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United States Cruises

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Cruises in the United States

Whether you want to explore the dynamic cities and rocky shores of the East Coast, taste wines in the California sunshine, bask on Florida’s golden beaches, or see Alaska’s incredible wildlife, our United States cruises will deliver your dream vacation. Immerse yourself in Boston’s historic sites and exciting culinary scene. Ride the vintage cable cars in San Francisco and explore the dazzling colors of Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

Cruises to the United States take you to the heart of these iconic cities, as well as exploring some of the country’s most beautiful coastlines, from the icy peaks and forested inlets of Alaska to the lush landscapes of New England. The list of adventures in store is endless, from hiking, cycling, and kayaking to whale-watching, designer shopping, fine dining, and a rich, diverse culture. All this is yours, from the luxurious setting of one of our award-winning, contemporary ships.

USA Cruise Highlights

Cosmopolitan cities.

The USA can rightly claim to have some of the most exciting cities in the world. San Diego’s atmospheric Gaslamp Quarter is waiting to be explored, while in Boston, the Freedom Trail is a fascinating history lesson. Check out Pier 39 in San Francisco, and take a trip to Alcatraz. Discover Hemingway’s legacy in laid-back Key West, find your inner rock star in Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, or explore the interesting mix of cultures in New Orleans.

Spectacular Nature

Wherever you sail in the USA, you’ll be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of the landscapes. Hawaii is a lush paradise of rainforest, volcanic peaks, and tumbling waterfalls, while Alaska is wild and untamed, a world of snowy mountains, glaciers, and old-growth forest. Sail the coast of New England in fall and take in the dazzling shades of scarlet and orange on the trees. Or head south to Key West for a setting of coconut palms, sandy beaches, and colorful coral reefs.

Exciting Cuisine

Whether you want to taste award-winning vintages in Napa Valley, feast on lobster rolls in New England, or sample gumbo in New Orleans, you’ll discover an incredibly varied culinary scene on your travels around the USA. Don’t miss a salmon bake or the chance to try reindeer sausages in Alaska. In San Francisco, head for Chinatown for tasty dim sum. Key West is famed for its tangy Key lime pie, while Seattle’s claim to fame is artisan-roast coffee—and those powerful Washington State wines.

United States Cruise Regions

The wild frontier of Alaska has some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the USA, where you’ll find mile upon mile of jagged, snow-capped mountains and dense forest. On a cruise, you’ll be able to appreciate this wild beauty from both a land and sea perspective. You’ll see glaciers, rocky shorelines, historic gold rush towns, and flower-strewn mountain meadows. Along the way, you can hike, kayak, spot bears, go whale-watching, and feast on fresh salmon.

New England

New England has it all: cosmopolitan cities like Boston, arty seaside towns, windswept coasts, and verdant national parks. Follow the Freedom Trail in Boston, and explore Portland’s seafaring history under Maine’s vast skies. Hike the woodlands and glacier-scoured peaks of glorious Acadia National Park. Time your trip for the fall and admire the fiery colors of the foliage. Everywhere you go, there’s delicious seafood to taste, like lobster rolls, or claws dripping in melted butter.

Visit some of the most exciting cities on the Pacific Coast with Celebrity. See the graceful sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge in hilly San Francisco, and ride the historic cable cars. Whizz up the Space Needle in Seattle and take in the colors and buzz of Pike Place Market. In Los Angeles, browse the designer shops on Rodeo Drive and marvel at the stars’ homes. Catalina Island, meanwhile, is another world of rugged coastlines, diverse marine life, and hiking trails with sweeping views.

Indulge in a relaxing journey across the warm Pacific from Vancouver to the lush, volcanic islands of Hawaii, where waterfalls tumble from verdant peaks and the ocean is home to abundant whales and dolphins. Visit Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls from Hilo, and admire the fiery antics of Mount Kilauea. Learn about history in Honolulu, the location of the only royal palace in the USA, and Pearl Harbor. Join a firelight luau in Lahaina, and visit a working pineapple plantation.

