Cruise Line announces the longest river cruise in the United States

American Cruise Lines announces a 60-day river cruise that begins in Portland, Oregon on the West Coast and ends in New York.

Called “The Great United States, this ambitious voyage will mark the longest domestic river cruise route ever. It will allow customers to visit 20 states and navigate four major American rivers, the Columbia and Snake rivers, the Mississippi and the Hudson.

Free daily shore excursions include private guided tours of three national parks (Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton). Additional excursions will allow guests to explore the nation’s maritime heritage in historic cities (including Boston and New York) and other towns and villages along the east coast of Plymouth, MA; in Mystic, Connecticut; in Newport, RI; in Port Jefferson, New York.

Although the voyage is divided into discrete segments on three of the line’s smaller ships—american jazz, American SymphonyAnd American independence—American Cruise Lines has organized a seamless and mostly paid experience from coast to coast.

The prize includes a pre-cruise hotel stay in Portland, Oregon, as well as two flights and five hotel nights between the three cruise segments.

Each of American Cruise Lines’ contemporary riverboats, with all-balcony cabins, can accommodate a maximum of 180 passengers. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and spacious decks will provide guests with an up-close view of these inland waterways as well as an unparalleled opportunity to cruise the Hudson during peak foliage season.

The popularity of domestic river cruises soared after the pandemic. “River cruising in the United States has definitely seen a feverish wave of popularity with our 2022 sailings currently up 84% over the same period in 2019,” Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, told the travel industry publication, TravelAgent.com.

American riverboats provide an intimate and relaxed setting, avoid the potential hassle of long-haul flights overseas, allow passengers to stay closer to home, and give them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diversity of the history, culture and culinary traditions of America.

The duration of most domestic river cruises usually ranges from less than a week to two weeks. But a recent survey by Globus (reported in the industry publication, Travel Pulse) found that river cruisers are increasingly interested in longer itineraries.

Cruise prices for The Great United States starting at $51.00 per person, based on double occupancy, with prices varying by stateroom category. The rate also includes all meals and beverages, entertainment and free Wi-Fi throughout the ship, as well as gratuities, gratuities and port charges. The cruise will depart August 14, 2024 and arrive in New York Harbor on October 14, 2024.

For more information, a detailed itinerary and quotes, visit the American cruise lines website.