Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises

Day 1 - New York, NY

New York City is the perfect destination to start your cruise along the Hudson River. Referred to as the city that doesn’t sleep, New York City is home to Broadway theaters, world-famous museums, iconic department stores, and Radio City Music Hall.  

After boarding your ship, enjoy a delightful afternoon cruising from this bustling metropolitan area to the idyllic Hudson River region.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Welcome Aboard
  Welcome Aboard

  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.

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Day 2 - Catskill, NY

The scenic beauty of the Catskills has long been an inspiration to artists, writers, and naturalists who draw inspiration from its tranquil forests and expansive mountain landscapes. Explore the Hudson River School Art Trail, which includes the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill village, and sites like Kaaterskill Falls and Sunset Rock, which inspired 19th-century landscape painters.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Catskill Active
  Catskill Active

  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

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• Olana State Historic House Exploration
  Olana State Historic House Exploration

  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.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

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• Thomas Cole National Historic Site
  Thomas Cole National Historic Site

  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.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

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• FASNY Museum of Firefighting
  FASNY Museum of Firefighting

  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 handpumpers 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

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Day 3 - Albany, NY

The city of Albany was discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609 on a failed attempt to find an expedited passage to China for the Dutch East India Company. Today, the capital city of New York welcomes visitors with majestic architecture and grand views of the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Be sure to explore the New York State Museum and the newly renovated State Capitol building, originally built in the late 1800s.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Albany City Experience
  Albany City Experience

  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, New York State Museum, Albany Visitors Center, and Albany Institute of History and Art.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

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• Cruising the Historic Hudson
  Cruising the Historic Hudson

  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

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• City Museum Shuttle
  City Museum Shuttle

  Enjoy self-guided time at 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 and New York State’s significant natural and cultural diversity, past and present. You will also have access to Lincoln Park across the street from the museum which is an urban park with a unique history, from being the site of a skirmish in 1626 between the Dutch and Mohawks, to brickyards and breweries, to being Albany's first public playground.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Indian Ladder Farms Orchard Exploration
  Indian Ladder Farms Orchard Exploration

  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

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Day 4 - Kingston, NY/Hyde Park, NY

When the steamboat debuted in 1807, the Hudson River became a waterway of leisurely travel. Kingston preserves the heritage of the region at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Kingston is also located in an area of the Hudson River often referred to as "Millionaires Row," replete with palatial estates and grand mansions built by wealthy New York businessmen as a summer retreat.

Due to Hyde Park’s natural beauty and proximity to the city, families such as the Astors and Vanderbilts built weekend homes nearby. The area is most famously known as the birthplace of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and is the site of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, as well as his home, Springwood Estate, which is designated as a National Historic Site.

Excursions & Entertainment

• FDR Mansion Experience
  FDR Mansion Experience

  Visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, one of the great historic homes of America. Filled with memorabilia of the Roosevelt family, the neo-Georgian house, Springwood, was where the president was born in 1882. Enjoy exploring the FDR home, as well as the FDR Library and Museum, at your leisure.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Vanderbilt Mansion Exploration
  Vanderbilt Mansion Exploration

  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

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• Hudson River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion
  Hudson River Maritime Museum - Complimentary Excursion

  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

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• Kingston City Exploration
  Kingston City Exploration

  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

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• Local Chocolate and Cider Tasting – Complimentary Excursion
  Local Chocolate and Cider Tasting – Complimentary Excursion

  Expand your palette and knowledge of local cuisine while enjoying a sample of cider and chocolate made here in the Hudson Valley! Experts present a rich variety of cider and chocolate made with local ingredients and discuss the history of apples and cocoa in the region. Stroll down the dock and step into our beautiful, hand-build barn to sample the bounty of the Hudson Valley.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

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Day 5 - West Point, NY

The United States Military Academy at West Point offers visitors the opportunity to walk on the hallowed grounds once traversed by some of the nation's greatest generals. Founded in 1802 by an act of Congress, the Academy has been of significant military importance to America. Tour the West Point Museum and Cadet Chapel, while viewing magnificent vistas of the Hudson Valley from atop the campus grounds.

Excursions & Entertainment

• West Point Experience
  West Point Experience

  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

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Day 6 - Sleepy Hollow, NY

The riverside town of Sleepy Hollow is forever immortalized in the works of one of the country's first great writers, Washington Irving. The author found inspiration in the Hudson Valley, creating legendary stories like Rip Van Winkle. Today, Irving's country home, Sunnyside, is a National Historic Landmark and welcomes visitors with tales of the man himself.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Gothic Lyndhurst Mansion
  Gothic Lyndhurst Mansion

  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

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• Sleepy Hollow Exploration
  Sleepy Hollow Exploration

  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

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• Taste of Nyack
  Taste of Nyack

  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

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• A Stroll Through History
  A Stroll Through History

  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

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Day 7 - New York, NY

As we approach New York City, admire its famous skyline with buildings that disappear into the clouds. Once you have docked in Manhattan, experience all that this vibrant city has to offer. American Cruise Lines has a variety of shore excursions to suite your preferences, from freestyle exploration to guided excursions.

Excursions & Entertainment

• New York, New York & The World Trade Center Experience
  New York, New York & The World Trade Center Experience

  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

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• Crime & Cannoli
  Crime & Cannoli

  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

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Day 8 - New York, NY

End your journey, where it began in the vibrant city of Manhattan. Reflect upon your wonderful adventure as you begin your travels home. Or, stay an extra day or two to explore more.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Explore More in New York
  Explore More in New York

  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.

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