River Cruising in the United States

When you think about taking a cruise, you generally picture exotic and distant destinations. This does not have to be the case, however, especially when it comes to river cruising. A river cruise is actually an amazing way to see parts of the United States from a novel perspective.

The US is a vast country filled with many destinations that are worth a visit. On a river cruise vacation you will be able to explore many different places – but only need to unpack once. Furthermore, the diversity of landscapes and cultures in this country means that you can find a cruise that is perfect for you whatever type of vacation you prefer.

Here are three river cruise options in the US that you will definitely want to check out.

The Hudson River

Bookended by embarkation and disembarkation in New York City, a cruise on the Hudson will let you get to know both the bustle of the Big Apple, along with the pristine beauty of the Hudson River Valley. As you sail along the river you will make stops in places like the famous West Point Military Academy, Hyde Park, where you can visit FDR’s home and Presidential Library, the state capital of Albany, and Sleepy Hollow, the town immortalized in Rip Van Winkle’s famous work. Along the way, you will enjoy sweeping vistas of the Catskills that inspired the Hudson River Art School. Although this trip is enjoyable during all times of the year, a trip during leaf season in the fall is especially stunning.

The Columbia and Snake Rivers

A cruise down these two rivers is perfect for adventure seekers. On the Columbia and Snake Rivers you will have the chance to hike in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, raft and paddle beautiful rivers, and view the incredible cliffs of Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the lower forty eight. Foodies will also enjoy these cruises, as Washington and Oregon are home to some incredible vineyards, while history buffs will be enthralled by exploring stops along Lewis and Clark’s journey to the Pacific Ocean as well as the Oregon Trail.

The Mississippi River

The second longest river in the United States, the Mississippi begins its journey south from Minnesota at Lake Itasca until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Almost all of the 2,318 miles this river travels along this journey are navigable, giving cruise-goers many different options for exploration. Sail the Upper Mississippi to experience the history and muted beauty of the American Heartland, or take a tour of the Lower Mississippi to see the unique scenery of the south and indulge in the robust music scenes of Memphis and New Orleans. If you have a large amount of time, you can even voyage down the entirety of this river, which will give you an incredible glimpse into the cross-sections of America.

I hope that you learned something new about your options for River Cruising in the United States. There are so many great places to go – and you don’t need a passport! Reach out to me if you are interested in any of these vacations.