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Save up to 50% on Columbia River Cruises!

Columbia River cruises reveal the rugged beauty and amazing wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Itineraries follow the waterway along the Washington/Oregon border and cruise a portion of the Snake River as well, offering opportunities to see attractions such as Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, the Columbia River Gorge, Bonneville Dam and Hells Canyon.

Delicious meals, wine and beer with dinner, onboard entertainment and enriching lectures are covered in the fare. At each port, a tour of local attractions is included.

columbia river cruise prices

  • ACL: Save up to $1,200 per couple off select cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires March 9. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive a free $150 per couple onboard credit on all sailings. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive free shore excursions on select cruises. Click here .

columbia river cruise prices

RiverCruise.com

Columbia River

Columbia River cruises focus on the rugged beauty, history, culture and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. Itineraries follow the waterway as it flows along the Washington/Oregon border, and riverboats veer north to sail a portion of the Snake River as well.

The Columbia River Gorge is a much-anticipated highlight, cutting a path through the Cascade Range that's 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep. Sail through the locks of the Bonneville Dam, which has supplied hydroelectric power since the 1930s. There are many waterfalls in this area, and you'll get up-close looks at the most famous -- 620-foot-high Multnomah Falls on the Oregon side.

You can board covered jetboats for an exhilarating ride through Hells Canyon -- look for elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and ancient petroglyphs here. In Pendleton, Oregon, you can tour the underground tunnels dug between 1870 and 1930 that once housed illicit businesses. Learn about Native American cultures at Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, a living history village. You'll also visit sites associated with explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, such as Fort Clatsop National Memorial, where they spent the winter of 1805-1806.

Columbia River cruises are particularly good values, because your stateroom, onboard meals and sightseeing are included in the rate that you pay upfront. 

columbia river cruise prices

  • ACL: Save up to $1,200 per couple off select cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires March 9. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive a free $150 per couple onboard credit on all sailings. Click here .
  • ACL: Receive free shore excursions on select cruises. Click here .

columbia river cruise prices

Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise – American West

The American West is a veteran of the Columbia River and one of the finest paddle wheelers in the US! She has seen some major renovations in the past few years to her lounges, galley, engine room, & staterooms, to make her as enjoyable as ever!  Cruise operates in reverse every other week from Clarkston to Portland.  

Ports of call include: Portland, Oregon; Astoria; Kalama; Stevenson; The Dalles where you can visit spectacular sights including Mount St Helens, Hells Canyon, and Multnomah Falls

Cruise Details

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*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Portland, OR (Pre-Cruise Hotel) Arrive in Portland and settle into your hotel, located right at the ship’s dock for a seamless boarding process. Situated between the waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the area's history is forever entwined with the fortunes of these great rivers.

2 Portland, OR Welcome to the City of Roses! Portland's history and culture has forever been entwined with the two rivers that flow around and thru it: the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. If you're planning to arrive early into Portland, talk to our agents about putting together a city tour, crossing many of Portland's beautiful bridges, and even stopping at the International Test Garden featuring over 6800 rose bushes!

3 Astoria, OR Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, close to where Lewis & Clark wintered at Fort Clatsop during their Corps of Discovery expedition. Just stepping off the boat you'll have access to the city trolley - a quaint ride along the waterfront that will explain all the highlights of Astoria - and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, examining the history of crossing the bar and the actual ships and artifacts of ships that found the crossing too dangerous. Other options from here: Fort Clatsop Tour & Astoria Experience, or Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment.

4 Kalama/Mount St. Helens, WA There is nothing more magnificient or eye-catching than the beautiful Mount St. Helens. She is a local treasure, despite her grumblings and 1980 eruption. Everyone should take this complimentary excursion to Johnston Ridge Observatory. Make sure to watch the film, where you can hear Johnston call out: "Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!" His last transmission before perishing in the eruption.