The Sunshine State is the perfect place to start your cruise. Admire the colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami’s South Beach, and taste Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Browse the shops along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and explore the canals by gondola. Take a boat ride through the watery Everglades in search of alligators. Treat your kids to a day in the theme parks around Orlando—and meet astronauts at the Kennedy Space Center. Make time to visit those glorious beaches, too.

USA Cruise Itineraries

Celebrity Cruises offers a vast range of USA cruise itineraries and departure ports. Sail from Boston, or Cape Liberty in New Jersey. In Florida, choose between Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and Miami. West Coast ports include Los Angeles, Seattle, and Seward. Cruises range from short getaways to Key West to 13-night voyages from Vancouver, Canada to Honolulu.

Itineraries

Why cruise to the usa with celebrity cruises.

There’s no more comfortable way to explore the exciting coastlines of the USA than with Celebrity Cruises. You’ll dock in the heart of some of the country’s most iconic cities and sail along exquisite coastlines, visiting multiple destinations and only having to unpack once.

As you sail, you’ll discover all the wonderful amenities that make a vacation on board our award-winning ships such a luxurious experience. Live life at your own pace, whether you want a workout in the Fitness Center or a private cabana by the pool. Unwind in the spa, take in the views from the Magic Carpet on Edge-series ships, or relax on the fragrant grass at the Lawn Club on Solstice-series ships. Savor world-class cuisine every day. Elevate your experience in The Retreat, where you’ll enjoy beautiful suite accommodation, an exclusive lounge, and the culinary delights of Luminae at The Retreat.

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U.S. News has ranked more than 150 cruise ships. Find the best cruise for your vacation.

Cruise Line Rankings

U.S. News has made it easier to find the cruise that's right for you with our Best Cruise Lines rankings, which identify the best cruise lines for a variety of traveler types in a range of regions.

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

• # 1 Virgin Voyages
• # 2 Celebrity Cruises
• # 3 Princess Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families

• # 1 Disney Cruise Line
• # 2 Royal Caribbean International
• # 3 Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

• # 1 Viking Ocean Cruises
• # 2 Seabourn Cruise Line
• # 3 Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

• # 3 Virgin Voyages

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

• # 3 Celebrity Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Cruising 101.

Cruise Packing List: 35 Essentials for Your 2023 Cruise

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The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2023 and 2024

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The 12 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2023-2024

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U.S. News Announces the 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Virgin Voyages earns its first No. 1 ranking in the Best for the Money category.

U.S. News 2023 Best Cruise Lines

Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels , Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs , today released its annual rankings of the Best Cruise Lines .

The 2023 rankings highlight 17 cruise lines to help every type of traveler find the cruise that’s right for them. For the first time, Virgin Voyages takes the No. 1 spot in the Best Cruise Lines for the Money ranking, offering the best value among cruise lines. U.S. News considered the overall cruise line quality and average base fare per night, as well as extra benefits such as free gratuities, Wi-Fi access and all-inclusive package options. Carnival Cruise Line, known for its budget-friendly fares and frequent sales, and Celebrity Cruises, which offers a more upscale experience at reasonable rates, rank No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

For the ninth consecutive year, Disney Cruise Line is the Best Cruise Line for Families . The family-oriented line offers ships with character meet-and-greets, themed dinners, nighttime fireworks, waterslides and more. Royal Caribbean International comes in at No. 2, thanks to its onboard amenities that cater to guests of all ages, while Carnival Cruise Line ranks No. 3, offering family-friendly perks like water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses on its ships.

"After more than two years of sailing restrictions and limited voyage options due to the coronavirus pandemic, cruisers and cruise lines are excited to be on the seas again,'' said Nicola Wood, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "The Best Cruise Lines rankings evaluate a variety of cruise types, making it easy for travelers to find the best options that fit their budgets, cruising styles and desired destinations."

U.S. News ranks cruise lines in six categories: Best Cruise Lines for the Money, Best Cruise Lines for Families, Best Cruise Lines for Couples, Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean and Best Luxury Cruise Lines. The rankings follow a comprehensive, transparent methodology that factors in expert evaluations of ship quality, traveler ratings, health assessment results and more.

