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Inside Passage

One of earth’s best cruising routes.

Explore the wildlife and spectacular natural world—whales, bears, seabirds, rainforests, and other wildlife, with our expert, local naturalists and guides.

The Inside Passage

Along the alaska, british columbia, and washington coast.

The Inside Passage, also called the Inland Passage or the Inner Passage, is a stretch of protected ocean approx. 1,500 km long, that runs from Puget Sound in Washington State, USA, along the British Columbia, Canada coastline, to Skagway, Alaska, USA. It is a popular cruising area and marine transportation route, due to its absence of open ocean swells and its relatively flat and calm waters. On Inside Passage cruises with Maple Leaf, you’ll sail on a 138-foot catamaran, an 88-foot converted tugboat, or a 92-foot classic schooner, with just 8 to 24 guests.

Tour the Inside Passage

This incredible stretch of coastline has several distinct areas. Each is worth a separate tour, which is why we have divided it up this way.

Alaska’s Inside Passage

Tidewater glaciers, lush rainforests, sea otters, brown bears, humpback whales, hot springs, and charming historic towns like Ketchikan and Petersburg.

Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage

Killer whales and dolphins, island-hopping, rainforests, beaches, warmer weather, and remote coastal communities.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Dry rainforests, island-hopping, temperate climate, great sailing, and encounters with marine mammals.

Haida Gwaii

Just west of the Inside Passage, directly along the continental shelf, lies the archipelago of Haida Gwaii. Islands teem with whales, seabirds, intertidal life and rainforests.

Experience the Inside Passage

See the Inside Passage through the eyes of our guests.

Our small ship tours allow you to experience the best of the Inside Passage.

• Marine mammal viewing (whales, sea lions)
• Guided bear viewing
• Rainforest hikes
• Island-hopping
• Cultural exploration
• Hot spring relaxation
• Kayaking and fishing (optional)
• Birdwatching
• Bird watching
• Historical site visits
• Wildlife photography

What People Say

See what our guests have to say about our Inside Passage tours.

“’Wild and wooly’ within a pristine wilderness. Pushing life to the limit. The best of days from sunrise to sunset. Thank you for the opportunity to rejuvenate our spirits. Merci from two Victorians and ex-Montrealers”

– Sheila Madill and Bill Fuller , Victoria, BC

“From our first inquiries to the final docking, our trip has been first class all the way”

– F. Shirley , Ontario, Canada

“An unbelievable experience with the most dedicated and involved crew I’ve ever experienced. Every day was ‘magical’. The bar for my next adventure now is high! A true way to tick off a bucket list item in such a successful way. Thanks so much to all the fabulous crew”

– Chuck Cole , Washington, USA

“Another wonderful trip on the Maple Leaf. Once again, the people, as well as nature, were great! This is always the most difficult part of the trip, saying Goodbye. Already planning the next journey”

– Jim and Judy Colvin , Los Angeles, CA

Featured Highlights

Where mountainous coast meets the pacific ocean.

The combination of the thousands of islands and the upwelling at the continent’s edge creates a rich coastal environment.

Teeming with Marine Life

From humpback whales, killer whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, and other large animals to countless fish, seabirds and invertebrates.

Bears and Wolves Roam the Shores

Coastal rainforest provides habitat for grizzly/brown bears, and black bears including the rare spirit bear, wolves, and many other mammals.

Ancient and Natural Geography

There are some cities and towns along it too, including Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, Petersburg, and Juneau.

Emerging Expedition Cruise Industry

Mostly operated by local Canadian and American companies, lets visitors experience the wonder of this natural world by becoming part of it.

A Brief History of the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage boasts a rich history. Ice covered much of it during the last ice age, forming navigable fjords as glaciers receded. People have inhabited this region for millennia, attracted by abundant resources and waterways. Due to the fluctuations in sea level over this time, likely much record of human habitation is under water. Coastal First Nations have skillfully traversed these waters in seagoing canoes for generations. In 2015, footprints dating back 13,200 years were discovered on Calvert Island, which could be the oldest to date in North America. In Europe’s age of exploration, Russians, Spanish and English explorers sailed into the area and began charting it. In the late 18 th century, Captain George Vancouver, extensively mapped the area. The United States’ purchase of Alaska in 1867 spurred exploration and marked the beginning of Alaskan cruises. Recently, as people started to demand high-quality, experiential trips, the diversity of cruise ships has increased. Now, in addition to the large 2,000-passenger ships traditionally associated with cruise tours, you can enjoy active, small ship cruises like those that we offer at Maple Leaf Adventures. And while much of the area is in its natural state, citizens are working hard to protect it by law from destruction—protecting the rainforests, the marine life, the bears and whales and remote beaches.

The Inside Passage Today

Today, the Inside Passage thrives as a marine route for cargo and passenger cruises between Seattle, Alaska, and points in between. It’s also a playground for private boaters and commercial cruises. Recently, as people started to demand high-quality, experiential trips, the diversity of cruise ships has increased. Now, in addition to the large 2,000-passenger ships traditionally associated with cruise tours, you can enjoy active, small-ship cruises like those that we offer at Maple Leaf Adventures. And while much of the area is in its natural state, citizens are working hard to protect it by law from destruction—protecting the rainforests, the marine life, the bears and whales and remote beaches.

Cruising by Expedition Ship

What’s your style.

