Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

This active shore excursion is in 2 parts:

Hudson River Skywalk provides panoramic views from hundreds of feet in the air and is one of two pedestrian crossings over the Hudson River. As you look towards the mountains, see if you can identify the features of Rip Van Winkle sleeping. The walkway is over 2 miles round-trip.

Kaaterskill Falls Viewing Platform: Witness the highest two-tiered cascading waterfall in New York and one of America’s oldest tourist attractions. It has been a featured topic of prominent books, essays, poems, and paintings of the early 19th century.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No

Traverse the historic formal approach to Olana's Main House and learn about the ideas that influenced Frederic Church and architect Calvert Vaux in sitting and designing this Middle Eastern-inspired Hudson Valley villa. Explore the intact, richly decorated historic interiors of the main floor, including the stunning central Court Hall, Isabel Church's Sitting Room designed around her husband's masterpiece, El Khasné, Petra (1874), and Frederic Church's richly appointed painting studio.

Explore the landscape on a walking exploration along Olana’s upper carriage road loop. Learn about Frederic Church’s work as an artist and landscape designer, as well as his engagement with environmental conservation. Along this route, enjoy exquisite, panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley, Catskill Mountains in New York, Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts, and the Green Mountains of southern Vermont.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partially

A visit to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site provides entry into the world of the man who became the father of American landscape painting and founder of the Hudson River School of Art. Tour the 1815 Federal yellow-brick Main House and visit the historic rooms where the Cole family lived, including the West Parlor where Thomas Cole was married and the upstairs rooms where his children were born and where Cole died in 1848.

Discover the Old Studio where Thomas Cole created many of his major works. The building was restored in 2004 and is now furnished with his original easels and other art-making equipment and tools.
     
Enjoy an exploration of the formal gardens including a variety of flowers, including hollyhocks, larkspur, poppies, roses, china asters, dahlia, and valerian. Admire the wide variety of fruit trees, including a honey locust that grows close to the front porch of the house. View a small portion of what was once an extensive kitchen garden with vegetables, bush fruit, and grape vines.   
 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Explore this impressive museum, featuring over sixty fire engines on exhibit, as well as numerous examples of firefighting gear, as well as equipment and art, depicting the heroic history of firefighting in New York City. Current exhibits include Touchstone: Remembering the 20th Anniversary of 9-11, which contains artifacts from this tragic event. The exhibit The Romance of Firefighting includes one-of-a kind wooden hand pumpers with original artwork and intricate woodworking, and also features amazing oils on canvas. And don’t miss meeting Molly the Museum dog, the Museum’s resident Dalmatian.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Discover Albany and see what has enticed visitors for over 400 years. Albany is one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original thirteen colonies, and the longest continuously chartered city in the United States. Enjoy a narrated exploration of the city, with stops at the New York State Capitol, Albany Visitors Center, and Albany Institute of History and Art.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

The Troy lock and dam system was originally built to create a water route from New York City to the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, in order to help increase trade and populate the region. While on this cruise, our local expert will discuss the locks, trade season, ecology, steamboats, and more.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy exploring the New York State Museum, a center of art, science, and history. Established in 1836, it is the oldest and largest state museum in the country and explores New York State’s significant natural and cultural diversity, past and present. From its beginning, the Museum has been home to some of the nation’s leading scientists, with collections that rank among the finest in many fields and total more than 16 million scientific specimens and one million cultural objects.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Indian Ladder Farms is a centennial farm founded in 1916, which boasts over 90 acres of orchards producing over 40 varieties of apples. Enjoy a classic New England autumn past-time at the farm, admire the breathtaking fall foliage, and take home some fresh apples!

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Led by an expert guide, visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, one of the great historic homes of America. Learn about the fascinating history of this neo-Georgian home, filled with memorabilia of the Roosevelt family and the birthplace of the president in 1882.