This year's rankings are accompanied by editorial roundups of the top gay cruises for 2023, the top cruise lines for solo travelers and the best cruise insurance ; each piece aims to provide helpful advice and planning information to a wide community of cruisers. U.S. News also offers additional cruise tips and recommendations, such as what to pack on a cruise , the top river cruise lines , fun adults-only cruises and more.

2023 Best Cruise Lines Rankings

See the full rankings here .

Best Cruise Lines for the Money 1. Virgin Voyages 2. Carnival Cruise Line 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Royal Caribbean International 3. Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean 1. Disney Cruise Line 2. Virgin Voyages 3. Celebrity Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Azamara

Best Luxury Cruise Lines 1. Viking Ocean Cruises 2. Seabourn Cruise Line 3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For more information on the Best Cruise Lines , explore Facebook , Twitter and Instagram using #BestCruises.

Media Contact: Michelle Day, [email protected] , 202-955-2212

About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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American Cruise Lines

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American Cruise Lines fleet

Acl american liberty, acl american legend, acl american eagle, acl american glory, american harmony, american song, american independence, american star, american spirit, american empress, american serenade, american symphony, american melody, american jazz, american constitution, review of american cruise lines.

ACL-American Cruise Lines Inc (AmericanCruiseLines.com) is a USA-based travel company founded in 1991 and headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut. Currently ranked USA's largest river cruise company , ACL operates traditional stern-paddlewheel riverboats and also several small-sized oceangoing ships. ACL ships cruise mainly in the USA, including Alaska, West and East Coast, the USA's biggest rivers (Mississippi, Tennessee, Potomac, Columbia, Snake, Hudson), also in Florida (St George River).

The company's current President and CEO is Charles B. Robertson who succeeded ACL's founder Charles A. Robertson (1948-2020).

ACL's management team includes:

• Dawn Lancaster (Accounts Payable Lead/Groton CT)
• Kayleigh Yates (Pastry Chef/New Roads LA)
• Brad Csuka (VP of Marketing/Stratford CT)
• Susan Shultz (Director of Sales/Guilford CT)
• Shelly Hartfield (Director of Product Development/New Albany IN)
• Meghan Sturgeon (Creative Director/Guilford CT)
• John Foley (Director of Information & Technology/Bethel CT)
• Makena Hoyt (Travel Coordinator/Salt Lake City UT)
• Matthew Kelley (First Mate, from Kingston MA)
• Marcus Lemon (Line Cook/Orlando FL)

In August 2021, ACL announced a major refurbishment project for its entire paddlewheeler fleet. The redesigned boats were renamed "American Splendor" (fka America), "American Heritage" (fka Queen of the Mississippi) and "American West" (fka Queen of the West), and only American Pride retained its name. The refurb project was via partnership with Studio DADO (Miami-based interior design firm) which was commissioned for the American Melody's interior spaces. By this project (completed by March 2022), the ACL paddlewheelrs' staterooms, bars and lounges, dining rooms and public areas were completely redesigned, featuring new color schemes, artworks, furniture, carpets, textiles, accessories.

Since January 2022, all ACL deals with added domestic flights (between airports in the USA, which includes all the company's 19 ports in 16 US states) are with flat-rate priced airfares (fixed/not subject to future changes). ACL river voyages' prices are inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel overnight.

Since December 2022, all ACL deals are inclusive of port charges and fees (commissionable for travel agents).

ACL's main competitor is Viking Cruises USA .

One of the most prominent features of all ACL ships is that they are USA- flagged , which means that the company hires only American citizens as hotel staff and crews, and pays taxes in the USA (on all cruise deals).