5 The Dalles, OR The Dalles, the last stop on the historic Oregon Trail, nestles along the Columbia River with a beautiful view of both Mount Hood and Mount Adams, each towering more than 11,000 feet above your cruise ship. To the pioneers of the 1800s, this rugged terrain was treacherous, but to today's visitors, it is fascinating. Venture ashore on your own to explore the historic downtown, steps from the ship, featuring fascinating museums, intimate cafes, local pubs, and a collection of historic murals which embellish the streetscape. Or enjoy guided excursions to learn about the area’s rich history, view a unique art collection in a magnificent building perched on a bluff above the river, or spend an afternoon with expert sommeliers enjoying the bounty of the fertile Columbia Valley.

6 Cruising the Columbia River Gorge Enjoy a day cruising the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

7 Pendleton, OR/Richland, WA The Hanford Reach Museum in Richland is an amazing option for your fun today. Or book the Pendleton Signature Tour: underground city tour, BBQ lunch at Hamley's Restaurant, and visits to the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute and Pendleton Woolen Mills.

8 Clarkston, WA At the border lies Clarkston, WA and Lewiston, ID - I wonder how they got their names? There's so much history and culture to explore here, including the complimentary excursion to the Nez Perce National Historic Park. But the Hells Canyon Jet Boat Signature Tour is always a hit. Be sure to sign up for this one in advance - it fills up!

9 Disembark in Clarkston, WA Talk to our agents about travel arrangements, or lengthening your stay with a hotel in Spokane, WA.

Map & Gallery

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Cabin Categories

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

Onboard Experience

The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on. The large staterooms with interior entrances ensure you have a relaxed, private area to watch the river from, or visit any of the many onboard lounges. Daily entertainment will be brought onboard, including musicians, historians and naturalists.

Regionally-Inspired Menus

American Cruise Lines uses fresh, local ingredients to show off the culinary glory of the region you’re cruising in. On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack.

Eagle Society

Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. After 3 cruises, you’ll receive complimentary premium shore excursions. After 10 cruises, you’ll get a complimentary 11th cruise. There are special Eagle Society cruise dates every year. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well.

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Love Exploring

Love Exploring

The Best River Cruises In North America You Have To Try

Posted: December 11, 2023 | Last updated: December 11, 2023

Love the thought of a boat-based exploration of North America but don’t fancy heading out to sea? We recommend exploring its rivers and lakes instead, which is why we’ve taken a closer look at the best river and lake cruises for anyone keen to gain a fascinating new perspective on America’s inland waterways.

Rolling on the river

<p>It’s never too early to start planning a Christmas markets cruise, and as much as we love the ones in Germany and Austria, nothing beats a festive float down the Mississippi. Highlights on <a href="https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/mississippi/mississippi-holiday-season/2022-memphis-new-orleans/index.html">this cruise</a>, which snakes from Memphis to New Orleans, include stop-offs at Natchez, whose many historic buildings are festooned with Christmas lights, and Vicksburg, whose independent boutiques are great places to pick up presents. This is also a great cruise for twitchers – a huge number of bird species flock to this stretch of the Mississippi for winter. </p>  <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/loveexploringUK?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=front"><strong>Love this? Follow us on Facebook for more travel inspiration</strong></a></p>

Viking Mississippi Holiday Season cruise, USA

It’s never too early to start planning a Christmas markets cruise, and as much as we love the ones in Germany and Austria, nothing beats a festive float down the Mississippi. Highlights on  this cruise , which snakes from Memphis to New Orleans, include stop-offs at Natchez, whose many historic buildings are festooned with Christmas lights, and Vicksburg, whose independent boutiques are great places to pick up presents. This is also a great cruise for twitchers – a huge number of bird species flock to this stretch of the Mississippi for winter. 

Love this? Follow us on Facebook for more travel inspiration

<p>Say hello to one of America’s most spectacular lake cruises. Your mode of transport for this sail across Lake Tahoe will be the <a href="https://tahoesouth.com/boats/m-s-dixie-ii-paddlewheeler/">M.S Dixie II</a> – the lake’s biggest boat. The sunset dinner cruises are popular with couples, although we recommend the scenic daytime tours, which are a great way to explore North America’s largest alpine lake. This high-altitude body of water spreads into two states (California and Nevada), contains enough water to cover California with 14 inches of water and is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall.  </p>

M.S. Dixie II Lake Tahoe cruise, California, USA

Say hello to one of America’s most spectacular lake cruises. Your mode of transport for this sail across Lake Tahoe will be the M.S Dixie II – the lake’s biggest boat. The sunset dinner cruises are popular with couples, although we recommend the scenic daytime tours, which are a great way to explore North America’s largest alpine lake. This high-altitude body of water spreads into two states (California and Nevada), contains enough water to cover California with 14 inches of water and is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall.  