Compare Alaskan and Inside Passage cruises here: Expedition Cruises by Small Ship: These are the trips that we at Maple Leaf Adventures have offered for over 25 years. On these inside passage cruises, you are part of a group of 24 or fewer guests, who experience the wonder of the coastline, its wildlife, its rainforests, beaches and cultures. You’ll go ashore frequently to experience the coastal world, as well as sailing the inside passage. Inside Passage by Ferry: Both the Alaskan and British Columbian government ferry systems operate a transport network between coastal towns. Some people who wish to see the landscape but not spend time exploring it also choose to travel the inside passage this way. Big Ship Cruises: These are the cruises most people think of when they hear the words “Alaska cruise tour”. The ships are about 950 feet long and carry about 2,000 passengers. Unlike small Alaskan cruise ships, these big ships stop only at port towns. The experience is completely different from expedition cruises by sailing ship and is for people who don’t wish to experience the nature of Alaska as their top priority.

Inside Passage Itineraries

Expedition cruises by small ships that explore the scenic routes of the Inside Passage.

Whales and Wild Isles of the Great Bear Rainforest

Embark on a summer expedition across one of the richest coastal ecosystems in the world.

Great Bear Rainforest

Follow magnificent runs of wild salmon to the home of black, grizzly, and the elusive white-furred spirit bear.

Desolation Sound in Spring

Explore the stunning waterways, fjords and islands of Desolation Sound, one of the world’s most popular cruising destinations.

Alaska Supervoyage

Embark on a sweeping small ship adventure of southeast Alaska.

Gulf Islands in Spring

Here, snow-capped mountains ring an inland sea, full of intricate waterways among hundreds of warm islands.

Wines and Islands

Experience Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands’ emerging wine regions.

Craft Beer and Culinary Cruise

Explore BC’s rich and colourful craft brewing scene.

Vancouver Island’s Inside Passage

Spend a week cruising up Vancouver Island’s diverse coast with a world-class crew.

Desolation Sound and Fjords of BC

This journey among the islands and fjords of the storied British Columbia coast includes Desolation Sound and the Broughton Archipelago, as well as neighbouring inlets.

Gulf Islands in Fall

Island hop in the National Park Reserve, visit wildlife colonies, walk rainforest and rocky bluffs, and tiny islands not visited by ferries.

Great Bear Rainforest in Spring

Bird migrations, newly awakened grizzly and black bears grazing on green sedges—experience it all on a small ship adventure.

Whales and Totems

Explore intricate passageways between idyllic islands in the Broughton Archipelago, one of the best places on earth to see whales.

Inquire Today

Contact Us for More Information or to Book Your Expedition Adventure!

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America's East Coast Small Ship Cruises

America’s East Coast cruises offer a diverse and enriching cruise experience, with itineraries that range from the sunny shores of Florida to the historic ports of New England and the maritime beauty of Canada. Here’s an overview of what you might expect on an East Coast cruise:

Southern Charm and Sunshine

• Florida: Many cruises along the East Coast kick off from Florida’s vibrant ports such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral. Key West is the southernmost point of the continental U.S. is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, historic sites like Ernest Hemingway’s home, and the vibrant Duval Street.

Historic Seaports and Cities

• Charleston, South Carolina : Known for its well-preserved architecture, rich history, and hospitable people, Charleston is a favorite stop. Visitors can explore the historic district, visit Fort Sumter, or enjoy the local cuisine.
• Savannah, Georgia : Similar to Charleston, Savannah offers a glimpse into the South’s Antebellum past with its beautiful public squares, moss-draped oaks, and restored historic homes.

Mid-Atlantic Marvels

• Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland : These ports offer access to American naval history and the charms of Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis, with its historic Naval Academy, and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor are highlights.
• Washington, D.C. : Some itineraries may include a stop or excursion near the nation’s capital, where passengers can visit iconic sites like the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and U.S. Capitol.

New England Elegance

• Boston, Massachusetts : The cradle of American independence, Boston offers historical tours along the Freedom Trail, visits to the USS Constitution, and the modern attractions of the bustling Seaport District.
• Newport, Rhode Island : Famous for its Gilded Age mansions and the America’s Cup yacht race. The Cliff Walk and tours of palatial homes like The Breakers offer glimpses into the opulent past of American high society.

Canadian Connections

• Halifax, Nova Scotia : This friendly maritime city offers rich history, including connections to the Titanic disaster and the 1917 Halifax Explosion. The rugged coastal beauty and the historic Citadel Hill are must-sees.
• Saint John, New Brunswick : Known for the reversing falls and close to the Bay of Fundy, which boasts the world’s highest tides. Nature excursions and seafood culinary experiences are plentiful here.

Seasonal Spectaculars

• Fall Foliage Cruises : These cruises are particularly popular for their stunning views of autumn’s vibrant colors along the New England and Canadian coastlines. Ports like Bar Harbor, Maine, offer access to Acadia National Park and its spectacular natural beauty.

America’s East Coast cruises cater to a wide range of interests, from sun-seekers and history buffs to nature lovers and foodies, making it a versatile and rewarding cruising destination.

