American River Cruising 

By Annette Cagle 

You may have heard that the Vikings are invading U.S. waterways. Not literal vikings, but Viking Cruise Lines. I’m sure you’ve seen their ads on TV or online: sleek longboats with modern amenities sailing calm European rivers. Starting in 2022, however, they will also be sailing in the U.S., offering several schedules up and down the Mississippi. 

Beyond Viking’s Mississippi plans, small cruise ships are becoming ever more popular, especially as countries open up after COVID-19. Bookings in Europe show cruise passengers definitely have an affinity for smaller, more personal cruises. 

What you may not have heard of are the U.S. cruise lines that have offered river cruises for years. From the Northwest and the Colombia and Snake rivers to the Mississippi, to the Great Lakes, and to the Hudson, cruise lines have been plying U.S. waters right under our noses. 

These cruise lines’ itineraries include small ship adventures, where visitors can disembark frequently to sightsee, shop, or even kayak. They also include Mississippi cruises on vessels laden with historical value, like the 93-year-old Delta Queen. And the best thing about U.S. lines is the people—the historians, riverlorians, authors, and others who make the history of the countryside come to life. 

Here is a sampling of the diverse companies that make up the U.S. river cruising industry: 

American Cruise Lines. ACL is the largest U.S. river cruise line, boasting a fleet of 13 river and coastal cruise ships. They provide adventures across the country, from the American Revolution Cruise aboard the American Constitution in the Northeast to the Northwest, where you can ride the Queen of the West down Washington’s Snake River. 

Blount Small Ship Adventures. The founder of Blount Small Ship Adventures invented the term “small ship cruising” to describe the intimate excursions that one could have aboard Blount’s vessels. A Blount voyage could take you on a Great Lakes adventure or through the St. Lawrence Seaway to New York City. These informal, small ship cruises will take you places only they can find, and you will love them. 

Delta Queen Steamboat Company. The Delta Queen is a very special, very old ship. If you ever wanted to go on an idyllic cruise through the U.S. Heartland, this ship is for you. Built in 1927, the Delta Queen has been through World War 2 and has served tourists from California to Chattanooga. She is currently undergoing renovations and plans to continue operating as the only wooden steam-powered paddlewheel vessel in the U.S.A. 

American Queen Steamboat Company. The American Queen’s fleet of 4 paddlewheelers combines the old and the new to render relaxed cruises for their passengers. Float the Mississippi on their most popular route, Charms of the South, while learning history, discovering bayous, and visiting cities like New Orleans and Memphis—both known for their rich musical heritage. 

UnCruise. It’s so unlike any cruise out there that the company decided to name itself UnCruise. Their small, rugged boats skirt through Alaska’s islands and wooded coasts and explore the Pacific Northwest. With room for 22-86 passengers (depending on the ship), these vessels are equipped for discovery. Though UnCruise offers cruises outside of the U.S., its Alaska cruise is particularly special. Kayak with orcas, photo grizzlies on a trek between Juneau and Glacier National Park, or enjoy the Canadian coast as you sail between Juneau and Seattle. UnCruise also operates routes in Hawaii, where guests can get an active Aloha state experience, trekking Hawaii’s inland or snorkeling its pristine reefs. 

As you can tell, American cruise companies carry passengers on a vibrant array of expeditions, for both explorers and those who want to relax. There’s something for anyone—right here in your very own backyard. They’ll be here waiting for you whenever you’re ready.