10 Best US Adventure Cruises, River Cruises & Tours for 2025-2026

Top US Adventure Cruise Destinations for 2025-2026

Alaska

Embark on a cruise of Alaska exploring wildlife and spectacular small bays and inlets impossible to access on a large cruise ship. Spot bears, moose, birds, and whales from the comfort of your small cruise ship.

Mississippi River

Taking a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River is a journey into the heart and soul of America. The Mississippi is known for being one of the longest rivers in the world, starting in Northern Minnesota and flowing down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Explore the rocky shores and clear waters of Lake Superior

Great Lakes

A cruise of the Great Lakes may take you to Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, or the Saint Lawrence River that flows between the lakes into the Atlantic Ocean. All lakes are bordered by both the United States and Canada except Lake Michigan, which is only part of the United States. There are many things to do on the largest freshwater …

Columbia River

The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, and with its 485 miles of scenic beauty and rich cultural history, it is one of America's most popular rivers. While on a Columbia River cruise you will explore small river towns and come to appreciate the beauties of the green Pacific Northwest. You can also expect to take …

Tennessee River

At a length of over 600 miles and winding through three states, the Tennessee River is the largest river that flows into the Ohio River, and we've hand selected the best itineraries that cruise through this part of America's heartland. Our river cruises will likely make stops in the cities of Savannah, Decatur, and Chattanooga, where you …

Illinois River

The Illinois River is one of the major tributaries to the Mississippi River, winding over 250 miles across the state of Illinois. Popular cities visited on our Illinois River cruises include Ottawa and Peoria, the largest city on the Illinois River. While on your cruise, you can expect to admire beautiful port towns along the river, and also the …

Ohio River

The Ohio River is nearly 1,000 miles long and stretches from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania all the way to the Mississippi River, between Missouri and Kentucky’s border. Our Ohio River cruises will usually visit cities such as Louisville, which has a vast array of cultural diversity that quickly captivates the heart of its visitors, and smaller …

New England

New England is a region in the northeast of the United States made up of six states, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, being the only one that doesn’t have direct ocean access. Most of our New England cruises will visit the beautiful cities of Boston and Portland, sometimes going up as far …

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Top Alaska Small Ship Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Last Frontier Adventure	$5095	8	May 23, 2025	Chichagof Dream's 8-day Last Frontier Adventure offers more time in the woods and a higher level of adventure. On this journey, visit Baranof Island, … 0
Alaska's Inside Passage Sojourn	$5995	9	May 18, 2025	Sail through Alaska's Inside Passage on this 9-day Alaskan cruise on the Baranof Dream. Visit the ports of Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and visit Glacier … 0
Last Frontier Adventure	$5395	8	May 17, 2025	This Last Frontier Adventure aboard Admiralty Dream is an 8-day small-ship cruise that offers more time in wilderness areas and a higher level of … 0
Alaska's Inside Passage	$6223	8	May 10, 2025	Explore Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Venture on its 8-day Alaska cruise from Juneau to Sitka. Hike over the spongy earth and float … 0
Wild Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands, and Tracy Arm Fjord	$2972	6	Apr 29, 2025	Board the National Geographic Sea Lion on this 6-day Wild Alaska Escape cruise exploring the coasts and forests of Alaska. Visit ports such as Sitka, … 0
Inside Passage & Glacier Bay Wilderness Cruise	$5700	13	Sep 3, 2025	Thirteen days take you through the Inside Passages and Glacier Bay National Park, encountering remote wilderness, Native culture, and history. Set … 0
Northern Passages & Glacier Bay	$4900	8	Apr 26, 2025	Set sail aboard the SafarI Endeavour from Juneau to Sitka, Alaska, on an 8-day voyage to the Glacier Bay National Park, Chichagof Island, and Peril … 0
Glacier Bay National Park Adventure	$3800	8	May 4, 2025	Join the Wilderness Discoverer on this exceptional 8-day Alaskan Cruise where you'll discover Glacier Bay National Park, a 3,223,384 acre park … 0

