Leave your passport at home: What to know about US river cruises

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For many travelers, cruises likely bring to mind Caribbean island hopping or journeys along European waterways.
But for those who would rather stick close to home, there are plenty of options for visiting new destinations by ship without ever leaving the U.S. Domestic river cruises give travelers an opportunity to explore America without the hassle of long-haul flights.
“You cover multiple states on almost every cruise … so it’s a really nice way to see different parts of the country,” said Donavan Martin, vice president of the travel agency USA River Cruises Inc.
Offering a convenient way to explore the rich landscapes and cultural heritage of America, these cruises eliminate the complexities of international travel. For passengers accustomed to a more conventional type of sailing, they can reshape perceptions of cruising and open up a world of exploration along America’s iconic rivers.
Travelers can choose from a range of itineraries from coast to coast. This year’s most popular sailings have been on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest – which are often combined with the Snake River – according to Martin.
The Mississippi River is another major destination. Viking even purpose-built its first river ship based in North America, Viking Mississippi, for the waterway.
“On the Viking Mississippi, our onboard dining features daily-changing menus highlighting delicious regional cuisine and always available classics prepared with fresh, local ingredients,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email. “Our cultural enrichment on board includes iconic music of the region, such as New Orleans Jazz and the Wisconsin Polka, while our guest lecturers shed light on the region’s art, architecture, history, culture and more.”
But passengers should note that the river can be tricky to navigate. Water level fluctuations, which have been exacerbated by climate change, can affect cruise lines’ operations.
“Almost every year, there’s at least a couple of weeks there that could have some alterations to itineraries for water levels,” Martin said. He added that cruise lines do a “really good job” of trying to visit as many planned ports as possible.
Travelers have options in regions they may not even realize.
American Cruise Lines, which offers a wide range of itineraries across the country, began round-trip sailings from Washington, D.C., in March. In Florida, a major departure point for ocean-going cruise ships, its Great Rivers of Florida itinerary allows guests to sail in and around the state rather than just from it.
American operates a U.S.-flagged fleet of modern riverboats, paddle wheelers and coastal ships and has grown rapidly, nearly tripling its vessels in just the last five years. The line, which currently has 19 ships, will add five more by 2026.
The expansion has been driven in large part by demand from loyal guests, according to spokesperson Alexa Paolella. “The advantages in exploring the U.S. are endless,” she said in an email. “We all have a tendency to overlook or take for granted what we have available in our own backyards.”
New England cruises visiting states like Rhode Island and Massachusetts are reliable traffic drivers as well, according to Martin.
“Those ones and the Hudson River are always sold out,” he said.
Most of the U.S. river cruise destinations are seasonal, he added. Prime time for the Columbia River is between April and October, for instance, and travelers may find fewer ships on the Lower Mississippi in late summer during hurricane season.
Prices vary by destination, sailing date and other factors. 
Starting prices for eight-day Mississippi Delta Explorer cruises with Viking between New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, in 2025, for example, are $3,499 to $5,999 per person.
Martin noted that U.S. river cruises tend to be more inclusive than traditional ocean sailings. Many bundle meals and drinks – including alcohol and specialty coffee – along with shore excursions and Wi-Fi, which can add up when priced out a la carte.
That depends. River cruises have also historically been popular with an older clientele. Viking, for instance, is adults-only. 
Even when children are welcome, river cruise vessels tend to be small, without the kinds of kid-friendly attractions found on large ocean ships (think rock climbing walls and roller coasters). Martin said ships on most of the lines his agency works with can accommodate 200 guests or less.
That said, Martin has booked families on American Cruise Lines who enjoyed themselves. Adventure-focused Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic also attracts an active crowd, according to Martin.
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U.S. travelers generally don’t need to bring one on domestic river cruises, but they should have another form of ID like a driver’s license, Martin said. “For some reason, maybe someone doesn’t have a passport, so these cruises are perfect for that.”
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].