American River Cruise Lines Today
The operators behind almost every overnight river cruise in the United States, one by one.
Compare US River Cruise Fares FreeAmerican Cruise Lines
Among American river cruise lines, American Cruise Lines has by far the widest reach. It sails the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Cumberland and Tennessee, the Columbia and Snake, and a short fall season on the Hudson, and it runs coastal itineraries from New England to the Gulf Coast and Puget Sound as well.
Modern riverboats
A series of newer designs with balconies on many or all cabins, among them American Song, American Harmony, American Jazz, American Melody and, from 2026, American Encore. American Anthem follows in 2027.
Paddlewheel-style boats
For the classic look: American Heritage and American Splendor on the Mississippi, and American Pride and American West in the Pacific Northwest.
What the fare covers
Shore excursions in port, onboard meals and drinks with meals, plus extras that have grown in recent seasons; the exact list depends on the itinerary, so we confirm it with each quote.
The company builds its boats at its own affiliated yard in Maryland and has announced further riverboats for 2028 and 2029. For new ships across the cruise world, New Cruises keeps a running list.
Viking
Viking brought the formula that made it the best-known name in European river cruising to America with a single ship, Viking Mississippi. It carries 386 guests in 193 staterooms, every one facing outward, and it does not accept guests under 18.
- Lower Mississippi: Mississippi Delta Explorer, eight days between New Orleans and Memphis, and New Orleans & Southern Charms, eight days round trip from New Orleans.
- Upper Mississippi: Heartland of America, eight days between St. Louis and St. Paul.
- The whole river: the 22-day Mississippi River Odyssey.
- New for 2027: two voyages that turn onto the Ohio to Louisville (see Viking 2027).
Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic
Lindblad takes a different approach. Its small expedition ships, National Geographic Sea Bird and Sea Lion, carry naturalists rather than entertainers, and its Columbia and Snake program, sold as Food, Wine and History, runs six or eight days between Portland and Clarkston. Expect kayaks, hikes and winery visits rather than show lounges. For more on that river, our sister site Columbia River Cruising follows the route day by day, and Small Ship River Cruising covers small-ship cruising more widely.
| American Cruise Lines | Viking | Lindblad | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boats on US rivers | Many | One | Two small expedition ships |
| Children | Welcome | No guests under 18 | Welcome; ask about age suitability |
| Feel | Classic American, social | Polished, Scandinavian | Outdoors, educational |
| Best known for | Range of rivers and new boats | Mississippi with Viking style | Naturalist-led Columbia and Snake |
The Names You No Longer Need to Compare
American Queen Voyages, which ran the American Queen and several other boats, ceased operating in February 2024; the history of its steamboat is told on Steamboating Cruises. UnCruise Adventures, which once sailed the Columbia, now concentrates on Alaska, Hawaii and Latin America. Any quote still naming either for a river cruise is out of date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cruise Lines the same as American Queen Voyages?
No. They were separate companies. American Queen Voyages stopped operating in February 2024; American Cruise Lines is a different, family-owned company that continues to build new riverboats.
Do American river cruise lines use American crews?
American Cruise Lines’ vessels are U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged with American crews. Viking Mississippi was also built in the United States for domestic service. Ask about your specific ship if it matters to you.
Which line sails the Snake River?
American Cruise Lines and Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic both sail the Columbia and Snake between Portland and the Clarkston–Lewiston area.
Agencies, Tour Companies and Group Departures
Alumni associations, museums and tour operators often sell US river cruises under their own names. In almost every case the boat and crew belong to one of the three operators above, with a group host or extra lectures added on. That can be good value, but it helps to know which line you will actually sail with, because the cabins, food and inclusions come from the operator. For a global view of river lines, see River Cruise Lines; for cruising in and from the USA generally, American Cruise Center.
Get Quotes From Every Line
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price American Cruise Lines, Viking and Lindblad for the same river and month.
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