Top Mississippi River Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
America’s Great River	$12999	15	Jul 5, 2025	Cruise America's great river on this 15-day itinerary aboard Viking Mississippi. Journey from St. Paul, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana and … 0
Heart of the Delta	$5499	12	Jan 9, 2025	The Viking Mississippi hosts this 12-day voyage from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Memphis, Tennessee. Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of … 0
New Orleans & Southern Charms	$3999	8	Dec 21, 2024	Explore the highlights of the Mississippi River on this 8-day cruise roundtrip from New Orleans aboard Viking Mississippi. Discover port cities such … 0
America’s Heartland	$6999	12	Aug 7, 2025	Cruise America's Heartland on this 8-day Mississippi River cruise from St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota aboard Viking Mississippi. Along … 0
Lower Mississippi River Cruise	$5190	9	Dec 29, 2024	Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Symphony from Memphis to New Orleans, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns … 0
Lower Mississippi River Cruise	$5190	9	Apr 4, 2025	Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Melody from Memphis to New Orleans, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns along … 0
Lower Mississippi River Cruise	$4530	9	Jun 10, 2025	Experience a 9-day cruise aboard American Heritage from Memphis to New Orleans, discovering historic sites, Civil War stories, and charming towns … 0
Grand Heartland Cruise	$11755	16	Sep 26, 2025	Embark on a 16-day Mississippi River cruise from Minnesota to Louisiana aboard American Serenade, exploring St. Paul to New Orleans with stops in La … 0

Best Columbia River Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Highlights of the Columbia River	$2640	6	Apr 15, 2025	Set sail aboard the American Pride for a 6-day Columbia River cruise. Admire Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. Explore Astoria's Victorian charm. … 0
Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise	$5635	9	Apr 11, 2025	Embark on an unforgettable 9-day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise aboard American Jazz. Experience scenic landscapes, historic towns, and diverse … 0
Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History - Eastbound	$5827	8	Sep 27, 2025	The Sea Lion hosts this 8-day excursion from Portland, Oregon towards Clarkston, Washington. Along the way, pass through Hells Canyon, visit the … 0
Columbia and Snake Rivers: Food, Wine, and History	$5268	8	Mar 29, 2025	The Sea Bird takes you on this 8-day Pacific Northwest cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, including zodiac & kayak excursions, hiking and … 0
Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise	$5715	9	Apr 8, 2025	Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American Song, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, reliving the … 0
Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise	$5545	9	Apr 18, 2025	Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American Jazz, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, reliving the … 0
Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise	$4220	9	Apr 24, 2025	Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard American West, navigating the Columbia & Snake Rivers. Cruise past Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, reliving the … 0

Cruise the Great Lakes in 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Great Lakes and Thunder Bay	$9699	16	May 29, 2025	Embark on a 16-day cruise from Chicago aboard the Victory II, exploring the Great Lakes' diverse landscapes and historic cities. Enjoy horse-drawn … 0
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway	$7999	13	Sep 26, 2025	Set sail on a 13-day from Chicago to Montreal, experiencing the Great Lakes in style aboard the Victory I. Each day offers unique experiences, from … 0
All Five Great Lakes	$6799	11	May 11, 2025	Embark on an 11-day All Five Great Lakes cruise aboard Victory II, visiting iconic cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto. Discover scenic … 0
All Five Great Lakes	$6799	11	May 5, 2025	Embark on an 11-day Great Lakes cruise from Chicago to Toronto aboard Victory I, exploring cities, islands, and historical sites. Enjoy scenic … 0
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway	$7999	13	Oct 7, 2025	Embark on an unforgettable 13-day cruise from Montreal to Chicago aboard the Victory I, exploring all five Great Lakes. This voyage combines scenic … 0
All Five Great Lakes	$6799	11	Apr 26, 2025	Embark on an 11-day All Five Great Lakes cruise from Toronto to Chicago aboard Victory I, exploring vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes. … 0
Great Lakes - Wilderness and History on vast Lake Backdrops	$10300	13	Sep 26, 2025	Embark on a 13-day cruise from Toronto aboard Hanseatic Inspiration, navigating the Great Lakes and exploring picturesque towns like Tobermory, Parry … 0
Great Lakes Explorer	$6995	8	May 26, 2025	This 8-day journey aboard the Viking Great Lakes brings you Milwaukee's rich history, the charm of Mackinac Island, the sunken shipwrecks of Fathom … 0

