Cruising is a popular choice of vacation for many people. You can choose to visit several different places, while always coming back to the same room at the end of the day. You also pay for your food, drink and several activities up front, so it’s easier to budget for spending money.
Most people probably think of ocean going liners when a cruise is mentioned, but river cruises are an option that many people are now choosing on a regular basis. The ships tend to take you straight into the midst of the places you visit and there is no risk of only having water to see for hours, or even days. You can walk on deck and see what is happening on the banks of the river as you pass by. So, which are the best US river cruises to look out for in 2018?
Cruising the Mississippi
Photo Courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company
On Upper Mississippi river cruises you can visit Hannibal, where Mark Twain lived as a boy, and got his inspiration for Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Choose to cruise the lower Mississippi and you can visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras or pay homage to Elvis Presley in Memphis.
New York City and the Hudson River
Cruising the Hudson River is not just about New York City, although a visit to the Empire State Building or Central Park is an enticing prospect. There is far more to see along the banks of this river, including the awe inspiring Catskill Mountains.
Wildlife of the Columbia River
Take a walk on deck as you cruise along the Columbia River and you are likely to see an array of different wildlife species, including the impressive sharp-shinned hawk. The river is also famous for having banks that are home to sprawling vineyards and free flowing waterfalls. This is one of the most scenic rivers in the country to travel along.
Spot Grizzlies in Alaska
The 49th state of the USA is a complete one off when it comes to scenery and wildlife. If you like the idea of some adventure, take a cruise around the small islands of the area and stop off for some kayaking and hiking along the way. Of course, who could forget the magnificent glaciers of Alaska that leave such an impression on the memory of anyone who sees them.
A visit to the Great Lakes
Unlike most river cruises in the US, if you want to cruise the entire Great Lakes area you will need to take your passport as you will probably cross over into Canada at some point. You can take a cruise that passes through all of the lakes and takes in such famous sights Niagara Falls, with their impressive power and beauty.
In a country as diverse as the US, there are thousands of different sights to see and experiences to be had. You can enjoy many of them on any one of these cruises which are hot for 2018.