ACL deals are not so cheap, and consist of:

• larger-than-average staterooms (with the first balcony cabins in the US coastal cruise shipping business)
• spacious public rooms (bars and lounges)
• gourmet cuisine, highly personalized service
• hassle-free experiences, complimentary drinks before dinner, intimate, relaxing and friendly atmosphere
• amazingly charming itineraries sailing the inland waterways and stopping at ports every day (these are smaller ports inaccessible to larger vessels)
• an evening enrichment program by professional onboard lecturers
• the cruise ship "Queen of the Mississippi" debuted in 2012 as the largest of all ACL ships. Her sister ship was recently launched (March 2015) under the name "American Eagle".

All ACL ships are USA-built/refurbished, by the shipbuilder Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corporation (Salisbury, Maryland).

Next infographic of the Queen of the Mississippi (now American Heritage) shows what is what and where on this unique riverboat.

In mid-February, 2020, ACL signed with Vicksburg MS a 20-year deal for preferential berthing rights and ACL investments for upgrading the riverfront docking facility. By the deal, ACL pays the city per-passenger fees and receives priority mooring along the waterfront. ACL also provides shuttle bus services for its customers for land transportation to nearby attractions and popular downtown businesses.

In January 2023 ACL announced the fleetwide introduction of high-speed (Starlink-provided) satellite internet and Wi-Fi services. Starlink's LEO satellites (positioned at low Earth orbit) provide stable and fast internet connections to moving marine vessels and ACL beta-tested the service in 2022. As a promo, in 2023, ACL offered the Starlink Wi-Fi and the shipboard Room Service complimentary.

ACL AQV assents acquisition (2024)

In a held in March 2024 auction in Texas, ACL became the highest bidder and purchased four riverboats plus other assets of AQV-American Queen Voyages/fka AQSC . These assets were auctioned following the bankruptcy of AQV's parent company Hornblower Holdings.

The acquired assets include four paddle wheelers - American Queen (US$2,15 million), American Empress and American Countess (each US$1,6M) and American Duchess (US$0,2M). In May, three boats (Countess, Duchess, Queen) were sold for scrapping .

In addition, for US$0,75M ACL purchased two trademarks ("American Queen Voyages", "AQV"), website domains, and business records.

According to documents filed with the Bankruptcy Court in Houston, ACL paid for AQV's assets a total of US$6,3 million in cash. A hearing to finalize the sale was scheduled for April 4th.

In late-October 2015, ACL announced the start of the construction of a new coastal cruiser (by Chesapeake Shipbuilding/Salisbury, Maryland USA), with scheduled delivery in 2017-Q1. The vessel ( American Constellation ) was followed by the sistership American Constitution (2018).

These boats have passenger capacity 170 and are sized slightly larger compared to ACL's old coastal cruisers. They are fully stabilized (active wing stabilizers by Rolls-Royce Marine) and have the USA river cruising industry's largest and most luxurious staterooms. All cabins are with marble-tiled bathrooms and floor-ceiling glass doors opening to step-out balconies.

Traditionally for large-sized US riverboats, American Song has a fore-located boarding ramp (bow-location on Deck 1) that allows passengers to go ashore at any place along the ship's cruise itinerary route. The ramp has an innovative design being constructed as a retractable gangway (passenger bridge). The technology is often implemented on some of the largest ferries and features an opening bow door.

In November 2016 ACL announced the start of the construction on a 3rd (larger / new-class "Modern Riverboat") vessel with capacity 195 passengers. In late-February 2017 were announced plans for a fleet of 5 newbuilds .

• The first vessel from the new "Modern Riverboat" series was launched in 2018 ( American Song ). Followed the sisterships American Harmony (2019), American Jazz (2020), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022), American Serenade (2023).
• In mid-June 2021 ACL signed with Chesapeake Shipbuilding the contract for constructing two more units (5th and 6th) of the "modern riverboat" series. Both vessels (yet to be named) are planned for inauguration in 2022 growing the company's fleet to 15 (5x small, 4x paddle-wheelers, 6x modern riverboats).

In January 2022 ACL announced a plan to grow its fleet to 25+ vessels by adding 12 units of a new class (Project Blue), each with max passenger capacity 109 (plus 50 crew), length 241 ft (74 m), beam/width 56 ft (17 m), 56 staterooms (~85% balconied). ACL's Coastal Cats/catamarans are currently planned for launch/inauguration two units per year - in 2023 ( Eagle , Glory ), 2024 ( Liberty , Legend ), 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028.

