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How Much Are American River Cruises

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River Cruise Prices Are More Inclusive Than Ocean Cruise Prices

7 Things To Know About River Cruising in the US

In 2011, Tauck became one of the first river lines to go all-inclusive, including beverages and tips. Others have followed suit, though “inclusive” doesn’t always mean that all extras are included. Some lines include port charges, gratuities and alcohol in their base fares others do not. Still, ocean cruisers will likely be surprised at what river cruise fares do include.

“The biggest difference between ocean and river cruising is that daily shore excursions are included,” says Richard Marnell, senior vice president of marketing for Viking. “You do not get nickeled and dimed once you are onboard. The vast majority of what you are going to do is paid for, so you can budget well in advance.”

Wine and beer included with dinner? Imagine that. Complimentary airport transfers? Free Wi-Fi? On river cruises, these are staples.

Bluegrass Music And Lincoln’s Birthplace

One of the hallmarks of Kentucky is bluegrass music and we were treated to two performances. A local band was brought onboard in Paducah to perform in the Duchess theater. Two days later, we visited the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, where we saw another live performance and learned about a genre of music known for its acoustic stringed instruments.

At our final stop in Brandenburg, we were taken to the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln in nearby Hodgenville. Lincoln was born in a log cabin at the site and lived in Kentucky until he was 7 when his family moved to Indiana. I especially enjoyed a visit to the Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville, where an impersonator recited portions of the Gettysburg Address.

The Ohio River doesnt offer some of the glitziest ports of call, but Bierdz said American Queen Steamboat Company is planning to expand sailings on the river in 2022, reflecting increased demand from cruisers wanting to stay closer to home.

We have seen huge demand from guests seeking new itineraries that are still accessible and close to home, often after they experience a river cruise for the first time on the lower and upper Mississippi River, Bierdz said.

Shipboard Shows Dining Excursions: What To Expect

To ensure social distancing, the open seating for dinner was scrapped. Instead, there were two seatings so there was plenty of space between guests. We were assigned to the same table each night better for contact tracing.

There also were two shows in the evenings to keep the size of the crowds down. At the end of each performance in the show lounge, we were asked to quickly depart so that the theater could be fogged with an antiviral mist before the next performance.

There was no self-service, whether it be at breakfast or lunch buffets or the Duchess popular Perks room, where there is coffee, juice, ice cream, popcorn and fresh-baked cookies. There were plenty of ways to indulge ones sweet tooth you just had to wait for someone to serve you.

As far as shore excursions, American Queen Steamboat Company has temporarily halted its hop-on, hop-off buses that allowed passengers to explore port towns on their own. As a replacement, we were taken on more conventional bus tours with a guide so that our groups could be more insulated.

Bierdz said COVID-19 protocols are constantly changing on the companys boats, so its best to check with the cruise line before departure to see what rules are currently in place when you sail.

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Usa River Cruises Offers Travelers A Direct Line To Local History Culture And Cuisine

And by local we mean the world.

Thats because USA River Cruises takes our guests to some of the most scenic and exciting destinations around the globe.

Tired of the same vacation trips? Looking for something a lot more inclusive and flexible, so that you can relax when you want to relax and partake in invigorating excursions when the spirit moves you?

When youre onboard a USA River Cruise, everything is taken care of. You wont have to worry about car rentals or driving from unfamiliar city to unfamiliar city. No more stressing out about securing overnight accommodations. And forget all about trying to decide where to eat!

Us River Cruise Prices

The American Queen Paddle

A made-in-America river cruise can be more expensive than cruising the rivers of Europe, but there are other benefits to consider, like the absence of international flights.

The pricing structure on U.S. river cruises is similar to that of their European counterparts. Booking six months in advance of peak season departures is advised. That doesn’t mean you can’t get good deals later than that, though. In addition, some U.S. river cruise lines typically offer group discounts and fare reductions for kids.

On average, U.S. river cruise prices run about $400 to $500 per person, per night. While the U.S. cruise lines tout themselves as “inclusive,” it’s important to understand exactly what that means. American Cruise Lines’ fares don’t cover crew tips or port charges, while American Queen Steamboat Company advertises itself as the most inclusive river cruise product in North America, with fares that encompass complimentary wine and beer with dinner, all shore excursions, bottled water and soda, and a one-night stay in a deluxe hotel in the city of embarkation.

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Best River Cruises In Usa

With the Mississippi, the Columbia, and more, America is home to some enormous and iconic rivers that have played key roles in the development of the nation. Each river has its own stories to tell and stunning scenery to offer, and one of the best ways to enjoy the rivers of America is by taking a river cruise. With cruise lines like American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines offering multiple routes and experiences at great prices, theres never been a better time to book a USA river cruise. Read on to learn about a few of the best river cruises you can choose. Hours/availability may have changed.

It’s A Boat Not A Ship

Most cruisers, having been on larger oceangoing cruise vessels have been trained to call them ships. Boats, we’re often told, must be small enough to be carried on a ship. And so it’s easy to forget that even though you’re cruising on a river, the vessel you’re on is not a ship, but a boat. But that definition only applies if the vessel is built to sail the ocean. Vessels built specifically for lakes and rivers are called boats.

