Luxury River Cruises in the USA
Balcony cabins, inclusive fares and America’s great rivers — deluxe river cruising without the transatlantic flight.
Compare US Luxury River CruisesDeluxe River Cruising, Made in America
Luxury river cruises in the USA have changed beyond recognition in recent years. The image of the old-time paddle-wheeler has given way to new riverboats with private balconies, glass-walled lounges and fares that include shore excursions and wine with dinner. Two companies lead the upscale end: American Cruise Lines, which has built a fleet of modern riverboats for the Mississippi, the Columbia and Snake and other rivers, and Viking, whose purpose-built Viking Mississippi sails between New Orleans and St. Paul.
This site focuses on that deluxe end of American river cruising: what is really included, how the boats differ, which routes are best, and how a U.S. luxury river cruise compares with Europe. For luxury river cruising worldwide, our sister site Luxury Riverboat Cruises covers the global lines; for every kind of U.S. river cruise, see US River Cruising.
| American Cruise Lines | Viking | |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet on U.S. rivers | Several modern riverboats, plus paddle-wheel-style boats | One ship: Viking Mississippi |
| Rivers | Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Columbia & Snake; Hudson in fall | Mississippi; Ohio added on a 2027 itinerary |
| Cabins | Modern riverboats with private balconies on many or all cabins | 193 all-outside staterooms, including Explorer Suites |
| Included | Guided excursion in every port, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, evening cocktail hour | One excursion in each port, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner |
Details change; the what’s included page explains the fine print, and our cruise advisors confirm it for your sailing.
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All-inclusive river cruises USA
What the fare covers, what it does not, and how to compare the two lines fairly.
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Best routes
Lower and Upper Mississippi, Music Cities, Columbia and Snake, the Hudson in fall.
Choose a route →Why Choose a U.S. Luxury River Cruise
- No jet lag. A domestic flight and you are on board.
- Inclusive fares. Excursions and wine with meals are built in on both main lines.
- American stories. Mark Twain, the Civil War, the blues, Lewis and Clark.
- Small-ship feel. A few hundred guests at most, often far fewer.
- Easy for every generation. English-speaking guides and U.S. currency throughout.
When to Go
Seasons vary by river. On the Mississippi, spring and autumn are popular for mild weather, with autumn colour on the upper river; the Pacific Northwest season runs from spring to autumn; the Hudson program is timed for fall foliage. The National Park Service’s Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service) is a good introduction to the upper river around the Twin Cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies offer luxury river cruises in the USA?
The two main operators of upscale river cruises on U.S. rivers are American Cruise Lines, with a fleet of modern riverboats, and Viking, with its ship Viking Mississippi. Both sell inclusive fares with shore excursions and wine and beer with meals.
Which rivers do luxury riverboats sail in the U.S.?
Chiefly the Mississippi (New Orleans to St. Paul), the Ohio and Cumberland, the Columbia and Snake in the Pacific Northwest, and, on a limited fall program, the Hudson in New York.
Do I need a passport?
Not for a river cruise that stays within the United States, though you will need valid ID for flights and boarding. Check the line’s document rules when you book.
Are U.S. luxury river cruises good for first-timers?
Yes. English is spoken everywhere, there are no long international flights, and fares include much of what you need.
Deluxe River Cruising is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the American river lines for your dates, cabin and budget, and book flights and pre-cruise hotels too. Meet Mister Cruise →
Get offers first in our cruise-offers newsletter; watch Wave Season for the winter promotions. River lines are listed in the Official River Cruise Directory, ocean cruises in the Official Cruise Directory, and every kind of trip in the Official Travel Directory. Explore the best of each state on Best of the USA, and if you would like to sell travel yourself, see Be a Travel Agent.
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