Think River Cruising Means Europe? Look Closer to Home

Mention a river cruise, and most travelers immediately think of Europe.

The Rhine. The Danube. Medieval towns, castles, wine regions, and a different port nearly every day. European river cruising has plenty of reasons to be popular, and I still recommend it.

This year’s low water levels have caused some cruises to change their routes or even cancel trips. It’s a reminder that rivers don’t always fit our vacation plans, and it’s also a good reason to look at options many American travelers miss.

You don’t need to fly overseas for a great river cruise. There are actually many places you can explore by small ship right here in North America.

It’s Not Just the Mississippi

When I talk about river cruises in America, most people think of the Mississippi. But that’s just the start.

You can cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, travel along the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio Rivers, or explore the Great Lakes by small ship.

American Cruise Lines offers an extensive selection of U.S. itineraries. Viking also sails American rivers, while Pearl Seas Cruises and Victory Cruise Lines offer Great Lakes and other North American voyages.

Each cruise offers something different, so it’s not just about picking a river. Think about where you want to go, what you want to do on land, and what kind of ship you’d enjoy.

The Mississippi: Music, Food and American History

Consider a cruise between New Orleans and Memphis.

One day might find you learning about Louisiana history and culture, while another could take you into Natchez or Vicksburg. By the time you reach Memphis, your choices might include Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street, or museums devoted to the music that came out of this part of the country.

And, of course, there is the food.

Creole and Cajun food in Louisiana and barbecue in Memphis aren’t just extras—they’re a big part of getting to know these places.

Some of my clients are taking an American Cruise Lines trip from New Orleans to Memphis next year, and I like that this route lets them experience the places in between. They’ll see how the river ties together the region’s history, music, food, and culture.

It’s a great way to experience this part of the country as a real journey, not just a bunch of stops linked by long drives.

The Cumberland: Country Music From the River

I recently toured two American Cruise Lines ships docked in downtown Nashville.

One was a classic paddlewheeler, and the other was a modern riverboat with a totally different feel. Seeing them side by side reminded me of something I always tell clients: the ship you choose really matters.

Some travelers will love the nostalgia of a paddlewheeler. Others will prefer a contemporary ship.

Some people love the nostalgia and sense of history on a paddlewheeler. Others prefer the comfort of a modern ship. The best choice is the one that fits you.

While I was onboard, the crew was preparing for passengers to leave that evening for the Grand Ole Opry.

Picture yourself cruising into Nashville, getting ready in your room, and then heading out to see a show at one of country music’s most famous venues.

Depending on the itinerary, Nashville experiences may also include the Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Tennessee State Museum, and other places tied to the city’s music and history.

The river gets you there. What you experience ashore brings the trip to life.

The Columbia and Snake Rivers: Wine, History and a Personal Connection

The Columbia River has a special place in my heart because I grew up in Richland, Washington.

I remember walking with my dad along the trails through Howard Amon Park, where I had played as a child. In later years, we would sometimes see a paddlewheel cruise ship docked there. Sometimes my mom would tag along on her scooter.

Back then, I didn’t really wonder what those cruise passengers were doing in my hometown. Now that I’m a travel advisor, I see it in a new way.

Columbia River cruise passengers can visit the REACH Museum to learn about the region’s history, including the Manhattan Project and Hanford, or explore the Lewis and Clark story at Sacajawea State Park.

And then there’s the wine.

Southeastern Washington is famous for its great wines and small wineries, so tasting some local wine is a natural part of the day.

Elsewhere along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, excursions might include Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge, or a jet-boat adventure into Hells Canyon.

It’s funny to think that people came from all over to visit the place where I grew up, while I was just walking through the park with my dad.

Sometimes we don’t appreciate what’s in our own backyard until we see it through someone else’s eyes.

The Great Lakes: Islands, Cities and Maritime History

Great Lakes cruises aren’t traditional river trips, but they attract many of the same people.

Depending on your route, you could visit historic islands and towns, check out maritime museums, and spend time in cities on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border. Some cruises even link places like Milwaukee and Toronto—spots you might not think to visit together.

One thing to remember: just because you’re cruising close to home doesn’t mean you can skip your passport. Many Great Lakes cruises stop in Canada, so check the entry rules for your trip.

Why Cruise America Instead of Driving It?

You could certainly visit many of these places by car. But would you?

On a road trip, someone always has to drive, you’re changing hotels, repacking bags, and figuring out routes. After a few days, “Let’s see America!” can start to feel more like “Whose turn is it to drive?”

A small-ship cruise works differently.

You only unpack once, and your hotel moves with you. Each morning, you wake up somewhere new, spend the day exploring, come back to the ship for dinner, and then head to your next stop.

If you want to see more of America without long hours of driving, this is a relaxing way to do it.

Is an American River Cruise Like a European River Cruise?

Not really, and I don’t think it should be.

If your dream is cruising past castles on the Rhine or visiting Christmas markets along the Danube, let’s plan a trip to Europe.

North America has its own unique experiences to offer.

You could listen to blues in Memphis, spend a night at the Grand Ole Opry, taste wine in Washington, follow the Lewis and Clark trail, or find a Great Lakes town you’ve never visited before.

Maybe Your Next Cruise Is Closer Than You Think

I wouldn’t choose an American cruise simply because Europe has experienced water-level problems. Rivers anywhere can be affected by weather and changing conditions, and Europe remains an excellent choice for river cruising.

Instead, think about American river and Great Lakes cruises for what they offer on their own.

For travelers If you don’t have a passport, some U.S.-only cruises let you travel close to home. If you’ve already traveled a lot overseas, these trips give you a new look at places you might have missed. And if you want to see more of the country without a long road trip, it’s easy to see why these cruises are appealing. to those paddlewheelers I used to see along the Columbia River in Richland. Years later, I’m touring riverboats in Nashville while passengers prepare for their evening at the Grand Ole Opry.

It turns out there have always been some amazing journeys happening right in our own backyard.

If you’ve thought about taking a river cruise but figured you’d have to fly to Europe, let’s talk about which river, ship, and route match your travel style. There are more options than you might expect.

You might discover that one of the most interesting trips you have yet to take is actually much closer to home.