North America Travel Guide

See all the best that the Pacific Northwest has to offer as you explore the top ports on your Columbia River cruise!

The Columbia River cruise itineraries that we offer start in Portland/Vancouver and head west to the port town of Astoria, where you will do a 180-degree turn and head east, enjoying the beauties of the Pacific Northwest and the tranquility of river cruising. We offer many different itineraries that will stop at different port cities and parks, with different activities as well. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best Columbia River cruise for you!

Summer is the best time to visit the Columbia River because the beautiful blue skies are more appealing than the wet dismal skies of the other seasons. The Columbia River is also attractive in the late spring and early fall, before the heavy rains arrive.

The East Coast of the United States is a year-round vacation destination. However, autumn is one of the best times to enjoy a cruise along the East Coast for a variety of reasons, including beautiful foliage, Thanksgiving and Halloween festivals, fewer crowds, and amazing off-season travel prices.

While Canada is a worthwhile destination to visit year-round; spring, summer, and fall are the best times to visit for spring flowers, warm weather, and fall colors as well as wildlife in the far-off regions of British Columbia.

The best time to cruise the Mississippi River is during the months of spring (March, April, May) or fall (September, October, November) to avoid the extreme hot and cold temperatures in summer and winter. The Mississippi is so long that giving overall advice can be difficult, as the temperatures in Minnesota are much colder than those in Louisiana on the same day. Additionally, there is a higher chance of flooding in the spring and a potential need to reroute or reschedule.

The cruising season for the Great Lakes runs from late May through mid-September, from the end of the North American spring season through summer and into early autumn.

We review the top expedition cruise lines visiting the Arctic. Which one is a good match for you?

The remote wilderness of Alaska beckons, and we’re here to help you plan your trip with our guide to choosing the best small ship cruise for your visit to this natural northern paradise. Home to grizzly bears, eagles, wolves, caribou, moose, and other majestic creatures, small ship cruises give you a more up-close encounter with the amazing …

Mating season – the best time of year for wildlife enthusiasts! With destinations to every corner of the globe, Adventure Life is your key to seeing nature's most fascinating breeding rituals, from the dance of the blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos Islands to the playful, nuzzling interactions of the wolves of Yellowstone.

What are the top five destinations if you want to see incredible animals? At the top of our list: Africa, Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, and Costa Rica! Spread across five distinct ecological zones from the northernmost tip of the globe down to its frigid south pole, Adventure Life has tours that will immerse you in the best wildlife.

Which Polar region is home to penguins? Or how about those elusive narwhals? Before your travels, it will be helpful to learn more about the different species that inhabit the Polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. You may be surprised to learn the differences!

Get a taste of favorite dishes from various regions of the Atlantic coast, from the fresh seafood of New England to the cozy dishes and sweet treats of the deep South.

Your cruise of the Great Lakes takes you to some of the top destinations and cities in the mid-East of the United States and Canada. Learn about the history and culture of the Great Lakes region, sample the local cuisine, learn about the industrial past, marvel at mighty Niagara Falls and the beautiful landscapes that span this region, or simply relax on the serene blue waters of these expansive lakes under the warmth of the North American sun.

Your cruise of the Great Lakes takes you to some of the top destinations and cities in the mid-East of the United States and Canada. Learn about the history and culture of the Great Lakes region, sample the local cuisine, learn about the industrial past, marvel at mighty Niagara Falls and the beautiful landscapes that span this region, or simply …

On a Mississippi River cruise, there’s no excuse for boredom: you'll float past roaring waterfalls, dams, and scenic river bluffs, and explore historical towns along the banks of the mighty river. These are just a few of the highlights you'll experience on a Mississippi River cruise.

Below are our favorite Mississippi River cruise ports in order from north to south. Mississippi ports range from big cities like New Orleans and St. Louis to small historical towns like Mark Twain’s Hannibal and historical Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Unless you have over two weeks to spare and can cruise the entire Mississippi River, you will have to make the hard decision of whether to cruise the Upper or Lower Mississippi. Each section of this vast river can see wildly different weather at similar times of year, so the ideal time to visit will depend on where you plan to go. The overall experience between north and south also varies, with the north having more wildlife and scenery while the south offers more cultural experiences and history. The Mississippi tributaries like the Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois Rivers offer an alternative, abbreviated Mississippi River experience worth considering.

All five of the Great Lakes feature exciting cruise itineraries, so there’s no wrong choice when selecting your Great Lakes cruise - it’s just a matter of deciding what you’d most like to see and do on your luxury cruise of the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes feature the best of both worlds - all the excitement of a bigger cruise on the open seas with the intimate atmosphere and familiar feeling of river cruises. As the most significant collective body of fresh water on the planet, the Great Lakes of North America stretch across the border between the northern United States and southern Canada, draining into Canada’s mighty Saint Lawrence River.

The cruising season for the Great Lakes runs from late May through mid-September, from the end of the North American spring season through summer and into early autumn.

The most popular time to cruise the Great Lakes is during the generally sunny summer months of July and August when temperatures can reach into the 90s F during the day. There is …

The cruising season for the Great Lakes runs from late May through mid-September, from the end of the North American spring season through summer and into early autumn.

The most popular time to cruise the Great Lakes is during the generally sunny summer months of July and August when temperatures can reach into the 90s F during the day. There is …

The cruising season for the Great Lakes runs from late May through mid-September, from the end of the North American spring season through summer and into early autumn.

The most popular time to cruise the Great Lakes is during the generally sunny summer months of July and August when temperatures can reach into the 90s F during the day. There is …

There’s a new kid on the block if you’re an avid cruiser or looking for your next waterfront vacation: Great Lakes cruising. With plenty of options to choose from, choosing the right Great Lakes cruise can be an exciting experience, and we’re here to help.

When choosing your Great Lakes cruise, first decide when you’d …