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Highlights Of A Viking River Cruise

Traveling by river, beyond the reach of roadways, you will discover the true nature of fascinating lands and the people who call them home. You will travel with ease, unpacking just once and enjoying the ever-changing scenery along the banks as you are gently carried on board an elegant, intimate ship to your next destination. Here is just a small sample of where a Viking river cruise will take you:

  • Viennas elegant boulevards and Hapsburg treasures
  • Budapests historic Castle District
  • The lush vineyards of France
  • Storybook villages and hilltop castles of Germany
  • The charming windmills of The Netherlands
  • Glittering palaces of St. Petersburg, Russia
  • Germanys spectacular Saxon Switzerland region
  • Portugals rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley
  • Ancient temples along Egypts timeless Nile River
  • Chinas breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze
  • Cambodias sprawling Angkor Wat complex
  • Vietnams lush and fertile Mekong Delta
  • The American Souths historic citiesfrom New Orleans to Memphis
  • Americas heartlandfrom bustling St. Louis to distinctive St. Paul

Best Us River Cruises

American Queen Steamboat Cruise 2017

In the US, river cruising can involve a voyage down the Mississippi River on a historic paddleboat, meandering alongside glaciers in Alaska or heading down the Hudson River on ships that carry fewer than 150 passengers and move at a relaxed pace. Fewer fellow passengers mean shorter lines, while on-board historians and naturalists put travelers in touch with the surroundings with daily lectures on many river cruises. Shore excursions are included in the price as well. Another advantage: these smaller ships can reach places and ports that mega-ships can’t. Below are several ships and itineraries worth considering.

Civil War and history buffs gravitate to this 7-night river cruise aboard the 4-year-old, 52-stateroom American Star. The cruise includes a stop at Daufuskie Island, accessible only by boat, where a small, native population has little contact with the outside world.

Ports/Destinations: Beaufort, SC Daufuskie Island/Hilton Head, SC Savannah, GA St. Simons Island, GA Jekyll and Amelia Islands, GA Jacksonville, FL

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Ports/Destinations: Dawes Glacier Fords Terror Juneau Chatham Strait Tenakee Springs Sitka

Ports/Destinations: Portland, OR Astoria, OR Rainier, WA Stevenson, WA Pendleton, OR Clarkston, WA

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Ohio And Cumberland Rivers

The great historic and hard-working rivers of the Midwest turn out to be great for river cruises. Itineraries generally include Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati, with stops in undiscovered gems like Madison, Ind., and Maysville, Ky.

Can you tour Churchill Downs on an Ohio River cruise, or take a side trip through horse-and-bourbon country? Why yes, you can.

The Cumberland River, which runs mainly through Tennessee but touches Alabama and Kentucky, is winding, picturesque, and full of unexpected pleasures. And any cruise that includes an excursion to Nashville cant be all bad.

Also read: Tips for Planning a River Cruise — When, Where and What to Expect

Taking A Cruise: Recommendations And Resources

Book a Cruise:Have a specific cruise you want to book or just need some help and inspiration? Get a cruise quote through us: Cruise Quote Form.Not Sure What to Book?Learn everything you need to know to find and book the perfect cruise in my How to Cruise For Less cruise course.Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:You could be stranded abroad, lose your entire cruise fare, or be hit with MASSIVE medical bills if you dont have cruise travel insurance. I use comparison websites to compare quotes: Compare Quotes Here.Our full list of travel recommendations can be found here.

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Columbia And Snake Rivers Cruise

Hayden Island, OR to Clarkston, WA

  • Pre-CruisePackage and Complimentary Hotel Stay
  • Day 1Hayden Island, OR
  • Day 2Astoria, OR
  • Day 3Mount St. Helens, WA
  • Day 4Cruising the Columbia River Gorge / Stevenson, WA
  • Day 5The Dalles, OR
  • Day 6Pendleton, OR / Richland, WA
  • Day 7Cruising the Snake River
  • Day 8Clarkston, WA

It Probably Won’t Be Your Last Rodeo

The 5 Best U.S. River Cruises to Take

You may think you’re only giving one U.S. river cruise a try to see what all the buzz is about, but don’t be surprised if you’ve got your second river cruise planned before you’re even done with the first. River cruise companies have some of the highest repeat rates in the cruise industry. People just can’t get enough of them. Whether it’s the bucolic towns and quaint cities, superb service and excellent food, all-inclusive pricing and sociable clientele or a mix of all and more, most river cruisers can’t wait to sail the next river.

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Mississippi River Cruising Perfected

Cruise the legendary Mississippi River aboard the newest riverboats in the region and enjoy perfect comfort and modern amenities as you travel to each historical destination. The fabric of the region is brought to life through our delicious regional cuisine, live onboard music, and customized excursions. Choose from nine amazing Mississippi River itineraries including the Lower Mississippi River Cruise traveling from festive New Orleans to soulful Memphis, the Upper Mississippi River Cruise which explores from fascinating St. Louis to welcoming St. Paul, MN, or the Complete Mississippi River Cruise which traverses the entire length of this amazing and historic river.