America's East Coast Cruise Itineraries

Maine Coast and Harbors Cruise

On this 8-day Maine Coast and Harbors Cruise sailing roundtrip from Portland, ME, travel to charming ports famous for their shipbuilding, as well as to beautiful national parks with magnificent views and abundant wildlife. Explore quaint historic districts and charming villages, and dine on the freshest, locally sourced seafood prepared by our team of master chefs.

New England Islands Cruise

On this 8-day New England Islands cruise sailing roundtrip Providence, RI aboard the 90-passenger American Star and 100-passenger American Liberty , immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of New England, from New Bedford, MA, once known as the whaling capital of the world, to Newport, RI, home to mansions of the Gilded Age.

Grand New England Cruise

On this 15 Day Grand New England Cruise aboard the 100-guest American Glory , travel along the picturesque waterways of New England that tell the story of American history, from the Mayflower’s landing to the Boston Tea Party. A centuries-old shipbuilding tradition lives on here in shipyards along the shoreline and schooners that adorn the harbors.

East Coast Inland Passage Cruise

On this 15-day East Coast Inland Passage cruise sailing between Jacksonville/Amelia Island, FL and Baltimore, MD, cruise through a rich past that has influenced our country since the days of early exploration.

Great Rivers of Florida Cruise

On this epic 8-day Great Rivers of Florida cruise sailing roundtrip Jacksonville, FL, explore the charming towns, impressive wildlife, and native scenery on this exciting river cruise through northern Florida.

Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

On this 8-day Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise sailing roundtrip New York City, NY, delight in the kaleidoscope of colors on this enchanting journey along the Hudson River. Witness the rich reds, bright oranges, and golden yellows that flood its shores during the vibrant autumn season.

Canada and New England Fall Foliage

On this captivating 11-day Canada and New England Fall Foliage cruise between Portland, ME and Quebec City, QC aboard the Pearl Mist , discover the most sought-after Canadian locations, as well as many of Pearl Seas Cruises favorite colorful destinations along the New England coast.

Canadian Maritimes and St. Lawrence Seaway

This amazing 16-day Canadian Maritimes and St. Lawrence Seaway cruise aboard the 210-guest Pearl Mist explores the most magnificent regions of Canada and Maine. Peruse the picturesque downtown of Bar Harbor, before visiting the stunning natural landscapes of Acadia National Park.

Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland

On this 10-day Canadian Maritime and Newfoundland cruise roundtrip from St. Johns, Newfoundland aboard the 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer , sail into Eastern Canada’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This 7-day Chesapeake Bay cruise sailing roundtrip from Baltimore, MD abounds in history and culture. From the vibrant harbor of Baltimore, travel to Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown, known as the “Historic Triangle.”

American Revolution Cruise

On this 11-day American Revolution cruise sailing roundtrip from Baltimore, MD aboard the 100-passenger American Constitution , travel back to the dawn of America. Explore the quaint towns and historic cities that have shaped our nation, including Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum with period-specific tradespeople, shopkeepers, and political figures.

Historic South and Golden Isles Cruise

On this 8-day Historic South and Golden Isles Cruise sailing between Charleston, SC to Amelia Island, FL aboard either the 100-passenger American Star or 100-passenger American Independence , explore the Intracoastal Waterway, home to some of the most beautiful historic cities in America, is a protected network of bays, rivers, and canals.

Cape Codder Cruise

On this 8-day Cape Codder Cruise sailing roundtrip from Boston, MA aboard the 170-passenger American Constitution , experience the rich essence of Cape Cod, the perfect a summer retreat.

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RIVER AND SMALL SHIP CRUISES IN THE UNITED STATES Cruising "Close to Home" has never been better.

"Close to Home" river and small ship cruising in North America, includes Alaska, the Caribbean and Central America. U.S. river and small ship cruises are quickly emerging as one of the most in-demand cruise vacations in the world. If you're a bit tired of the big ocean cruises, and eager to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere without the need for long overseas air flights, then "Close to Home" cruising may be the perfect vacation for you to explore. Not only will you be with like-minded, similar-aged travelers, you'll also be in a very relaxed and casual atmosphere visiting interesting and historical places from Alaska's breathtaking Inside Passage to the crystaline aqua blue waters of Belize in the Caribbean River and small ship cruising on the U.S. East Coast. Small ship cruising enables you to explore the quaint islands and villages of New England including 7-night cruises that travel only the coast of Maine. Enjoy a Grand New England cruise that traverses the coast from beautiful Providence, Rhode Island all the way to the home of LL Bean in Portland Maine. Along the way you'll stop in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Boothbay Harbor and picturesque Camden, Maine as well. (BTW — Can you spell Lobster dinner for less than $15?!) Also along the eastcoast is one of the lesser known trips, but one of our personal favorites, a Hudson River cruise which sails roundtrip from New York. Start your trip off with a few days in the Big Apple, then cruise through the beautiful Hudson Valley into the Catskills, Troy, Poughkeepsie, and one of the most interesting and inspiring places you'll ever visit, West Point and its world renowned military academy. A U.S. river or small ship cruise can also take you along the Inland Waterway from Rhode Island all the way down the coast to Jacksonville, Florida. Or take one of the more unusual trips you'll ever see: Chicago through the Great Lakes to the Erie Canal and finally into Warren, Rhode Island. Yes! On a ship, not a bus... wow!

