Luxury Riverboat Cruises in the USA
Meet the new generation of American riverboats — and how they differ from the paddle-wheelers of old.
Get Free Luxury River Cruise QuotesA New Generation on the River
For decades, luxury riverboat cruises in the USA meant a paddle-wheeler. Today the most comfortable boats on American rivers are new designs: tall, modern riverboats with balcony cabins, large windows and lounges facing the bow. Because U.S. rivers have fewer low bridges than many European rivers, American riverboats can be built higher and roomier.
American Cruise Lines modern riverboats
A series of new riverboats built for the Mississippi and the Columbia and Snake. American Melody, launched in 2021, carries 175 guests, and all of its cabins have balconies.
Viking Mississippi
Viking’s purpose-built ship for the Mississippi carries 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms, including Explorer Suites with wraparound verandas.
Paddle-wheel style
American Cruise Lines also operates riverboats in the classic paddle-wheel style for travelers who want the traditional look.
What to Look For in a Cabin
- Balcony or not. On the newest boats, private balconies are standard on many or all cabins.
- Suites. The largest cabins add living areas and bigger verandas.
- Deck and location. Higher decks have better views; ask about noise near engines or lounges.
- Accessibility. Ask about elevators and accessible cabins; Accessible River Cruises has advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the boats stable?
Rivers are calm compared with the open sea, so seasickness is rarely an issue on a river cruise.
How many guests do U.S. luxury riverboats carry?
From well under two hundred on many American Cruise Lines riverboats (American Melody carries 175) to 386 on Viking Mississippi.
What is the difference between a riverboat and a river ship?
Mostly terminology. In the U.S., the vessels are usually called riverboats; in Europe, ships. American riverboats are often taller and roomier than European river ships, which must fit under low bridges and through narrow locks.
Do U.S. luxury riverboats have balconies?
Many do. American Cruise Lines’ modern riverboats such as American Melody have private balconies on all cabins, and its Columbia and Snake boats are all-outside with balconies. Viking Mississippi has all-outside staterooms, including Explorer Suites with wraparound verandas.
Riverboats Then and Now
Steamboats with paddle wheels carried passengers and freight on the Mississippi through the 19th century, and the look survives in today’s paddle-wheel-style riverboats, which are built for comfort rather than steam. The newest riverboats break with that look entirely: straight-sided, many-windowed and designed around balcony cabins and forward-facing lounges. Both styles carry far fewer people than an ocean ship, which keeps embarkation simple and shore excursions small enough to run smoothly. If the romance of the paddle wheel matters to you, ask which style sails your chosen date; if modern comfort comes first, the newer designs are the ones to look at.
Choose the Right Riverboat and Cabin
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare boats and cabin types for your dates.
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