Enjoy a self-guided exploration of the FDR Library and Museum, which features exhibits that tell the story of the Roosevelt presidency beginning in the depths of the Great Depression and continuing through the New Deal and World War II, with an emphasis on both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s relationship with the American people. Special interactives, immersive audio‐visual theaters, and rarely seen artifacts convey the dramatic story of the Roosevelt era.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Vanderbilt Mansion is one of the region’s oldest Hudson River estates and is a remarkable example of a gilded-age country place. The estate represents the political, economic, social, and cultural changes that occurred as America industrialized in the years after the Civil War. For nearly two centuries, this home has been the epicenter to the socially prominent and elite class of New Yorkers. Learn about the life of the privileged,from the Jazz Age through World War II.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Founded in 1980, the Hudson River Maritime Museum focuses on preserving, researching, and collecting artifacts directly related to the Hudson River. Exhibits include historic vessels, art, and materials from the transportation industry. Explore this museum on your own and learn about the rich maritime heritage of the region.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Explore the third oldest settlement in the Dutch Colony, settled in 1652, and once the capital of New York. Led by your guide, walk to the Friends of Historic Kingston home, the Fred J. Johnston House, a classic Federal style clapboard house, which he purchased in 1939 to save from demolition. Explore the interior which reflects the taste and connoisseurship of this antiquarian who celebrated America’s material past. Visit the onsite gallery, now featuring an exhibit which showcases the signs of many Kingston businesses from the 1920’s to the early 1970’s. Next, stop at the Old Dutch Church to explore its interior as well as the graveyard on the grounds. Formally organized in 1659, it is one of the oldest continuously existing congregations in the country. After, enjoy a guided exploration of uptown, also known as the Stockade National Historic District.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Expand your palette and knowledge of Hudson Valley foods during this informative and delicious cheese and apple tasting. New York state is the fifth largest producer of cheese in the United States, with a long history of dairy farms. The state is also famous for the variety and unique flavors of their apple orchards. Local experts will present a rich variety of cheeses and apples and discuss the history of both in the region. Stroll down the dock and step into a beautiful, hand-build barn to sample the bounty of the Hudson Valley.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

On a guided exploration of the Hudson River Maritime Museum and the Wooden Boat School, discover the unique marine history of the Hudson River. Explore the museum which houses unique artifacts from the age of steamships and canal boats to ice sailing and the tugboat industry. Learn about the lighthouses and keepers that kept the traffic on the Hudson River moving. During your excursion, get an introduction to the Wooden Boat School and enjoy a boat building demonstration of half hull lofting. The techniques used and taught in our Wooden Boat School are as old as shipbuilding itself.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Discover America’s most notable military academy, considered by George Washington to be the most important military position in America. Its establishment as the United States Military Academy occurred in 1802 when Thomas Jefferson signed legislation to that effect. This guided exploration of the historic grounds of West Point includes Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, and other stunning areas of campus. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking vistas and magnificent views of the Hudson Valley.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, NY is Lyndhurst, one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions. Join us on a guided exploration of this remarkable example of the Hudson River’s grand and historic estates while enjoying the spectacular beauty of the Hudson River.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Celebrate fall with a visit to historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where Washington Irving, the celebrated author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is buried. Learn more about his famous short story, his enduring legacy within the community, and visit Irving's final resting place.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Embark on a scenic ride through the Hudson Valley and across the river to the charming village of Nyack, a haven for culinary connoisseurs. Your local guide will greet you upon arrival and take you on a walking exploration of the historic center with multiple food stops along the way. After, enjoy free time to stroll through the town known for its unique gifts, jewelry, antiques, clothing boutiques and eclectic shops, before journeying back to the ship.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy a guided walking exploration of Nyack, famous for its rich history relating to the American Revolution, Helen Hayes and the exciting world of Theatre, the shipping industry, and the Hudson Valley Art movement. Stroll by the well-preserved historic homes and stop at the Historical Society Museum. At the Edward Hopper House, learn about the childhood of this famous artist who resided in Nyack.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Board a motorcoach bound for some of the most interesting and important places in the founding of NYC, including views of the United Nations, Manhattan Municipal Building, Washington Square Park, and famous neighborhoods like The Village to name a few. Led by a native New Yorker, enjoy a one hour walking exploration of the World Trade Center Memorial to explore the Reflective Pools honoring the lives lost and the sacrifices made by the citizens of New York City.

Note: This excursion will be offered on embarkation day for cruises on American Star and American Independence. This excursion will be offered the day before disembarkation for cruises on American Constitution.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes

Join a local New Yorker for a food and crime tour of one of New York’s most famously nefarious neighborhoods, Little Italy, and get a behind the scenes look at its dark underbelly. Begin with a brief ride up to Little Italy, followed by a walking and eating tour, including at least four dedicated food stops to sample cannolis and true New York pizza, among other delicious dishes. Along the way, explore sites and figures related to La Cosa Nostra. 

Note: This excursion will be offered on embarkation day for cruises on American Star and American Independence. This excursion will be offered the day before disembarkation for cruises on American Constitution.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes

Stay an extra day or two to enjoy all that New York City has to offer. Enjoy a performance at the Metropolitan Opera House, view exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art, or simply explore New York City, freestyle. Ask your onboard Hotel Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.