More "Close to Home" river and small ship destinations. We've given you a brief overview of some of the itineraries you can enjoy cruising on the East Coast of the United States (and into Canada). Other destinations include river cruises on the well-known Mississippi, Tennesse and Ohio rivers exploring the heartland of America. Then there are the incredible cruises to be taken on the gorgeous Columbia and Snake rivers through Oregon and Washington. Of course, no "Close to Home" cruise list would be complete without itineraries offering small ship cruises to Alaska's Inside Passage and Southeast Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest's Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. Lesser known, but tremendously enjoyable, are the small ship cruises in the Caribbean which include the island of Belize off the Yucatan Peninsula, the islands off the shores of Honduras and Guatemala in Central America, and even the U.S. Virgin Islands. I guess what we are trying to say in a few words is that the realm of close-to-home cruising is more than just the mighty Mississippi and Columbia Rivers. It is a plethora of interesting, historic and scenic destinations waiting for you to experience them up close and personal aboard one of the many enjoyable river ships or small boats operated by several premium, American-owned and operated cruise lines. Learn about one of North America's premier river cruise lines: Visit our  American Cruise Lines  page to read our review of this wonderful cruise line!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise noted, prices and offers are in USD, cruise only per person, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes or fees. The displayed prices are based on minimum category riverview window stateroom and applicable only to the sailing date(s) shown. Prices for other dates may vary based on the date and stateroom selected. Other than “Hot Deal” offers, price does not reflect any cruise line or Premier savings. Where Premier includes “prepaid tips” in an offer, it applies only to the cruise portion of the trip and not any land portion or shore excursions. To obtain the best price, please use the "Get Quote" button or call one of our river cruise and small ship cruise specialists. Certain discounts or prices may require full payment at the time of booking in order to be eligible. We urge you to book early as river and small ship cruises sell out almost a year in advance. Prices and availability may change without notice and are not guaranteed until a deposit is received and applied to your reservation. Call 1-855-255-1200, for complete details. We reserve the right to correct any informational or typographical errors. ©2010-2023 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.

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Ms thurgau gold, viking sobek, ms excellence empress, victoria sabrina, ms lady diletta, ms excellence countess, riverside debussy, riverside ravel, ms vistastar, rv thurgau exotic 3, ms sunliner cabrioschiff, mv glen etive, review of river cruises.

The CruiseMapper's "River Cruise Tracker" offers information on river cruising vacations via two free of charge services. Our cruise tracker provides detailed itinerary and prices information by riverboat. Our live AIS ship tracking service provides you with real-time positions of ships sailing on rivers in Europe, USA, and Russia .

Our river ship database is constantly growing. We add new destinations, lines/companies, and new boats on a regular basis. Each riverboat has its own page showing its current-year itinerary program plus all scheduled itineraries for the next year. These are all departures officially announced by the cruise shipping line (often also a shipowner). Our cruise schedules additionally show the cheapest prices Per Person (double occupancy rates) on the boat's lowest cabin grade available for booking. This is a unique opportunity for comparison of both itineraries and prices on a single webpage. This allows you to choose departure dates, itinerary ports (visited ports, cities, and towns, usually with land tours included) and the rates.

River Cruise Travel

River cruises are a great and relatively inexpensive way to travel to some of the most historic cities in the world. The itineraries offer scenic voyages along major rivers and inland waterways in Europe, Asia, North and South Africa, South America's Amazon, Australia, USA, and Canada. In all visited ports, there are many sightseeing scheduled activities. Often between ports, there are land tours and bus travel excursions ranging from major cities to small towns and villages.

The greatest challenge about planning a river cruise travel vacation is to identify the proper itinerary. Most of the itineraries are operated with one-week deals, but more exotic voyages can stretch up to two weeks. Grand Danube cruises in Europe connect Holland to the Black Sea, and last three weeks. All river cruise itineraries usually start from a beautiful "big and famous" city with a location on the river. This type of travel deals are usually inclusive of most of the scheduled land tours (which are guided) and pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays. In most destinations (especially in Europe), the river cruising season runs from April through October. Depending on the itinerary, some European and USA itineraries could be Christmas Markets-themed voyages (in December).

While most of the organized shore excursions are price included, some companies additionally offer optional extra-fee tours, hotel packages and cheap flights from UK or USA. Travel cruising on rivers offers an intimate experience which allows exploring all the places part of the itinerary.

Riverboats as sizes are smaller than sea and ocean ships, allowing them to navigate the river's shallow waters and tighter beds. This means that these passenger ships offer far fewer entertainment options, enrichment programming (mostly lectures by local experts) and amenities. In comparison to sea-going passenger shipping vessels, the river cruise accommodations tend to be smaller.

Balcony staterooms are usually rare. Cabin bathrooms are more functional and less "spa". However, the offers on new river cruise ships are "more luxury" and more sophisticated, with larger cabins and a variety of spacious suites. This type of travel vacation is often advertised as great "value for money" deals. In general, from the passenger point of view, river cruising demands a greater value, with higher expectations of service and quality at inexpensive to really affordable prices.

Safety issues

River cruises are generally dependent on water levels and river locks functioning. Due to unpredictable water levels (both high and low) or delays during lock and bridge passages, sometimes the ship changes its scheduled itinerary and travel procedures. In extreme cases, when the planned river route is impassable, the cruise shipping company organizes alternative routes or means of transportation. In such cases, certain cruise ports/destinations along the pre-scheduled itinerary are replaced or not visited.