Next video reviews the best features of ACL's 2021-2022-built Modern Riverboats (Melody, Symphony, Serenade).

USA river cruise excursions for free

Any ACL guest booking river cruises on Mississippi or Columbia rivers gets absolutely free shore excursions. This is a year-round deal and the complimentary land tours are offered in each port of call.

The list of tours includes:

• "Battle of Vicksburg" (in Vicksburg, Mississippi)
• "Oak Valley Plantation" (in Oak Alley, Louisiana)
• "Mark Twain Boyhood Home-Museum" (in Hannibal, Missouri)
• "Mount St Helens" (in Rainier, Washington)
• "Winery" (in Richland, Washington).

The next YouTube video is the company's official release about the signature "Mississippi River Paddlewheeler" cruising experience.

IN January 2020, ACL signed a 5-year preferential berthing agreement with Port NOLA (New Orleans) for Thalia Street Wharf/riverboat dock. By this deal, ACL also received 2 (optional) 5-year renewals. Preferential homeporting is for at least 50 voyages (guaranteed departures) annually. For 2020, ACL scheduled 68 calls at Port NOLA.

In 2023 (March-December) ACL had its ever-biggest Mississippi program with five ships (Melody, Heritage, Serenade, Splendor, Symphony) and 12 itineraries running between homeports St Paul MN and New Orleans LA. The season featured a new boat (American Serenade) and the new 8-day itinerary "The Tennessee Rivers Cruise" between Chattanooga TN and Nashville TN. ACL's entire Mississippi 2023 program included voyages with a complimentary pre-voyage 1-night hotel.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, ACL suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all vessels) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through May 2021.

Fleet operations resumed on the following dates (by ship) in 2021.

• American Independence (May 1 from Charleston SC)
• MS America (May 4 from New Orleans)
• Queen of the Mississippi (May 1 from Memphis TN)
• Queen of the West (May 15 from Clarkston WA)
• American Star (May 8 from Charleston SC)
• American Song (May 9 from Clarkston MI)
• American Pride (May 1 from Portland OR)
• American Constellation (May 7/Alaska from Seattle WA)
• American Constitution (May 10 from Boston)
• American Spirit (May 8/Alaska from Seattle WA)
• American Harmony (May 1 from New Orleans)
• American Jazz (May 2 from New Orleans)
• American Melody (Aug 27/ Maiden Voyage from New Orleans)

Note: Under CERTS (Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act), in August 2021 the company received USD 42,7 million (CAD 58,83M / AUD 58,3M / EUR 36,2M) grant from the USA's government. The CERTS provides grants to eligible (USA-based and all American-crewed) passenger transportation companies (motorcoach, school bus, shipping, pilotage) that have experienced 25% or more annual revenue losses due to the COVID crisis.

ACL boats initially operated with reduced (75% of the max) passenger capacity. All affected bookings were fully refunded (100% monetary refund). With rebooking was offered 125% FCC (Future Cruise Credit based on the fares paid for the canceled sailings) valid before December 31, 2021.

Itinerary of American Cruise Lines

ACL-American Cruise Lines itinerary program includes the USA's Eastern and Western coasts. ACL also offers Alaskan cruises during summer as well as the USA's river cruise regions Mississippi-Ohio (northbound and southbound itineraries) and Columbia-Snake (eastbound and westbound itineraries).

In 2022, ACL ships sailed 35+ USA-only itineraries visiting ports in 31 states.

New itineraries and cruisetours (2024)

ACL's schedule 2024 groups 50+ itineraries across 35 US states, 19 vessels (ships and riverboats) and a total of 125 ports in the USA. The program features two new ports - Sag Harbor (Long Island NYC) and Washington DC .

In 2024, the company also introduced "National Park Cruises", two of which are in Alaska.

