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United States River Cruises Shore Excursions
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a new vacation each time you set foot ashore! |
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United States River Cruises Introduction For many people, U.S. river cruises are not just an alternative, they're a preference. Whether they are cruising the Pacific Northwest, the Mississippi or the East Coast, river cruisers like the convenience of having vineyards, mansions, historic sights and ecological attractions delivered right to the ship's gangway. River cruises tend to be slower paced than oceangoing cruises, and formality and entertainment is de-emphasized. Since river cruisers tend to be closer to onshore attractions, the trips are port-intensive and the destination, not the ship, is considered the key enticement of the cruise. River cruises are also more intimate. Vessels are smaller than ocean bound superliners, and there are typically only about 60-200 passengers aboard each ship. Getting Around Since world river vessels bring cruisers closer to, and sometimes past, onshore attractions, there usually won't be a need to hire a guide to travel inland. River cruisers are likely to have more time on shore, and this gives them ample time to set out on their own and explore at a leisurely pace. It's often convenient to walk or take public transportation to the main sights. U.S. river cruise destinations include: |
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Alaska Encounter massive whales, imposing glaciers and awe-inspiring fjords when you sail through Alaska's Inside Passage. Aboard a small river vessel, you'll enjoy better access to and closer views of Misty Fjord National Monument, Frederick Sound, Lynn Canal, Sitka Sound and Glacier Bay, compared to sailing on an ocean-bound ship. California Wine Country Tour classic vineyards and sample the country's best wines when cruising the Napa and Petaluma Rivers. Regional cruising can also take you through the waterways of the Sacramento Delta to the state capital. Chesapeake Bay Discover historic Cambridge, Crisfield, Oxford and St. Michaels, small coastal towns that flourished with shipbuilding, agriculture and oyster and crab harvesting. Hundreds of rivers, bays, inlets and secluded coves provide spectacular, rugged scenery. |
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Columbia and Snake Rivers Retrace the steps of Lewis and Clarke along 1,000 miles of historic waterways from Astoria, Oregon to Lewiston, Idaho. Lush forests, rolling hills, wheat fields and granite cliffs beckon both naturalists and adventurists. East Coast Inland Relive America's colonial heritage by journeying along journey along the smooth waters of the fascinating Intracoastal Waterway. Colonial settlements, elegantly restored southern mansions, Civil War battlegrounds and sprawling plantations await you down the James and Potomac Rivers. |
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Heartland View dramatic rock formations and experience the big city beat of Chicago when you cruise the meandering Illinois River. Idyllically situated between the Ozark plateau and the Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River flows past Little Rock and empties in the Mississippi River. Hudson River Experience over 300 miles of the majestic Hudson River Valley, which encompasses centuries of intriguing history and beauty that few places in America can rival. This popular fall foliage cruise sails past New York's skyscrapers and mansions of the Gilded Age to sleepy river towns like West Point and Albany. Immense glacial melt waters cut the awesome cliffs of the Palisades years ago and created the great harbor of New York City. Long Island Sound Sail along the Gold Coast of Long Island Sound through protected New York and Connecticut shoreline. Relive the "Roarin' 20s" with visits to impressive North Shore estates established by industrial giants and marvel at the rare wildlife and ecological masterpieces. Mississippi River 
Journey through America's heartland starting in St. Paul, MN and visit former
trading posts, big cities and river ports. The mighty Mississippi then winds
through the Old South, from Memphis to New Orleans, past grand plantations,
restored antebellum homes and ghostly battlefields.Missouri River Feast on great barbeque and listen to ragtime while sailing from St. Louis to Parksville along the eminent Missouri River. Log cabins, cottonwood groves and white cliffs coexist in this remote river region with antelope, long-tailed magpies and geese. New England Islands Harbor hop through New England's most enchanting maritime towns and experience shops, galleries, museums and historic homes. From the towering mansions of Newport to a serene Martha's Vineyard sunset, each coastal city is bursting with New England charm. Ohio River Revel in pastoral vistas as you sail to Pittsburgh, home of the fist steamboat, and Cincinnati, formerly a bustling steamboat port. Louisville's Bluegrass region, along with historic sites in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, beckon cruisers on this river. Old South Consume Cajun culture and Civil War history when you cruise the Atchafalaya, Red, Ouchita and Tombigee Rivers. Cattle ranches, alligator habitats and sugar plantations await those who journey down the St. John River in Florida 
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