<p>If crowded cruise liners and transatlantic crossings don’t appeal, consider <a href="https://lepetitnavire.ca/en/our-tours/canal-tour/">this leisurely sail</a> along Canada’s 14-kilometre (8.7-mile) Lachine Canal, which slices through the southern section of Montréal, a city famous for its historic architecture. Don’t know your dingle from your dewater? You’ll gain a wonderful insight into the construction of this historic waterway as you pass through its locks, and you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of Montréal’s skyline. Your mode of transport is rather special too – a carbon-neutral, zero-pollution electric propulsion boat. </p>

Le Petit Navire Lachine Canal tour, Québec, Canada

If crowded cruise liners and transatlantic crossings don’t appeal, consider this leisurely sail along Canada’s 14-kilometer Lachine Canal, which slices through the southern section of Montréal, a city famous for its historic architecture. Don’t know your dingle from your dewater? You’ll gain a wonderful insight into the construction of this historic waterway as you pass through its locks, and you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of Montréal’s skyline. Your mode of transport is rather special too – a carbon-neutral, zero-pollution electric propulsion boat. 

<p>Alaska’s Inside Passage is an inland route weaving between islands on the Pacific Northwest coast and along glacier-lined fjords. Inside Passage cruises offer a different perspective on Alaska to coastal cruises, relying on smaller ships to reach more remote ports of call. Highlights of this <a href="https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/alaska-cruises/alaska-inside-passage-cruise">cruise</a> include the Strait of Georgia, where you’ll sail between Vancouver Island and British Columbia, and the glacier-fed waters of Frederick Sound – a brilliant whale watching spot.</p>  <p><strong><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/92727/amazing-facts-about-cruise-ships-you-might-not-know?page=1">Now check out the fabulous cruising facts you won't believe</a></strong></p>

American Cruise Lines Alaska Inside Passage cruise, Alaska, USA

Alaska’s Inside Passage is an inland route weaving between islands on the Pacific Northwest coast and along glacier-lined fjords. Inside Passage cruises offer a different perspective on Alaska to coastal cruises, relying on smaller ships to reach more remote ports of call. Highlights of this cruise include the Strait of Georgia, where you’ll sail between Vancouver Island and British Columbia, and the glacier-fed waters of Frederick Sound – a brilliant whale watching spot.

Now check out the fabulous cruising facts you won't believe

<p>As much as we love the mighty Mississippi, <a href="https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/columbia-and-snake-river-cruises/northwest-pioneers-cruise">this brilliant river cruise</a>, which wiggles through Oregon and Washington, is a fantastic reminder that there are plenty of other breathtakingly beautiful waterways to explore. On this adventure, you’ll sail along the Columbia River – the largest in America’s Pacific Northwest – and Snake River, which is the Columbia River’s biggest tributary. It’s a great way to see some of America’s most underrated destinations, including the town of Astoria, which is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.</p>

Northwest Pioneers Cruise, Oregon and Washington, USA

As much as we love the mighty Mississippi, this brilliant river cruise , which wiggles through Oregon and Washington, is a fantastic reminder that there are plenty of other breathtakingly beautiful waterways to explore. On this adventure, you’ll sail along the Columbia River – the largest in America’s Pacific Northwest – and Snake River, which is the Columbia River’s largest tributary. It’s a great way to see some of America’s most underrated destinations, including the town of Astoria, which is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.

<p><a href="https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/puget-sound-cruises/puget-sound-and-san-juan-islands-cruise">This seven-day cruise</a> provides a brilliant insight into one of America’s most wildlife-rich regions: Washington state’s Puget Sound, America’s second largest estuary; and the San Juan Islands, a cluster of 172 islands and reefs where you’re likely to spot wildlife including whales and eagles. Don’t miss the chance to explore Port Townsend, sandwiched between Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and famous for its Victorian-era architecture. </p>

American Cruise Lines Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Cruise, Washington, USA

This seven-day cruise provides a brilliant insight into one of America’s most wildlife-rich regions: Washington state’s Puget Sound, America’s second largest estuary; and the San Juan Islands, a cluster of 172 islands and reefs where you’re likely to spot wildlife including whales and eagles. Don’t miss the chance to explore Port Townsend, sandwiched between Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and famous for its Victorian-era architecture. 