Occasionally, on itineraries with border crossing may occur delays due to regulatory formalities. On smaller rivers (like Main, and Neckar) are crossed some very low bridges. During the crossing, the ship's crew takes appropriate precautions by dismantling most Sun Deck structures (railings, windscreen) and hydraulically sinking the Wheelhouse to ensure safe passage. During the bridge crossing, the sundeck area is temporarily closed/blocked to both passengers and crew.

Excepting large riverboats with Infirmary (resident doctor), most river cruise ships have only a small first aid kit for cases of medical emergencies. If medical care is required, the ship contacts a general practitioner or clinic. Purchasing foreign health insurance is recommended, as well as prescribed medicines to be taken on the ship in adequate quantities.

On most river cruise boats, the Internet costs extra and is provided via satellite. Connections and speeds could be limited, depending on the destination and vessel's current position. Large files, audio-video streaming, and voice-video chat can't be transferred.

Pets are not allowed on river ships.

River cruising market

River cruising is the travel industry's fastest-growing sector. It is also a changing one since the market gets increasingly wider as vacation experiences (new ships, new amenities, themed cruises, popular itineraries). Statistics show that in 2014, around 139,500 travelers from UK book a river cruise, which was a 6% rise on 2013's UK bookings.

In 2016, a total of 23 new river ships are scheduled for launch. Most of the new riverboats are equipped with a gym, spa and even a top-deck swimming pool. Many offer complimentary bikes for shore exploration and also on guided tours. In the last years, the typical age group was also changed. River cruise companies like Emerald and Scenic report about an increased number of bookings made by holiday travelers in their 40s.

According to CLIA's official reports, there is gaining popularity of the family river cruising vacations. It means that the new generation riverboats (and the river ship travel in general) are attracting younger and more active passengers. To meet the new demand, some of the world's largest lines (such as Uniworld) increase the number of their multi-generational themed itineraries, offering such sailings also in the summer and during the winter school holidays. A-ROSA Flusskreuzfahrten's deals offer free travel for kids under 15. In 2015, Walt Disney started a partnership with AmaWaterways for family-themed Danube cruises on the ship AmaViola.

Contributing to the family river cruising popularity are the boats' new designs, including cabin configurations, connecting staterooms and larger suite accommodations for families. Many land tour activities are also family orientated, featuring cycling, history-themed games, cooking lessons, scavenger hunts.

CLIA's 2016 report said the European river cruising market grew 2.7% over 2015, with over 1,36 million booked passengers. Among those, the majority were North Americans (38,7%) followed by Germans (28,4%).

USA River Cruises

Among the most booked US river cruise deals are the following itineraries:

• Columbia and Snake Rivers (between Portland Oregon and Clarkston WA )
• Lower Mississippi River (between New Orleans and Memphis TN )
• Mississippi River (between New Orleans and St Louis Missouri )
• Upper Mississippi River (between St Louis and Minneapolis-Saint Paul )
• Great Lakes cruises (between Chicago and Toronto)
• French Canada and Great Lakes (between Montreal and Detroit MI )
• French Canada and St Lawrence Seaway (between Halifax and Detroit)

USA river travel experiences include unspoiled and glorious riverside scenery, popular outdoor activities (biking, hiking, kayaking), visiting famous wineries, themed food (locally sourced cuisine and nightly wine tastings on the ship), winery tours and wine tasting (ashore).

Snake and Columbia River Cruises in the USA

Columbia and Snake river cruises are among the best options for vacation travel in Northwest USA. The route includes ports in Oregon and Washington states. Itineraries are tailored to maximize daytime cruising travel for optimal viewing of iconic highlights, such as Columbia River Gorge, local museums, forts, wineries. Cruisetour deals on major companies are inclusive of all shore excursions, offered in each port along the route.

Columbia River cruises are operated with either roundtrip from Portland Oregon or one-way (eastbound/westbound) itineraries between Portland and Clarkston WA. These voyages offer nearly 1600 km (1000 mi) of river travel. The best companies serving the routes are American Cruise Lines and UnCruise Adventures . Their fleets include newbuild riverboat replicas, all-American staff, and crew (dressed in period clothes and uniforms), first-class onboard enrichment programs (with expert historians, guest lecturers, media presentations).

Generally navigated with big-sized ships (including paddlewheel riverboats), Columbia is the largest river in the USA's Pacific Northwest. It starts in the Rocky Mountains (BC Canada), flows northwest, then south into Washington (USA), then turns west and forms most of the Oregon-Washington borderline, and finally flows into the Pacific Ocean. Columbia River's length is 2000 km (1240 mi), and its largest tributary (Snake River) has length 1735 km / 1080 mi.

The following map shows all Snake and Columbia river cruise ports along the itinerary from Portland to Clarkston.

Mississippi River cruises in the USA

Mississippi River runs entirely within the USA, its source is Lake Itasca (northern Minnesota) and flows south for approx 3730 km (2320 mi) to the Mississippi Delta (Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea). Mississippi is ranked the world's 4th-longest and 15th-largest (by discharge). Mississippi either borders or passes through the US states Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana.

River's embayment is one of the USA's most fertile agricultural regions. Before the early 20th century, Mississippi was also the most important waterway serving both passenger travel and cargo trade.

