American River Cruise Vacations
What are my options on river cruises exclusively in North America?
You can search our database for select worldwide river and canal cruise current offers, or contact one of our River Cruise Specialists. For additional information for North American river cruise vacations, please read on.
There's a great diversity of options available on North America's rivers, from yachts, paddelwheelers, barges, and small ships. In recent years the number of options have increased considerably, with a growing market interested in regional itineraries on these smaller vessels.
Two operate steamboats and bring a bit of history to their product, combining the ambiance of the 1800's with the comforts of the 21st century: America West Steamboat Company and Delta Queen Steamboat Company.
America West Steamboat Company carries on the paddlewheel tradition with its luxury modern sternwheelers, 142-passenger Queen of the West and 223-passenger Empress of the North. America West Steamboat specializes in trips in the Pacific Northwest on the historic and scenic Columbia River, as well as in Alaska, where it's been over 100 years since paddlewheelers cruised up the Inside Passage. Cruises include live showboat entertainment, fine dining and free featured shore tours -- and no formal attire required. Using extensive knowledge of the area's history, cultures and attractions, America West Steamboat weaves a sense of the past throughout it's premium cruise vacations.
Delta Queen Steamboat Company. When steamboating with Delta Queen Steamboat Company, you explore the richness of riverside America as you step ashore at historic ports of call such as lively Memphis and stately Natchez, Mark Twain's Hannibal or cosmopolitan St. Paul, bustling St. Louis and gracious Louisville, charming Chattanooga and tuneful Nashville, friendly Cincinnati and dynamic Pittsburgh.
The timelessness of America's inland rivers enables passengers to discover America in much the same manner as did the original 19th-century steamboat travelers. The all-American staff and crew welcome you aboard as you experience the United States as you've never seen it before — from the decks of a genuine paddlewheel steamboat.
Following Hurricane Katrina, DQ's three vessels will re-commence a new season of river cruises in spring of 2007, exploring the history, lore and culture of America, and featuring theme voyages such as the Civil War, Kentucky Derby, Fall Foliage, and the annual Great Steamboat Race on the 4th of July.
In addition, the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. and American West Steamboat Co. officially were combined into one brand at the end of 2006, operating under the name Majestic America Line and now includes deluxe line Windstar Cruises.
In the yachting category, American Safari Cruises offers cruises in Alaska, and along the Columbia and Snake rivers, on yachts that accommodate up to 12 passengers. The vessels are ideal to charter for a group of friends or larger family.
In the barge category New Orleans-based Riverbarge Excursions offers trips on America's rivers, accommodating up to 100 guests. At 200 square feet, staterooms are large with either a large window or balcony, with full bath with tub.
Other small ship river cruise options in the USA include:
Cruise West, whose guests would rather watch for whales than spend the afternoon in a casino. They linger outside on deck as the Captain noses under a waterfall, rather than watch a video. With ten small ships (one with an elevator), Cruise West's focus is on the outside where nature provides the entertainment, rather than on artificial amusements conjured up to occupy your attention during long hours of open water. Their motto is "up-close, casual and personal," with open-seating dining and no formal attire necessary.
With Cruise West you're not just a visitor, you're a participant, engaging in an experience for all your senses. While North America destinations include Alaska, Costa Rica & Panama, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, British Columbia & the Atlantic Coast Experience, they also operate river programs on the Napa (California Wine Country), Hudson, Columbia & Snake Rivers.
American Cruise Lines operates small ships all built after 2000, accommodating between 50 and 100 guests (with plans for additional 150-passenger vessels in 2008/2009). American Cruise Line operates six to 14-day itineraries along the coasts and waterways throughout the American Northeast and South featuring naturalists, environmentalists and other lecturers onboard. As is typical of small ships, typical clients are educated and 50-plus. The ships feature single-seating dining, and meals are prepared by chefs who are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America or a European culinary school. Cabins are larger than average at 200 square feet, most with opening picture windows, satellite TVs and Internet connectivity.
American Cruise Line is launching a new upscale brand, Pearl Seas Cruises (July 2008) with two ships that will cruise internationally, accommodating 165 and 210 passengers. The ships will feature large staterooms, private balconies, single-seating dining, and sophisticated stabilizing equipment.
To arrange your American river cruises vacation, contact our river cruise experts who will help ensure you get the best overall value, or call us at 1-800-850-3220.