<p><a href="https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/mississippi/americas-heartland/2022-st-louis-to-st-paul/index.html">This</a> is one of the best Mississippi cruises for anyone keen to learn about the people who shaped this part of the US, whether it’s the Norwegians who migrated here during the 1800s or the farmers who made this region one of America’s top culinary destinations. Stops include the Missouri city of St Louis, once known as the Gateway to the West; Hannibal, which was the setting for Mark Twain’s <em>Adventures of Huckleberry Finn;</em> and the Iowan city of Dubuque, home to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.</p>

Viking America’s Heartland cruise, Upper Mississippi, USA

This is one of the best Mississippi cruises for anyone keen to learn about the people who shaped this part of the US, whether it’s the Norwegians who migrated here during the 1800s or the farmers who made this region one of America’s top culinary destinations. Stops include the Missouri city of St Louis, once known as the Gateway to the West; Hannibal, which was the setting for Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn;  and the Iowan city of Dubuque, home to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

<p><a href="https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/mississippi/heart-of-the-delta/2022-new-orleans-memphis/index.html">An eight-day cruise</a> between Memphis and New Orleans, Viking’s Heart of the Delta cruise takes in the Mississippi’s best bits, including many listed monuments and buildings. For history buffs, highlights will include St Francisville, where there’s a whopping 140 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Natchez, which has more listed buildings than any other American city. If you’re short on time, put Stanton Hall, which was built in the 1850s, at the top of your list – this Greek revival-style property is famous for its ornate mirrored parlors.  </p>

Viking Heart of the Delta cruise, USA

An eight-day cruise between Memphis and New Orleans, Viking’s Heart of the Delta cruise takes in the Mississippi’s best bits, including many listed monuments and buildings. For history buffs, highlights will include St Francisville, where there’s a whopping 140 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Natchez, which has more listed buildings than any other American city. If you’re short on time, put Stanton Hall, which was built in the 1850s, at the top of your list – this Greek revival-style property is famous for its ornate mirrored parlors.  

<p>Short on time? Opt for <a href="https://www.jamesrivertour.com/batteau-river-tour-1">this scenic river tour</a>. Your mode of transport for this float along Virginia’s James River will be one of the beautiful wooden boats which have sailed this waterway for years. The two-hour tour along the river, which is Virginia’s longest, is a great way to see its wildlife – bald eagles, river otters and ospreys are regularly spotted. It’s a rather relaxed affair, and passengers are encouraged to cool off with a swim in the river. </p>  <p><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/110902/beloved-cruise-ships-that-will-never-sail-again?page=1"><strong>Discover the beloved cruise ships that will never sail again</strong></a></p>

James River Batteau Company Batteau River tour, Virginia, USA

Short on time? Opt for this scenic river tour . Your mode of transport for this float along Virginia’s James River will be one of the beautiful wooden boats which have sailed this waterway for years. The two-hour tour along the river, which is Virginia’s longest, is a great way to see its wildlife – bald eagles, river otters and ospreys are regularly spotted. It’s a rather relaxed affair, and passengers are encouraged to cool off with a swim in the river. 

Discover the beloved cruise ships that will never sail again

<p>A brilliant cruise for history fans, this 10-day river <a href="https://americansteamboatcruises.co.uk/project/clarkston-to-portland-10-days">Snake River and Columbia River cruise</a> starts in Clarkston and finishes in Vancouver, Washington – the route undertaken by explorers Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark in the early 1800s. It’s also a route lined with natural wonders, including Columbia Gorge, which slices through the Cascade Mountains, and Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon and can be explored on a high-speed boat ride. The Columbia River stretch is where you’re most likely to see bison, elk and deer too. </p>

American Queen Voyages Clarkston to Portland cruise, USA

A brilliant cruise for history fans, this 10-day Snake River and Columbia River cruise starts in Clarkston and finishes in Vancouver, Washington – the route undertaken by explorers Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark in the early 1800s. It’s also a route lined with natural wonders, including Columbia Gorge, which slices through the Cascade Mountains, and Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon and can be explored on a high-speed boat ride. The Columbia River stretch is where you’re most likely to see bison, elk and deer too. 