Best deals with several big-capacity boats (paddle wheelers) are offered by American Cruise Lines. Itineraries are grouped as Upper Mississippi (between St Louis Missouri and Saint Paul Minnesota), Middle Mississippi, and Lower Mississippi (between Memphis TN and NOLA-New Orleans). Music-, history-, food, and wine-themed voyages are also available for booking seasonally.

In addition to Mississippi, voyages on its tributaries (the rivers Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland) are also operated.

• The 8-day "Cumberland River Cruise" (Nashville to St Louis) visits Lake Barkley (Kentucky), Clarksville (Tennessee), Dover (Tennessee), Paducah (Kentucky), Cape Girardeau (Missouri), Chester (Illinois) and ends in St Louis (Missouri).
• The 11-day "Ohio River Cruise" (St Louis to Pittsburgh) visits Cape Girardeau (Missouri), Paducah (Kentucky), Henderson (Kentucky), Louisville (Kentucky), Cincinnati (Ohio), Maysville (Kentucky), Marietta (Ohio) and ends in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania).

The following map shows all Mississippi river cruise ports along the itinerary from Minneapolis-St Paul to New Orleans.

The route also includes several popular plantation houses in the Southern US.

Itinerary of River Cruises

CruiseMapper's AIS data source is VesselFinder (ship tracker) that shows the current locations of all our vessels. Exceptions are the newest riverboats currently under construction (which don't have their MMSI numbers yet) and riverboats in Asia and South America (which either don't have MMSI or AIS coverage). In both cases, the unknown vessel identification makes ship tracking impossible.

River cruise ship tracker

Ship tracking is based on the AIS technology (Automated Identification System). Cruise ship tracking is possible because the AIS is mandatory equipment for all commercial (and passenger) ships with gross tonnage 300GT and above.

The equipment's low cost (ranging between USD 150-500) helped all the AIS tracking enthusiasts to purchase such a receiving system and install it at home. These systems stream the received data to web-based trackers. Live tracking of riverboats is a necessity for the shipowner. It also provides valuable info about the ship's current location and course, which helps families of the crew and also friends and relatives of the cruise passengers. And frankly speaking - ship tracking is fun!

List of river cruise ships (itineraries, prices, current location tracking)

In the following table, many fleets include newbuild riverboats. The industry's largest fleet belongs to Viking Cruises, having a truly impressive number of "longships". In both 2014 and 2015, Viking set (and surpassed) its own Guinness Record for christening 12 (in 2014) then 16 (in 2015) boats. The record is for most ships christened in a single day (24-hour period, actually). Introduced in 2012, each of the Viking longships has max capacity 190 passengers and features a patented design that allows a greater number of cabins, plus more balcony accommodations.

The biggest river cruise companies (passenger-shipping lines and travel brands) launching new boats almost every year are Viking, Uniworld, Scylla, Avalon, AMA, Scenic.

Small companies and chartered riverboats

• Amatista Amazon
• Amazon Clipper Premium
• Aria Amazon houseboat
• Mekong Princess
• Der Kleine Prinz
• Elegant Lady
• Murray Princess
• Royal Crown
• RV Charaidew (ABN, Ganges River)
• RV Cruiseco Adventurer (Mekong River)
• RV Cruiseco Explorer (Irrawaddy River)
• RV Rajmahal (Ganges River)
• RV Sukapha (ABN, Ganges River)
• RV Varuna (ABN-G Adventures, Ganges River)
• Carissima (Viking Sky)
• Verdi (Viking Neptune)
• Carmen (Viking Europe)
• RV Lan Diep
• Mecklenburg
• MS My Story
• Rousse Prestige
• RV Anawrahta (Irrawaddy River)
• RV Strand 2016
• Sanctuary Ananda (Irrawaddy River)
• Yangtse Victoria
• Belmond - Orcaella , Road to Mandalay

Nile River cruise ships in Egypt

CruiseMapper's "River Cruise Tracker" was created to cover all riverboats operated by smaller companies and boat-chartering tour operators. Here are listed paddlewheel riverboats and steamboats, as well as luxury hotel barges and river cruise ships operating in Europe, Russia (Volga), USA, Asia (Yangtze, Mekong, Irrawaddy), Australia (Murray), Africa (Nile, Chobe) and South America (Amazon).zzz

River Cruises related cruise news

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Riviera Travel UK waives single supplements for 2024 yacht cruises

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Uniworld adds new sailing dates for Europe and Asia river cruises

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East Coast Inland Passage Cruises from Jacksonville

American Cruise Line offers one-way cruises from Jacksonville to Baltimore, Maryland. The 14-night voyages are on the protected Intracoastal Waterway and stop at Jekyll Island (Georgia), St Simon's Island (Georgia), Savannah (Georgia), Hilton Head (South Carolina), Beaufort (South Carolina), Charleston (South Carolina), Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Wilmington (North Carolina), Morehead City (North Carolina), Kitty Hawk (North Carolina), and Norfolk (Virginia) before arriving in Baltimore.

Jekyll Island has the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the lavish "Millionaire's Village" historic district. St Simons is the largest of the Golden Isles, the barrier islands along the coast of Georgia.

Savannah is famous for its beautiful squares and historic style. It's extremely walkable, or you can take a trolley tour. The waterfront is loaded with fun restaurants and shops.

