Are you feeling a bit stir crazy? Want to get out of your state?
Did you know that you can experience a tulip festival, enjoy a holiday river cruise, or explore museums and history without needing a passport? American river cruising may be just the thing you’re looking for, offering over 35 itineraries in the rivers of America. I’m super excited about these! I can’t cover all of them but thought I’d let you know about the main rivers they cruise in, just to give you a few ideas.
First of all, the ships and riverboats are all-new, state-of-the-art, and environmentally friendly. They offer private balconies (great for social distancing!), the largest staterooms on any cruise ship, and lots of complimentary experiences, from shore excursions and entertainment (including complimentary WiFi), to exquisite cuisine. The size of ship ranges from paddlewheel riverboats holding 100 guests, to contemporary riverboats and small coastal ships which accommodate at the most 185 people.
Let’s talk destinations.
Mississippi River
This is everyone’s first thought when we think of American river cruises. And the Mississippi has nine different itineraries, from 4 to 21 nights long. Think of Mark Twain’s homeland, of course. Then think of New Orleans and Memphis…and amazing opportunities to tour battlefields and plantations, and visit the home of jazz, country music, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. If you’re a fan of one of these types of music, there’s a cruise for you.
Northwestern U.S. and Alaska
There’s an entirely different feel on these riverboats and destinations. The northwestern U.S. cruises sail on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, following Lewis & Clark’s route, stopping at some amazing destinations like Mount St. Helens and Multnomah Falls outside of Portland, Oregon.
The Puget Sound and Alaskan cruises use coastal cruise ships to stay south and sail through the Puget Sound, Port Townsend, and Friday Harbor, or stay north, following the route of traditional Alaskan cruises and visiting Ketchikan, the Sawyer Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay. There’s an option for a 14-night north-south or south-north Alaska Inside Passage cruise, with opportunities to get an up-close experience with incredible wildlife and scenery.
The Northwest and Alaskan cruises range from 4 to 14 nights.
Southeast U.S.
The Southern U.S. is beautiful and fascinating, with 6- to 14-night itineraries. The most popular is a 7-night cruise that departs from Charleston, South Carolina or Jacksonville, Florida, and visits Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Cumberland Island, and Amelia Island. There’s a 10-night American Revolution cruise which sails from Baltimore and includes Revolutionary War actors, export historians, and authors who bring history to life. And a chance to sail on the Intercoastal waterway from Baltimore to Charleston.
Northeast U.S.
I have to mention the Maine coast lobster bake cruises, the cruises that sail to the New England islands and along the Maine coast, and the Hudson River Fall Foliage cruise! These are some favorites and include some beautiful sights and experiences.
If you’re craving…
· A tulip festival, I’d suggest springtime in the Pacific Northwest.
· A food & wine tour, I’d suggest the Columbia River.
· A culinary theme, I’d suggest either Creole & Caribbean on the Mississippi or a lobster bake & crab fest cruise in New England.
· Nature, I’d suggest a fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River or an Alaskan adventure.
· A music-themed cruise, you should experience a music tour along the Mississippi.
· History and culture, you can follow the Lewis & Clark Trail on the Columbia River, explore the Revolutionary War or the Civil War in the Southeast, or Mark Twain’s life on the mighty Mississippi.
· A holiday cruise, you can enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s on a beautiful river cruise celebration.
For group leaders, whether taking your family, a yoga retreat, or a bunch of friends, these river cruises work perfectly. The group can stay together or do separate activities.
One benefit from being home in our country, is having such an amazing country to call home. Let me know if you’d like to plan to explore our American rivers. Rates are available into 2021 already.