<p><span>This nine-day Memphis to <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/guides/90064/explore-nashville-the-top-things-to-do-where-to-stay-what-to-eat">Nashville</a> <a href="https://americansteamboatcruises.co.uk/project/memphis-to-nashville-9-day-journey/">cruise</a> is a fantastic way to check out some of the southern state’s prettiest towns, whether it’s Paducah in Kentucky, famed for its arts and craft museum or Clarksville, Tennessee. The latter is famous for its breweries, distilleries and wineries, while historic sites include the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, where you can learn about the town’s famous former residents, including Wilma Rudolph – the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. </span></p>

American Queen Voyages Memphis to Nashville cruise, USA

This nine-day Memphis to Nashville   cruise is a fantastic way to check out some of the southern state’s prettiest towns, whether it’s Paducah in Kentucky, famed for its arts and craft museum or Clarksville, Tennessee. The latter is famous for its breweries, distilleries and wineries, while historic sites include the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, where you can learn about the town’s famous former residents, including Wilma Rudolph – the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. 

<p>Can’t get enough of the Mighty Mississippi? Take a deep dive on <a href="https://americansteamboatcruises.co.uk/project/mighty-mississippi-cruise-2021-2022/">this 16-day cruise</a> between Red Wing and New Orleans. It’s a fantastic way to discover the landscapes which surround America’s second longest river. The Minnesotan city of Winona, for example, is built on a sandbar and dates back to 9,500BC. The excursions on this cruise are fantastic too. Our favorite? In the town of Hannibal, Missouri, you’ll get the chance to make your very own clay pot out of Mississippi mud. </p>

American Queen Voyages Mighty Mississippi Red Wing to New Orleans, USA

Can’t get enough of the Mighty Mississippi? Take a deep dive on  this 16-day cruise between Red Wing and New Orleans. It’s a fantastic way to discover the landscapes which surround America’s second longest river. The Minnesotan city of Winona, for example, is built on a sandbar and dates back to 9,500BC. The excursions on this cruise are fantastic too. Our favorite? In the town of Hannibal, Missouri, you’ll get the chance to make your very own clay pot out of Mississippi mud. 

<p>Your transport for this food and wine-themed <a href="https://www.adventure-life.com/united-states/columbia-river/cruises/15394/rivers-of-adventure-and-wine">cruise</a> along the Columbia River is the Wilderness Legacy, a beautiful vessel designed to resemble a Victorian steamer. During the cruise, which starts and finishes in Portland, you’ll visit some of Oregon’s most important historical sites, but it’s the food and wine-themed stops that really set it apart. In the Hood River Valley, you can sign up for cycle rides between local vineyards, and in the Washington city of Walla Walla, you’ll visit a local chocolatier, olive oil producer and brewery.  </p>

Adventure Life Rivers of Adventure and Wine cruise, Oregon, USA

Your transport for this food and wine-themed cruise along the Columbia River is the Wilderness Legacy, a beautiful vessel designed to resemble a Victorian steamer. During the cruise, which starts and finishes in Portland, you’ll visit some of Oregon’s most important historical sites, but it’s the food and wine-themed stops that really set it apart. In the Hood River Valley, you can sign up for cycle rides between local vineyards, and in the Washington city of Walla Walla, you’ll visit a local chocolatier, olive oil producer, and brewery.  