Hilton Head is a well-known oceanfront resort. Hit the beach, play golf, or take a boat tour of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

Charleston was rated #1 city in the USA by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers. Attractions include a huge historic district, excellent shopping, Fort Sumter, Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place plantation.

Myrtle Beach is a big resort city with theatres and shops. Kitty Hawk is famous for the Wright Brothers Memorial.

In Norfolk you can tour the world's largest navy base, the Battleship Wisconsin, botanical gardens, and the Chrysler Museum of Art.

Your cruise ends in Baltimore , which has many attractions around the Inner Harbor. Enjoy the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry (of Star Spangled Banner fame), Edgar Allan Poe House, USS Constellation ship, and the B&O Railroad Museum.

Schedule of Departures

14-night East Coast Inland Passage cruises from Amelia Island (Florida) to Baltimore (Maryland). Visit Jekyll Island (Georgia), St Simons Island (Georgia), Savannah (Georgia), Hilton Head (South Carolina), Beaufort (South Carolina), Charleston (South Carolina), Wilmington (North Carolina), Morehead City (North Carolina), Kitty Hawk (North Carolina), Norfolk (Virginia) and St Michaels (Maryland). • 2024 departures: April 20, April 25, May 20.

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Cruises Through Inside Passage, Alaska

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Inside Passage Cruise Port Guide

The majestic landscapes of Alaska are an unmissable bucket-list experience for any adventurous traveler, and on an Alaska cruise , you won’t just hit the highlights like Juneau. From the comfort of your incredible cruise ship, you’ll sail across 500 miles of Alaskan wilderness known as the Inside Passage. This coastal waterway is filled with glacial mountains, lush pine forests, and unforgettable wildlife sightings.

During the best Inside Passage cruise, the summertime sunshine offers plentiful photo opportunities. You might see orcas and humpback whales from your stateroom on your way to destinations like Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point. Marvel at the remote, untouched wilderness where you can breathe in the mountain air and truly think. Sky-high icebergs and glaciers await.

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Top sights & attractions for cruises through the inside passage, whale watching.

Entire families of orcas and humpback whales swim the waters along the Alexander Archipelago, and you may be lucky enough to spot them on your Inside Passage cruise. Whale sightings are most common in the summer months.

Snap a picture of a giant glacier up close in Alaska. If you’ve never seen a glacier in person, you’ll be amazed at their scale and enormity here. Alaska’s glaciers constantly shift and change, attracting thousands of environmental scientists and nature lovers to the region each year.

After cruising the Inside Passage, you’ll continue on to Juneau, where you can visit the 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier or go hiking in the Tongass National Forest during your day in port. This remote capital is also famous for dog sledding and incredible glaciers.

Did you know Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world? Tasting the local varieties is a must once you’ve docked in Ketchikan. Don’t miss the Totem Heritage Center and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Set, where you’ll discover thousands of years of Alaskan history and culture.

Learn More About Alaska Shore Excursions

Top things to do in inside passage, extend your cruise with a cruisetour.

Why not extend your vacation with a Cruisetour of Alaska’s interior? A Cruisetour gives you the chance to combine your seven-night sailing with a trip inland to remote Alaskan towns, including the breathtaking Denali National Park. 

Enjoy more time in nature, spot brown bears as they catch salmon swimming upstream, or visit Denali National Park and see the highest mountain peak in North America. Our Cruisetour itineraries take you to Anchorage, Talkeetna, and other towns to experience hiking, Alaskan heritage tours, wildlife, and much more.

Culture & History of Inside Passage Cruise Port

Alaska’s rich history begins with the Indigenous groups that have lived in the region for thousands of years, including the Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Russian explorers reached the area in the 19th century, and the Yukon Gold Rush attracted thousands of miners to the remote area. Alaska became known as “the Last Frontier,” a place where you could stake a claim on the land and get rich trying. By 1959, Alaska was declared a U.S. state. Since the 1960s, the debate over oil rigs in Alaska greatly impacted the region. In the past decades, conservation and preservation of Alaska’s natural landscape has become vital to the area. Today, Alaska’s incredible nature and beauty, not to mention cool and sunny summers, have made it a popular vacation destination.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

You’ll be cruising during your time through Alaska’s Inside Passage. However, Alaska does use the U.S. dollar as its official currency. Alaska’s main sources of economic growth and revenue are fishing and tourism. Don’t forget to tip tour providers, bartenders, and restaurant servers during your Alaska cruise.

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Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

Alaska Inside Passage Cruises

Alaska’s Inside Passage is nothing short of breathtaking. Encompassed by tranquil waters, one moment you can be sailing a wide bay of barrier islands and the next you’re cruising through a narrow waterway flanked by towering forested walls. That’s the splendid spectacle of these serene landscapes — the scenery is constantly changing, from picturesque shores to friendly coastal towns.

What is the Inside Passage?

Stretching hundreds of miles from Puget Sound, Washington, through the British Columbia coast and into the Gulf of Alaska, the Inside Passage includes more than 1,000 islands, seemingly endless shoreline and thousands of idyllic coves and bays. Sailing with Princess, you’ll marvel at the breathtaking scenery and encounter ports of call like Gold Rush-era Skagway, Salmon Capital of the World Ketchikan, the capital city of Juneau and British-flavored Victoria.

