In a world where travel bloggers share perfectly edited photos of their latest trip abroad, it’s easy to forget the majesty of travel at home. Get ready for a cruise of a lifetime, with the rolling blue skies, grand mountains, and more.
Here’s a list of river cruises in the States that you just can’t miss.
New Orleans to Memphis
American Queen Steamboat Company
Voyage through the Mississippi Delta on a steamboat while you sip on your iced tea. Departing from NoLa (beignets, anyone?) and going on to explore the antebellum South, visit the historic towns and mansions you’re heard so much about. Make sure you try Elvis’s favorite fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches in Memphis.
Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise
American Cruise Lines
Travel down the same historic route that Lewis and Clarke did more than 200 years ago. Starting at Portland and visiting places like Astoria, Oregon, Mount St. Helens in Washington and the Columbia River Gorge. End your voyage along the Snake River and enjoy the musicians singing sea shanties and maritime songs along the way.
Southeast Alaska Cruise
American Cruise Lines
The perfect vacation for nature lovers, spot bald eagles, humpback whales and blue glaciers from your very own balcony as you watch from your own luxury abode. If you choose to step out, meet with naturalists and historians from the American Constellation who can answer any questions you have about the wildlife.
Great American Waterways
Blount Small Ship Adventures
Everyone’s heard of the Erie Canal, opened in 1825, an engineering marvel of its time. Play a game of I Spy’ as you look out for lighthouses while you cruise down the Canal. Blount’s ship is small enough that you can enjoy your voyage across the Great Lakes to the Erie Canal over 16 days, starting in Chicago and ending in New York.
Hudson River
USA River Cruises
Not just an everyday spin around the Lady Liberty, board in NYC and head north through the Catskill Mountains. Stop in historic towns like Kingston, West Point, and Sleepy Hollow while you take in the breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley. Perfect for those who have forgotten that New York is so much more than just the iconic Manhattan skyline.