<p>Get more bang for your buck from your river cruise by signing up for <a href="https://www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/river-cruises/ohio-tennessee-rivers/the-masterful-midwest/">American Queen Voyages’</a> exploration of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Stop-offs on this spectacular paddle steamer cruise include the Illinois city of Alton, which has a rich history and became a base for abolitionists in the 1800s, and Henderson in Kentucky. It’s another cruise with fantastic excursions, our favorite of which is a jet boat ride along a stunning section of the Ohio River near Carrollton, Kentucky. </p>

American Queen Voyages St Louis to Cincinnati cruise, USA

Get more bang for your buck from your river cruise by signing up for American Queen Voyages’ exploration of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Stop-offs on this spectacular paddle steamer cruise include the Illinois city of Alton, which has a rich history and became a base for abolitionists in the 1800s, and Henderson in Kentucky. It’s another cruise with fantastic excursions, our favorite of which is a jet boat ride along a stunning section of the Ohio River near Carrollton, Kentucky. 

<p><a href="https://www.victorycruiselines.com/cruises/montreal-to-detroit-or-reverse/">An 11-day cruise</a> between two very different cities, this Montréal to Detroit sailing provides plenty of opportunities for urban explorations – you’ll visit Montréal, <a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/news/136221/things-to-do-in-quebec-city-canada-montmorency-falls-jacques-cartier-national-park">Québec City</a>, Toronto and Cleveland, as well as quaint riverside towns such as Gananoque, in the heart of the Thousand Islands archipelago in Eastern Ontario. This particular cruise offers fantastic value for money – the cost of your sailing covers a wide range of excursions, including visits to Toronto’s CN Tower and catamaran tours of Niagara Falls.</p>

American Queen Voyages Montréal to Detroit cruise, Canada and US

An 11-day cruise between two very different cities, this Montréal to Detroit sailing provides plenty of opportunities for urban explorations – you’ll visit Montréal, Québec City , Toronto and Cleveland, as well as quaint riverside towns such as Gananoque, in the heart of the Thousand Islands archipelago in Eastern Ontario. This particular cruise offers fantastic value for money – the cost of your sailing covers a wide range of excursions, including visits to Toronto’s CN Tower and catamaran tours of Niagara Falls.

<p><a href="https://www.stlawrencecruiselines.com/cruises/canadas-capital-north/">This Ottawa River cruise</a> is a great way to explore two very different regions of Canada – more specifically Ontario and Québec. The six-day sailing is packed with fascinating stop-offs, included the wildlife-filled Thousand Islands, which straddle the border between America and Canada, and Fort Wellington, built in 1812. Love a lock? For many passengers, the highlight of this river cruise is the famous Carillion Lock, an enormous 182-tonne structure which has a flow rate of 2,000 cubic meters of water per second. </p>

St Lawrence Cruise Lines, Canada’s Capital North cruise, Canada

This Ottawa River cruise is a great way to explore two very different regions of Canada – more specifically Ontario and Québec. The six-day sailing is packed with fascinating stop-offs, including the wildlife-filled Thousand Islands, which straddle the border between America and Canada, and Fort Wellington, built in 1812. Love a lock? For many passengers, the highlight of this river cruise is the famous Carillion Lock, an enormous 182-tonne structure which has a flow rate of 2,000 cubic meters of water per second. 

<p>Sign up for <a href="https://www.pearlseascruises.com/cruises/great-lakes-cruises/11-night-great-lakes-and-georgian-bay">this 11-night cruise</a> from Toronto to Milwaukee and you’ll get the chance to see four of the most beautiful Great Lakes, with time to visit attractions lining the route. For many, the highlight is Georgian Bay, where 30,000 islands form the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, and where you’ll be able to check out destinations such as traffic-free Mackinac Island by horse-drawn buggy. There are plenty of big hitters too – you’ll take a guided tour of Niagara Falls and visit the legendary Henry Ford Museum in Windsor, Ontario. </p>

Pearl Seas Cruises Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruise, US and Canada

Sign up for this 11-night cruise from Toronto to Milwaukee and you’ll get the chance to see four of the most beautiful Great Lakes, with time to visit attractions lining the route. For many, the highlight is Georgian Bay, where 30,000 islands form the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, and where you’ll be able to check out destinations such as traffic-free Mackinac Island by horse-drawn buggy. There are plenty of big hitters too – you’ll take a guided tour of Niagara Falls and visit the legendary Henry Ford Museum in Windsor, Ontario. 