Visit a Native village, learn about the triumphs and tragedies of Alaska’s Gold Rush heyday or go dog sledding with a real musher. Touring the Inside Passage on an Alaska cruise is your gateway to the fascinating and colorful culture, history and sights of the Great Land.

History of the Inside Passage

During a two-year expedition through uncharted territory, Captain George Vancouver sailed into the still waters of what came to be known as the Inside Passage . Passing by luminous glaciers artfully carved by Mother Nature’s beaming summers and numbing winters, Captain Vancouver and his team charted over 1,000 miles from 1792 to 1794. From the towering spruce trees lining the borders of Ketchikan to the majestic mountains cradling the heart of Skagway, the mariners documented every inch of this winter wonderland — inviting others to set sail in their same path and revel in the magic for themselves.

In 1881, the first cruise drifted into the still waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage — but, these seafarers did not experience the wonder of modern-day cruises. In the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, these passengers were making history, not reliving it. Since then, journeys through these breathtaking lands have become more exhilarating. In Juneau, venture underground into historical gold mines and see for yourself just how treasure was extracted from rugged walls. Or, take a scenic railway tour up snow-capped mountains and through lush landscapes, retracing the footsteps of early explorers in Skagway.

History awaits you in the enchanting enclaves of the Inside Passage. Cruise past archaic, granite glaciers and step into protected lands. With exclusive access to some of the most famous glaciers — including Glacier Bay National Park — Princess offers a close-up, undisturbed view to spectacular scenery and adored wildlife. Sail into sheer serenity amidst the Inside Passage on an Alaska cruise from Princess.

*Princess Cruise Line is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

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See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

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USA Cruises

Sometimes the greatest adventures can be found just outside our own front doors. USA River Cruises offers trips that navigate the coastal waters, rivers, and inland waterways the world over. But some of the most popular and exciting trips take place in the vast nation that we call home: the United States of America.

We encourage you to look through our U.S.A. offerings. The trips detailed on our website comprise many of the most phenomenal cruises we’ve put together for you. And since they take place right here in the U.S. of A., there’s less travel time involved in getting to the embarkation points, and more time to relax and travel the winding waterways of America.

Here are a few of our more popular offerings — but again we wish to stress how much we’d like you to look over all our offerings in order to tailor a trip that works best for you and your family.

There’s so much to choose from! Consider:

Grand Heartland Cruise: Cruise the length of the Mississippi River on a 14-night southbound trip that starts in St. Paul, Minnesota, and ends in the Big Easy (New Orleans, Louisiana). You’ll cruise down the mighty Mississippi and pass 10 states along the way!

Canyons, Glaciers & Waterfalls: This one’s actually a little off the beaten path — seeing as how it includes hotel stays and five nights aboard an Amtrak train! Visit so many sights and cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon (Arizona), Yosemite National Park, Glacier National Park, and more! Whew!

At USA River Cruises, we want to help you plan the trip of a lifetime — and to do it more than once! That’s right, </> all our trips can be considered trips of a lifetime. That’s how diverse, wide-ranging, and spectacular our itineraries are.

Each member of our team is passionate about traveling, and our strong dedication to customer service reflects our longstanding commitment that started the day we first opened our doors in 1996.

Contact USA River Cruises today to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable cruise agent. We want to help you “Imagine the Journey” — and then turn that imagination into reality.

Call us today. We’ll take care of everything.

East Coast Inland Passage-American Legend

Jacksonville to Baltimore

• March 1, 2025
• From $11,570
• American Legend

East Coast Inland Passage-American Glory

Jacksonville, FL to Washington, DC

• April 2, 2025, October 31, 2025
• From $10,585
• American Glory

Chesapeake Bay-American Glory

Washtingon, DC to Baltimore

• April 26, 2025
• From $5,630
• Save up to $1000 off per Stateroom!!

Cape Codder Cruise-American Legend

Roundtrip Boston

• June 13, 2025, June 20, 2025, June 27, 2025 -- 12 more dates available.
• From $7,835

American Revolution Cruise-American Liberty

Roundtrip Washington, D.C.

• June 7, 2025
• From $9,595
• American Liberty
• Save up to $1500 off per Stateroom PLUS Free Airfare!!

American Revolution Cruise-American Legend

• March 15, 2025, March 25, 2025, April 4, 2025 -- 9 more dates available.

American Revolution Cruise-American Glory

• October 31, 2024, November 10, 2024, April 16, 2025
• From $7,765

Alaskan Explorer Cruise-American Constitution

Roundtrip Juneau

• June 16, 2025, June 16, 2025, June 26, 2025 -- 2 more dates available.
• From $9,125
• American Constitution

Alaska National Parks-American Constitution

Fairbanks, AK to Juneau, AK

• July 14, 2025, July 21, 2025, August 11, 2025 -- 2 more dates available.
• From $13,205
• American Constellation

Alaska Inside Passage – American Constellation

Seattle to Juneau

• May 10, 2025, September 6, 2025, May 9, 2026 -- 1 more date available.
• From $10,810

Mississippi River Odyssey- New Orleans to St. Paul

New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN

• June 14, 2025, July 19, 2025, September 20, 2025
• From $15,499
• Viking Mississippi

Grand New England Cruise-American Patriot

Roundtrip Boston, MA

• June 21, 2025, July 5, 2025, July 19, 2025 -- 5 more dates available.
• From $13,840
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