New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA

  • Pre-CruisePackage and Complimentary Hotel Stay
  • Day 1New Orleans, LA
  • Day 2Oak Alley, LA
  • Day 3Natchez, MS
  • Day 5St. Francisville, LA
  • Day 6Baton Rouge, LA
  • Day 7Houmas House, LA
  • Day 8New Orleans, LA

Memphis, TN to New Orleans, LA

  • Pre-CruisePackages and Complimentary Hotel Stays
  • Day 1Memphis, TN
  • Day 2Day of River Cruising
  • Day 3Vicksburg, MS
  • Day 5St. Francisville, LA
  • Day 6Baton Rouge, LA
  • Day 7Oak Alley, LA
  • Day 8New Orleans, LA

St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN

  • Pre-CruisePackages and Complimentary Hotel Stays
  • Day 1St. Louis, MO
  • Day 2Hannibal, MO
  • Day 3Fort Madison, IA
  • Day 4Davenport, IA
  • Day 7Red Wing, MN
  • Day 8St. Paul, MN

New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN

American Jazz/ American Melody American Cruise Lines

In August 2020, American Jazz will become American Cruise Linesâ third modern river boat, joining a fleet that also includes four authentic paddle wheelers and five coastal ships. Sailing along the Lower Mississippi, she will be the sister to both American Song and American Harmony and so will feature the innovative bow that opens up to reveal a retractable gangway.

As well as the stunning, five-storey glass atrium that allows natural light to flood in from all directions, American Jazz will offer a brand new grade of accommodation in the form of Grand Suites. These boast wrap-around balconies and glass walls that create an abundance of space for guests who wish to invite their new-found friends over for dinner or a cocktail party.

Incidentally, American Cruise Lines will also launch their fourth modern riverboat, American Melody, later in the year.

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Mississippi River Cruise Holidays

“The Mississippi Delta, shining like a national guitar.” So sang Paul Simon, demonstrating that river cruising on the Mississippi is a journey through the American landscape, American history, and perhaps most of all, American music.

The Mighty Mississippi is a wholly American river both geographically and spiritually speaking. As you travel its length the stories of the American Civil War, slavery and civil rights, rock’n’roll and jazz unfold before you. Few river cruising experiences capture a place, its history and its people quite so completely as river cruising the Mississippi.

So relax, unwind, and begin a journey that could take you all the way from Minnesota to New Orleans, via Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and, of course, Mississippi.

Other ports of call along the Mississippi include Nashville, Memphis, Baton Rouge, St. Louis, Springfield & Chicago.

Below is our selection of Mississippi river cruises, call us on 0800 810 8220 and discover why, time and time again, people recommend River Cruising from the award winning Travel Villaage Group.

2022

Providing Access To The Most Scenic And Historic Waterside Locales In One All

Tragedy befalls American couple on Amazon River cruise

River cruises are popular vacations abroad, but what about floating a little closer to home? U.S. river cruises might be the best kept secret in American travel. Rivers used to be the lifeblood of American trade and travel, and the cities that have cropped up along the banks of these rivers are filled with rich history and culture. Floating at a steady pace, youll be able to take in the grand, sweeping sights of trees and fields and mountains. And by stopping throughout these ports of call, youll be able to experience a delightful cross-section of life across America.

Most U.S. river cruises sail along the Mississippi River, the Hudson River and the Columbia and Snake rivers. River cruise boats are small, and they usually carry around 200 passengers. Many of these vessels are styled after historic paddle wheel boats in a nod to the American river-faring traditions of the past. Riverboats can dock closer to more populated downtown areas than cruise ships can, plopping you right in the center of the action no matter what city you land in.

Sometimes, U.S. river cruises can have more upfront expenses than other vacations, scaring off would-be travelers. However, most river cruise tickets include room, board, gratuities, city tours, entertainment and beverages, so the price winds up being pretty cost-effective.

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Why Are River Cruises Expensive The Truth Behind The Price

If you are considering your first river cruise you might be wondering what you actually get for your money.

Ive been on two river cruises to date and was incredibly impressed with the value for money that river cruises offer.

During this article, we will look into everything that a river cruise fare includes.

What Is The Current Situation

CDC has released all the necessary information that cruise ship operators need to resume passenger operations under the Framework for Conditional Sailing Order , originally issued ). The CSO is a phased approach to resuming passenger operations on cruise ships. CDC may adjust these requirements and recommendations based on public health considerations and other factors. Information about the COVID-19 status of ships sailing under the CSO is available on CDC’s website.

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River Cruise Lines Have High Crew Costs Due To High Standards Of Service

River cruise ships typically only have around 100-150 passengers.

For a ship of this size, there will be around 50 crew members which mean that the crew are able to give a very high standard of service to all guests.

On some of the most luxurious river cruise lines, each cabin will have a butler who is on call for guests whenever they need anything.

On a river cruise, the same crew members may have multiple jobs to complete.

For example, the waiters in the main bar may also work as waiters in the dining rooms during dinner. This is one of the reasons why you really do get to know the crew on board, you see them all day every day!

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