<p>For something completely different, consider hiring your own river boat for a bespoke exploration of Canada’s Rideau Canal. The waterway, which is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America, is regarded as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, and the UNESCO-listed canal is lined with historic sites. Your mode of transport? <a href="https://www.leboat.com/boating-vacations/canada/rideau-canal">A luxury river boat</a> kitted out with a kitchen, spacious bathrooms and sun deck. They’re surprisingly easy to drive too, thanks to powerful thrusters which make navigating locks a breeze. </p>

Le Boat Rideau Canal Cruise, Ontario, Canada

For something completely different, consider hiring your own river boat for a bespoke exploration of Canada’s Rideau Canal. The waterway, which is the oldest continuously-operated canal system in North America, is regarded as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, and the UNESCO-listed canal is lined with historic sites. Your mode of transport? A luxury river boat kitted out with a kitchen, spacious bathrooms and sun deck. They’re surprisingly easy to drive too, thanks to powerful thrusters which make navigating locks a breeze. 

<p><a href="https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/new-england-cruises/hudson-river-cruises">This New York round trip</a> takes in the Hudson River’s best bits, busting the myth that its most spectacular section weaves through the Big Apple. You’ll explore it on the American Star, which has room for just 100 passengers and offers several stop-offs in the beautiful Catskill Mountains area. The cruise is especially popular with fans of architecture, who come to admire historic buildings such as the Vanderbilt Mansion (the former home of Franklin D. Roosevelt). </p>

American Cruise Lines Hudson River cruise, New York, USA

This New York round trip  takes in the Hudson River’s best bits, busting the myth that its most spectacular section weaves through the Big Apple. You’ll explore it on the American Star, which has room for just 100 passengers and offers several stop-offs in the beautiful Catskill Mountains area. The cruise is especially popular with fans of architecture, who come to admire historic buildings such as the Vanderbilt Mansion (the former home of Franklin D. Roosevelt). 

<p>This is another fantastic option for history buffs – <a href="https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/mississippi/americas-great-river/2022-st-paul-new-orleans/index.html">a Mississippi River cruise</a> filled with visits to some of America’s most important historic sites. In Red Wing, Minnesota, you’ll learn how New Englanders joined forces with German and Irish migrants to farm the fertile landscape, and in Burlington, Iowa, you’ll discover how the arrival of both steamboats and the railroad transformed this once sleepy town, filled with listed buildings. Don’t miss the chance to stand under the famous Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri – a crossroads for nineteenth-century explorers. </p>

Viking Great River cruise, Mississippi, USA

This is another fantastic option for history buffs – a Mississippi River cruise filled with visits to some of America’s most important historic sites. In Red Wing, Minnesota, you’ll learn how New Englanders joined forces with German and Irish migrants to farm the fertile landscape, and in Burlington, Iowa, you’ll discover how the arrival of both steamboats and the railroad transformed this once sleepy town, filled with listed buildings. Don’t miss the chance to stand under the famous Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri – a crossroads for nineteenth-century explorers. 

<p>Another fantastic option for anyone short on time, <a href="https://cruisenh.com/products/u-s-mailboat-cruise">this cruise</a> takes place on America’s oldest floating post office – a beautiful vessel which launched on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1945. During the two-hour cruise, you’ll visit several of Lake Winnipesaukee’s 253 islands, many of which were once home to indigenous people such as the Pennacooks. Don’t forget to send a postcard home – you’ll be able to post it on the boat, complete with an M/V Sophie C stamp.  </p>  <p><a href="https://www.loveexploring.com/galleries/129810/the-worlds-most-beautiful-cruise-ships?page=1"><strong>Craving a cruise? Check out our guide to the world’s most beautiful cruise ships</strong></a></p>

US Mailboat Cruises of Lake Winnipesaukee on the M/V Sophie C, New Hampshire, USA

Another fantastic option for anyone short on time, this cruise takes place on America’s oldest floating post office – a beautiful vessel which launched on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1945. During the two-hour cruise, you’ll visit several of Lake Winnipesaukee’s 253 islands, many of which were once home to indigenous people such as the Pennacooks. Don’t forget to send a postcard home – you’ll be able to post it on the boat, complete with an M/V Sophie C stamp.  

Craving a cruise? Check out our guide to the world’s most beautiful cruise ships

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