Cruise Line Announces Longest-Ever U.S. River Cruise

American Cruise Lines is announcing a 60-day river cruise that starts in Portland, Oregon on the West Coast and ends in New York City.

Called “The Great United States,” this ambitious voyage will mark the longest domestic river cruise itinerary ever. It will enable guests to visit 20 states and cruise four major American rivers, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Mississippi, and the Hudson.

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

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Although the trip is divided into discrete segments on three of the line’s small ships—American Jazz, American Symphony, and American Independence—American Cruise Lines has curated a seamless, and mostly price-inclusive experience from coast to coast.

Pricing 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 the contemporary American Cruise Lines riverboats, with all-balcony staterooms, holds a maximum of 180 passengers. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and spacious sun decks will offer guests up-close views of these inland waterways as well as an unparalleled opportunity to cruise the Hudson during the peak foliage season.

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The popularity of domestic river cruising soared after the pandemic. “U.S. river cruising has definitely experienced a feverish wave of popularity with our 2022 departures currently up by 84 percent versus the same time in 2019,” Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners told travel industry publication, TravelAgent.com.

U.S. riverboats offer an intimate and relaxed setting, avoid the potential hassles of long-haul flights abroad, allow passengers to remain closer to home, and give them an opportunity to immerse themselves in America’s diverse history, culture, and culinary traditions.

The length of most domestic river cruises typically 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.

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Cruise fares for The Great United States start at $51,00 per person, double occupancy, with prices varying by stateroom category. The fare also includes all onboard meals and beverages (including beer, wine and alcohol), entertainment and enrichment activities, most shore excursions, local transportation, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship as well as tips, gratuities, and port charges. The cruise will sail on August 14, 2024, and arrive in New York Harbor on October 14, 2024.

For additional information, a detailed itinerary, and price quotes, visit the American Cruise Lines website.

On More Time To Travel:

US River Cruises: 10 Reasons Why People Love Them

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