What to Expect on a River Cruise in the US

Over the years, cruises to the Caribbean have been all the rage. Those travelers that didn’t want to be on massive ships with lots of other people would jet off to Europe to cruise the rivers there. However, did you know that you can go on an incredible river cruise in the US? There are a few different cruise companies that offer fantastic river cruising options to multiple destinations.

Destinations of River Cruises in the US

• Mississippi River
• Ohio River
• Columbia and Snake Rivers
• Great Lakes

What to Expect on a River Cruise in the US

Vacations are supposed to be fun, whether you are traveling alone, with your spouse or children, or even a group of friends. When you choose to river cruise in the US, you are deciding to come home to America. This is a fabulous way to embrace the history here in the US while experiencing a luxurious, all-inclusive lifestyle.

The river cruise crew will go above and beyond when it comes to meeting your expectations during your cruise. While keeping everything spotless and clean, they will make sure you have everything you need from the moment you step onboard until it is time for you to leave.

Your time on this ship will be filled with time to relax between all the stops you make at different ports. Since you are riding down, or up, a river, there will always be something to see on either side. There are no vast open waters to stare at for hours. Instead, your focus will be on the buildings and natural surroundings of every city and town you pass by.

Stops in ports will include complimentary access to historical and cultural attractions, as well as the option to explore at your own pace. When you take a guided tour, you will be shown around your current destination by an expert who loves the regions surrounding the river. You should expect to learn quite a bit about the different regional traditions and cultures of every area you visit.

Time on the ship can be spent relaxing by your room or at one of the many entertainment venues. Live music, world-class performances, and river lore, and legendary stories can be heard and watched throughout the day and night. You can even spend time dancing, whether swing, country, or ballroom style.

Staterooms on River Cruises in the US

The first thing you will need to know when taking a river cruise in the US is that the room you stay in is called a stateroom and not a cabin. You can choose from an inside stateroom or an outside stateroom. The outdoor staterooms come with either an open veranda or a private veranda. The open verandas are lovely, but you must be prepared for other people to be walking by on the deck as you are enjoying the surrounding ambiance. Most travelers prefer an outdoor stateroom with a private veranda because they are not disrupted by other people. This is perfect if you like to sip your morning coffee outside as the sun rises in the morning. Of course, drinks under the moonlight are excellent if you are more of a night person!

What is Normally Included on Your River Cruise in the US

The cruise line always wants you to have an incredible experience in the departure city, which is why a pre-cruise hotel stay is almost always going to be included with your river cruise. Currently, and even more importantly, that overnight stay is required and included to allow you to have a Covid-19 test before boarding the ship. The American Queen Steamboat Company provides this testing to all passengers on the evening before your departure date. The current guidelines state that everyone must have a negative test before boarding. But please note that this summer, all passengers must be vaccinated in addition to that negative test.

Your all-inclusive river cruise also includes internet service, open bars and lounges, delicious regional cuisine, coffee, snacks, and tea. Shore excursions, daily lectures by Riverlorians, and Broadway-like entertainment are also included in your fare.

Each river cruise line has their own shore excursion style. Some have individual excursions like American Cruise Line. Others, such as American Queen Steamboat Co. have hop-on-hop-off narrated tours offered on river cruise line motor coaches. Your time on the coaches will consist of local tour guides explaining the history of where you are, what you are passing by, and where you will be stopping next. This is an easy way to see the best sites in each port without stressing out how you are getting to each one. The hop-on-hop-off model, allows you to go at your own pace. This will allow you to spend more time at locations you are genuinely interested in and less at attractions you are not as impressed with.

You can also purchase premium excursions if you prefer a more inclusive and enhanced experience while on your river cruise.

You must make sure you don’t pack your days with too much fun, though. There are so many options when it comes to nightly entertainment on the ship, and you could honestly be up until dawn! During the planning stages, we must make sure we are giving you plenty of time to rest in between all the great activities you can do day and night!

You will never lack for anything when you are cruising along a US river!

Let’s just say you will never lack for anything when you are cruising along a US river!

There are a few different river cruise options available, and I would love to discuss them all with you! Together, we can discuss where to begin and end your spectacular cruise. It could even be in a city near your hometown., as I did cruising from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh. Many of the river cruises do reverse itineraries ever other week. You can also do round trip river cruises to alleviate extra travel at the end of your stress-free vacation.

I can even help you decide if one of the specialty cruises is better for your next vacation. There are so many to choose from, but popular options include culinary, music, wine, and different holidays.

River cruising with the grand kids is a great way to reconnect and acquaint them with their country. River cruise itineraries take you into the heartland to learn about history and culture. I wrote an article a few years ago that speaks of a different part of the country but it still applies here. Click here to read How to teach the kids to love their country.

As you can see, there is a river cruise for everyone in the US. I welcome you to contact me today, so we can find the perfect US river cruise for you! Click here to go to my online calendar to schedule an appointment convenient for you. Of course, you may also send me an email at jan@personallyyourstravel.com. Just don’t let too much time pass because these river cruises in the US are booking fast! They are definitely a hot travel option this year!