River cruises in the US and Canada follow the waterways that shaped the continent, from the Mississippi to the Columbia and the St. Lawrence. Ships are small, ports are close together and most days include time ashore. These trips suit travelers who want American history, music, food and scenery without a long flight or a passport-heavy itinerary.
When to go
The main season runs from spring to late fall. Each river has its own best months.
| When | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| March–May | Mild weather on the Lower Mississippi. Spring flowers and gardens. Columbia River voyages begin. | Southern plantations and gardens, Pacific Northwest wine country |
| June–August | Hot and humid in the South. Pleasant on the Upper Mississippi and St. Lawrence. Long days. | Upper Mississippi, St. Lawrence, family trips |
| September–November | Fall foliage in the Upper Midwest, New England and Canada. Comfortable weather in the South. | Fall color, harvest season |
| December | A few holiday sailings on the Lower Mississippi. | Holiday decorations, festive themes |
Rivers compared
Lower Mississippi
Voyages between New Orleans and Memphis visit Baton Rouge, Natchez and Vicksburg. Expect antebellum homes, Civil War history, blues music and Cajun and Creole food.
Upper Mississippi
Between St. Louis and the Twin Cities (St. Paul or Red Wing), ships pass river bluffs and small towns such as Hannibal, Dubuque and La Crosse. Locks and dams are part of the experience.
Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers
These routes add Louisville, Nashville and Chattanooga and focus on bourbon, music and Civil War sites.
Columbia and Snake rivers
Itineraries of about a week sail from Portland, Oregon, upriver to Clarkston, Washington, near Lewiston, Idaho. Highlights include the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, wine country and the route of Lewis and Clark.
St. Lawrence River
Ships sail between Montréal and Québec City or connect to the Great Lakes through the Thousand Islands. French-Canadian culture, old stone towns and fall color are the main draws. See our Great Lakes cruises for lake-and-river voyages.
Where cruises leave from
Most Mississippi voyages start in New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis or St. Paul. Columbia and Snake trips start in Portland, Oregon. St. Lawrence voyages use Montréal and Québec City. Many river cruises include a pre-cruise hotel night, so check what is covered.
Which cruise line?
Large ocean ships do not sail these rivers. Voyages are on riverboats and small ships, many styled after classic paddlewheelers, with a few hundred guests or fewer.
- Viking sails a modern riverboat on the Mississippi with the line’s calm Scandinavian style, included excursions and enrichment talks.
- Several American small-ship lines run paddlewheelers and coastal-style ships on the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake and other rivers. Our advisors can compare their styles, included features and routes.
Expect a relaxed pace, an older crowd, lectures on history and local entertainment on board. Included shore excursions are common, but check each line. Cabins are generally larger than on ocean ships of a similar style, and many have balconies or large windows. Because the ships are small, the best cabins and the most popular fall dates are often booked well in advance.
Packing and travel documents
- Light, breathable clothing for Southern summers and layers for spring and fall.
- Comfortable walking shoes. Many ports have uneven sidewalks and historic sites.
- A rain jacket or umbrella and sun protection.
- Smart-casual evening wear. Formal clothing is rarely needed.
For river cruises entirely within the US, you will need valid government-issued photo ID. Check that your ID meets current federal rules for domestic flights. For the St. Lawrence and any voyage that enters Canada, a valid passport is required or strongly recommended. Check current entry requirements, and see our US passport information.
See current US and Canada river cruises, or request a quote and an advisor will help you choose a river and a ship.
