the comments below!

And if you like river cruises, you may also be interested in: The US’s 16 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns