north american river cruises 2023

North America River Cruises

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10 best river cruises through North America

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Nina North America travel expert at TourRadar

Western Canada with Inside Passage & Alaska Cruise

Western canada with inside passage & calgary stampede with alaska cruise, spectacular rockies, alaska inside passage cruise and highlights of eastern canada 2025 - 29 days, spectacular rockies, alaska inside passage cruise and highlights of eastern canada 2025 - 29 days (from vancouver to quebec city), grand canada, alaska & arctic circle, icons of western canada & alaskan cruise 2025 - 22 days, western canada with inside passage & calgary stampede (from calgary to vancouver), western canada with inside passage (from calgary to vancouver), america's great river st paul, minnesota to new orleans, louisiana, rockies and alaskan adventure vancouver to fairbanks (2025).

• River Cruise
• Sightseeing
• Cruise through the Inside Passage
• Watch wildlife on the Skeena train ride
• Explore Calgary on a city tour

• Watch glaciers calve in Glacier Bay
• Explore Calgary in true cowboy style
• Cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage

• Ride the Rocky Mountaineer through scenic landscapes
• Journey across Athabasca Glacier on an Ice Explorer
• Explore Vancouver and Capilano Suspension Bridge

• Cruise through Glacier Bay National Park
• Discover Niagara Falls and cruise to Horseshoe Falls

• Stay at the iconic Fairmont Royal York
• Enjoy a haunted walk in Montreal
• Explore Ottawa with a local guide

• Ocean Cruise
• Stay at iconic Fairmont hotels in Canada
• Meet a Mountie and learn about their history
• Cruise Alaska and spot whales from your room

• Enjoy a pancake breakfast at Fluor Rope Square
• Ride the Ice Explorer at Columbia Icefield

• Take a train journey on VIA Rail's Skeena

• Enjoy scenic views along the Mississippi River
• Discover Dubuque's Steamboat Era history
• Visit Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal

• Ride the Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier
• Watch wildlife in Denali National Park

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North America River Cruises

About North America River Cruises

If it's good enough for Mark Twain, it's good enough for us. Follow in the great wordsmith's wake on a paddlewheel cruise down the mighty Mississip', and stop in for ribs in Memphis, a blues concert in the Delta or some jazz in New Orleans. You can also find river cruises on northern rivers like the Ohio, and if carpe diem is what floats your boat, head west to the Columbia and Snake Rivers for some serious scenery.

More about North America River

What is the best time to cruise to north america river, which cruise lines go to north america river.

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70% off 2nd Sailor + Up to $500 off

• Summer sailings across Italy & the Greek Isles
• 4-11 night voyages from Miami & San Juan to the Virgin Islands
• Always Included Luxuries such as WiFi, tips & gratuities

The best time for a North America river cruise depends on which river and region you plan to cruise. Generally, Mississippi River cruises are available year-round, while cruises on any northern rivers are best during the warmer months.

American Cruise Lines and American Queen Steamboat Company are the major players in North America regarding river cruises, but lines including French America Line and St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offer experiences here as well.

What are some things to do in North America River?

North America river cruises stop in some of the most historically significant and interesting cities in the U.S. and Canada, offering cruisers the chance to see a wide array of sights and attractions on one vacation. Take a walking tour of New Orleans' cemeteries, feast on crab in Baltimore, visit important sites from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and much more.

Do you need a passport to take a cruise to North America River?

No, passports are not required for U.S. citizens, unless your river cruise includes stops in Canada.

What should I pack for a cruise to North America River?

Seasonally appropriate clothing is the way to go, but be sure to pack a sweater or light jacket if you plan to enjoy the boat's outdoor decks at night. Of course, you'll also want comfy walking shoes for the many hours you'll spend sightseeing.

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North America River Cruises

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America’s Great River

• Explore St. Louis' arts scene
• Enjoy American music styles
• Learn Civil War history
• Experience New Orleans' culture
• Visit the Quad Cities

Heart of the Delta

• Enjoy the music of Memphis
• Get a taste of Cajun cuisine
• Discover Civil War history
• See the historic homes of Natchez

New Orleans & Southern Charms

• Enjoy Cajun and Creole cuisine
• Indulge in New Orleans' music
• Learn the history of Vicksburg

America’s Heartland

• Discover history of the Mississippi
• Explore Dubuque, Iowa
• Experience Mississippi river towns
• Admire local artisan work

Hudson River Fall Foliage

• Visit the Kaaterskill Falls
• Explore the New York State Museum
• Enjoy cheese and apple tasting
• Learn the marine history

Lower Mississippi River Cruise

• Admire the diversity of New Orleans
• Discover the cultures of the delta

Highlights of the Columbia River

• Discover Astoria's charm
• Learn about Mount St. Helens' erupt
• Admire the Columbia River Gorge

Voyage Along the St. Lawrence: From Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys

• Visit Quebec's old town
• Travel the Saint Lawrence River
• Observe unique marine mammals
• Explore charming fishing villages

Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey

• Bike or walk along the river
• Zodiak or kayak the Palouse River
• Jet boat through Hells Canyon
• Explore the Lewis & Clark Refuge

Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History

• Trek up the iconic Beacon Rock

Grand Heartland Cruise

• Visit mansions and art galleries
• See the Gateway Arch and St. Louis
• Visit Natchez’s antebellum homes
• Experience Memphis' musical legacy

Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise

• Visit Multnomah Falls
• Explore vineyards and local artwork
• Witness volcanic remains
• Sail through Hells Canyon

Music Cities Cruise

• Explore Memphis
• Discover Paducah
• Experience Lake Barkley
• Enjoy Nashville

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

• Explore Astoria's Victorian charm
• Step ashore in Kalama
• Discover Richland's scenic trails
• Cruise the legendary Snake River

North America Travel Guide

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• North America Cruise: When to Go?
• Great Lakes Cruise Sights
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• Columbia River
• Saint Lawrence River

Favorite North America All Trips

• Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari
• Camp Denali Lodge
• A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii

Top North America Travel Destinations

• Atlantic Coast
• Cumberland River
• Illinois River
• Inside Passage
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Ontario
• Lake Superior
• Northwest Passage
• Pacific Northwest
• Snake River
• Tennessee River
• United States

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• North America Most Popular (6)
• North America Solo Travel (5)
• North America Family (5)
• North America Beaches (3)

North America Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (12)
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• 14 day trips (7)
• 15 day trips (9)
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• 17 day trips (6)

North America Trips by Activity

• North America wildlife viewing (128)
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• North America kayaking (69)
• North America whale watching (64)
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• North America urban exploration (39)
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• North America northern lights (7)
• North America photography seminars (7)
• North America small ship sailing (4)
• North America spa relaxation (3)
• North America whitewater rafting (3)
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7 best US river cruises

Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• St. Louis, Missouri to Twin Cities, Minnesota
• Twin Cities, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri

America’s Heartland

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• St. Louis, Missouri to Twin Cities, Minnesota Twin Cities, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri

America’s Heartland Map

Witness a scenic cultural tapestry

Embark on a 12-day cruise tour of the fabled Upper Mississippi. Hear stories of pioneers who shaped the Midwest and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, walk in the footsteps of Mark Twain and learn about Norwegian migration to the area. Enjoy the view as your ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system. And experience the region’s many cultural treasures—from ragtime, polka and Norwegian folk music to Wisconsin cheese, craft beer and hearty stews.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from September 1-30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London, Paris & D-Day, Rhine & Main Explorer . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 30, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by January 15, 2026. Offers expires September 30, 2024.

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GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

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NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

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River Cruises in North America

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River Cruising is a spectacular way to delve into the rich history of the United States, from Abraham Lincoln's home in Illinois to the wonders of New Orleans. Expect comfort food and comfort treatment, as well as some colorful accents and colorful personalities. The culture is unique, the weather is gorgeous and no matter where you sail, a Mississippi River cruise is sure to deliver a fantastic voyage filled with excitement!

Mississippi River

The Mississippi, the largest river system in North America, cuts through or borders many states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

This behemoth was an essential source of life, nourishment and transportation for just about everyone from the Native Americans to Americans today. It stretches all the way from Northern Minnesota to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico, and is actually the fourth longest river in the world! As a result of its size and reach, the Mississippi river contains a wide breadth of culture, cuisine and history for river cruisers to enjoy.

If you are looking for a taste of several cultures and an experience in American heritage, the Mississippi River is a perfect place for a river cruise.

[Learn More About Mississippi River Cruises]

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Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today. From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options.