Why River Cruising
America’s coasts and rivers are our country’s original roads and form a maritime highway that connects almost every major city in the U.S. They traverse our biggest cities and most historic towns, yet also flow through areas more remote than any road.
That’s why an American River Cruise™ with American Cruise Lines is the perfect vacation opportunity for the discerning traveler.
A Personalized Experience
Riverboats are inherently smaller with fewer guests on board, making for a more intimate and personalized travel experience. Though our ships are small, American Cruise Lines has the largest staterooms on any riverboat or small cruise ship in the world.
Rooms average over 300 square feet, with our newest ships having rooms well over 600 square feet. That compares favorably to most other riverboats around the world where rooms can be approximately 180 square feet due to physical limitations on rivers in Europe.
Cultural Enrichment
As we travel along America’s legendary rivers, we provide our guests with an elevated cruise experience, through immersive cultural exploration, well-designed enrichment programs on board and ashore, and all the comforts that come with cruising on the newest fleet in the country.
The crew and onboard experts also become well acquainted with guests and can cater to individual tastes and requests. It’s not uncommon that the crew knows each guest by name and that onboard historians share a meal with guests.
A Smooth Journey
Unlike cruising on the open ocean, the riverboat journey is a smooth one, with land never far out of sight and beautiful landscapes nearly close enough to touch.
A riverboat is able to dock in the heart of destinations inaccessible to large cruise ships, resulting in an up-close exploration of the small towns and unique cities that define America.
Navigate Your Dream Voyage
Embark on a journey of discovery with our curated selection of captivating river cruises.
Legendary Rivers of America
American Cruise Lines offers the finest U.S. River Cruises available. You can choose from a variety of riverboat cruise options to find the one that’s right for you
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the first river that most people think of when it comes to cruising in the United States. American Cruise Lines has five riverboats that run almost the entire year on the Mississippi and its tributaries, including the Tennessee River, the Ohio River, and the Cumberland River.
The Columbia & Snake Rivers
The Columbia and Snake Rivers on the border between Washington and Oregon are also extremely popular. These rivers mark the route of Lewis and Clark and are the only navigable path to the Idaho border. Be amazed by the beautiful and ever-changing landscapes.
More Destinations to Explore
American Cruise Lines travels on more than 20 rivers on the East Coast, the Intracoastal Waterway of the Southeast, and along the shores of New England, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. Combination Land & Cruise packages take guests to explore our many National Parks. Learn about our 50+ itineraries across 35 states.
New England
Travel along picturesque coastal landscapes and islands that make up the beauty of New England, from Maine to Rhode Island and into New York. Your small ship takes you past legendary lighthouses and into scenic harbors and charming seaport towns. Immerse yourself in the region’s American history and maritime culture, from lobstering to shipbuilding.
Southeast
Experience the charm and hospitality of the South with its delectable cuisine, rich history, warm people, and amazing wildlife. Travel through the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay to the impressive Intracoastal Waterway of the Carolinas and Georgia, and the great rivers and turquoise waters of Florida. Discover the unique architecture, unspoiled beauty, and maritime spirit.
Puget Sound
Witness some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. Cruise through the smooth waters of the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands as you view the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. From a charming fishing village take part in a whale watching cruise and kayak excursion, where you can also view eagles and seals. Enjoy the freshest regional cuisine and learn about the Norwegian cultural influences.
Alaska
The Alaskan region offers many amazing ways to explore the majestic wildlife, native culture, and stunning scenery from our small ships, including our brand-new Land & Cruise packages. Our Adventure Guides take you through the most pristine geography in the world, including the famous National Parks of Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay. Observe whales, sea otters, moose, and bald eagles. Savor the freshest seafood and explore delightful Alaskan towns.
National Parks
Discover America’s most precious natural treasures, on our incredible National Parks itineraries. Experience the national parks of Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming, Maine, Tennessee, and Florida on our Land & Cruise packages. Explore dramatic landscapes, from mountains to meadows, glaciers to waterfalls, forests to lakes and streams and be astounded by the numerous habitats that support the species who live here. Interactive experiences engage our guests in the history, geology, wildlife, and culture of these iconic American locations.
Extended Cruises
American Cruise Lines has carefully curated two comprehensive cruises across America, featuring the best and most popular destinations we bring our guests to on our 50+ itineraries. The Great United States itinerary celebrates America the beautiful on a 61-day adventure across 20 states, on 3 ships, and connected by 2 flights. If you love American history, then get on board our 35-day Civil War Battlefields itinerary, the first and only cruise of its kind, bringing to life the War Between the States as we traverse 13 states and sail aboard 3 ships.