Best New England Cruises for 2022

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Grand New England Cruise	$13940	15	Jun 21, 2025	Set sail on a 15-day cruise aboard American Patriot. Discover historic seaports and savor New England's charm with a Maine lobster bake. 0
Maine Coast & Harbors Cruise	$6710	9	Jun 23, 2025	Cruise Maine’s coast for 9 days aboard American Glory. Sail Casco Bay, visit a Bath oyster farm, explore Boothbay’s gardens, enjoy a Rockland … 0
New England Islands	$7780	8	Jun 26, 2025	Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard American Liberty through New England, exploring maritime history from Providence to Newport. Indulge in lobster … 0
New England Fall Foliage Cruise	$13155	15	Sep 16, 2025	On this 15-day New England Fall Foliage Cruise from Portland to New York aboard American Glory, explore New England's waterways adorned with fall … 0
Yankee Seaports	$6640	8	May 11, 2026	Join this 8-day Yankee Seaports cruise from Boston to New York aboard American Glory. Explore historic Boston before visiting picturesque Plymouth, … 0
New England and Canada	$7399	12	Apr 16, 2025	Experience a 12-day cruise from Portland to Toronto aboard Victory I and explore historic cities, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. From … 0
Fall Foliage on the St. Lawrence: Québec to the Canadian Maritimes – with Smithsonian Journeys	$14500	15	Oct 1, 2025	On this 15-day Fall Foliage cruise from Toronto to Boston aboard Le Champlain, explore the stunning coastlines of eastern Canada and northern New … 0
Montreal to Portland	$4999	10	Oct 29, 2025	Set sail on a 10-day cruise from Montreal to Portland aboard the Voyager I. Experience Montreal’s European charm and explore Quebec City’s … 0

All United States Articles

United States Small Ship Cruising Guide

While the United States of America is largely known for its modern metropolitan cities, like New York, Las Vegas, & Los Angeles, many people don't realize how much natural beauty hides in the towering mountains, glacial frontiers, and expansive wilderness of this North American nation. Experience the United States from sea to shining sea, as you take part in activities like:

Kayaking through coves & fjords, like the Misty Fjords National Monument & Walker Cove.
Exploring the Lewis & Clark Wildlife Refuge of the Pacific Northwest via Zodiacs or kayaks.
Hiking through virgin old growth forests, pristinely preserved in the vast Alaskan backcountry.
Trekking across the frozen tundras of Glacier Bay National Park.
Whale watching in the Arctic Circle & Alaska, where massive blue whales, orcas, & gray whales breach the water with impressive power.
Learning the tales of the explorers who first surveyed the boundaries of the North American continent.
Visiting the historic Eastern coast of the United States, including Maine & Boston, Massachusetts.
Swimming in the crystal waters of the volcanic Hawaiian Islands or relaxing in the warm tropical sun aboard the Hawaiian Seascapes Cruise.

North America Cruise: When to Go?

As seasoned travelers, sometimes we forget that there is so much to see in our own diverse country! Maybe your next adventure should be exploring within the United States. Whether you prefer hiking, snorkeling and spending time on beautiful beaches in Hawaii or keeping your eyes peeled for whales in Alaska, we have some fantastic trips that show off the best of our nation.

Top 5 Reasons to Cruise the United States:

Scenic beauty: Enjoy stunning natural landscapes and unique wildlife not found on land such as the Columbia River Gorge, San Juan archipelago and Deception Pass, glacial fjords, Krestof and Nakwasina Sounds, Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers, and Waterfall Coast in Baranof Island.
Relaxation: Find peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.. Unwind while admiring Lake Michigan and Niagara Falls, or watch the sunrise from the intimacy of a veranda aboard one of America’s Top Paddle River Boats.
Adventure: Participate in on-board activities, shore excursions and water sports. Activities include kayaking, hiking, trekking, camping, white-water rafting, and many others. Adventurers will not be found wanting.
Convenience: Visit multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Port towns, National Parks, remote destinations, iconic cities, and other unique locations are explored during all the top United States cruises.
Luxury: Indulge in high-end cruising, upscale amenities, fine dining, wine tasting, and entertainment on and off the ship.