US River Cruises
Paddlewheelers on the Mississippi, waterfalls on the Columbia. America’s rivers cruise the heartland and the Pacific Northwest — no passport, all the comfort of a small ship.
US river cruising has come roaring back, on grand paddlewheelers and sleek modern riverboats. The Mississippi carries you past antebellum South, New Orleans jazz and Mark Twain country; the Columbia & Snake retrace Lewis & Clark through the Gorge and the wine country of the Pacific Northwest; and the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland link Nashville, Memphis and the Civil War heartland — all without a passport.
Why Cruise America’s Rivers?
No passport needed
A domestic cruise, simple and close to home.
Paddlewheel heritage
Grand steamboats and modern riverboats.
Music & history
New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville & the South.
Wine & the Gorge
The Columbia & Snake in the Northwest.
America’s Rivers
The Mississippi
New Orleans, Memphis & Mark Twain country.
Columbia & Snake
The Gorge, Lewis & Clark & NW wine.
Ohio & Cumberland
Nashville, Louisville & the heartland.
Tennessee River
Chattanooga, the South & Civil War sites.
Popular US River Cruise Routes
- Lower Mississippi — New Orleans to Memphis
- Upper Mississippi — St. Louis to St. Paul
- Columbia & Snake — Portland, the Gorge & wine country
- Ohio & Cumberland — Nashville & Louisville
- Tennessee River — Chattanooga & the South
Ready to plan your US river cruise?
Tell us your river, dates and cruise line and we’ll match the perfect paddlewheeler or riverboat. Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a river-cruise specialist.
Get up to 5 US river cruise quotes!Why Smart Traveler?
Smart Traveler is a service of the travel division of Best of the USA, Inc. Entrust your trip to seasoned professionals specializing in cruises, tours, vacation packages, all-inclusive resorts and international airfares. With over 50,000 travel advisors in our growing database, we’re sure to have the experts right for your travel needs!
50+ years of expertise
Five decades fine-tuning the art of travel — every journey a masterpiece.
Online pioneers since 1995
Tradition blended with technology — book your dream trip with a click.
Exclusive proprietary rates
Insider access to rates and partnerships unavailable to the average traveler.
US River Cruises — Frequently Asked Questions
Which US rivers can I cruise?
The Mississippi (Lower & Upper), the Columbia & Snake in the Pacific Northwest, and the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland in the heartland are the main routes.
Are they paddlewheelers or modern ships?
Both — classic paddlewheel steamboats and modern small riverboats sail US rivers; a specialist matches the style you want.
Do I need a passport?
No — US river cruises are domestic, one of their big appeals; just bring valid ID.
How do I get a quote?
Request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a river-cruise specialist and compare rivers, ships and dates.