• The 18-day "Grand Alaska National Parks" itinerary offers 11 days for cruising (Glacier Bay NP, Inside Passage, Frederick Sound) plus 7 days for guided tours in Denali NP and Kenai Fjords NP (from Fairbanks to Juneau).
• The 15-day "Alaska National Parks" itinerary offers 8 days of Glacier Bay cruising plus 7 days for Denali and Kenai Fjords tours (from Fairbanks to Juneau).

In 2024 ACL debuts two more NP cruisetours.

• The 11-day "Great Smoky Mountains National Park" itinerary is on two rivers (Tennessee and Cumberland) and offers 2 days for land tours (Great Smoky NP) between Knoxville TN and Nashville TN (both ways).
• The 15-day "National Parks and Legendary Rivers" itinerary offers 8 days for cruising (Columbia and Snake rivers) plus 7 days for guided touring (Glacier NP, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP) between Jackson WY and Portland OR (both ways).

Also new are the three 8-day itineraries "Downeast Maine" (roundtrip from Bangor ME ), "Yankee Seaports" (between Boston MA and NYC) and "Florida Gulf Coast and Keys" (roundtrip from St Petersburg FL, which includes tours in Dry Tortugas NP and Everglades NP).

In 2024 (spring and fall) ACL introduced voyages leaving roundtrip from Washington DC, with the ship ( American Constitution ) mooring/docking at The Wharf (along the city's southeastern waterfront).

Themed as "American Revolution Cruise", they traverse the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and the York River, with Washington DC serving as homeport. These are also the only cruises on the Potomac River. The 10-night/11-day "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary visits Annapolis MD, St Michaels MD, Cambridge MD, Norfolk VA (overnight), Williamsburg/Yorktown VA, Mount Vernon VA, and ends with an overnight in Washington DC.

ACL ships and riverboats' deployment

Follows the list of all ACL ships and riverboats, in brackets (Year Built)

• American Heritage riverboat/fka Queen of the Mississippi (2015)
• American West riverboat/fka Queen of the West (1995)
• American Splendor riverboat/fka America (2016)
• American Constellation (2017) - the new ship offers 2 new Canada and USA itineraries - "Grand New England" and "Grand Historic South"
• American Constitution (2018) - the new ship offers 2 new Canada and USA itineraries - "Grand New England" and "Grand Historic South"
• American Pride riverboat (2015, fka "American Eagle") - 8-day Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises (one-way itineraries) leaving either from Portland Oregon or Clarkston Washington
• (Modern Riverboat class) - American Song (2018), American Harmony (2019), American Jazz (2020), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022), American Serenade (2023)
• American Spirit (2004) - 7- and 11-day Alaskan itineraries from Juneau AK and Seattle WA
• American Independence (2010)

ACL's Coastal Cats (Project Blue catamarans) are a separate fleet of 12x newbuilds scheduled for launches in 2023 ( American Eagle , American Glory ), 2024 ( American Liberty , American Legend ), 2025 (TBN), 2026 (TBN), 2027 (TBN), 2028 (TBN).

In 2021, ACL introduced 3x new itineraries - "Cape Codder" (New England/ Cape Cod Canal ), "Music Cities" (American music-themed / 8-day between Nashville and Memphis) and "Alaskan Explorers" (11-day Glacier Bay cruise), also 50x new land tours and more pre-cruise hotel packages (Four Season Hotel deals in select USA river ports).

The classic 10-night "Grand Puget Sound Cruise" itinerary visits Washington's San Juan Archipelago .

In 2023, ACL introduced new for the brand ports - San Francisco and New York City (including Sag Harbor and Port Jefferson on Long Island NY ). ACL's catamaran cruises (2023-2024 schedule) added Florida's Key West , St Petersburg , Key Biscayne and Fort Myers Beach/Estero Island .

ACL itineraries scheduled for the Coastal Cats/catamarans

Next are listed all currently announced/operated itineraries (as themes, lengths, homeports and call ports) scheduled for ACL's Coastal Cats (Project Blue catamarans).

8-day / 7-night " Chesapeake Bay Cruise " is a roundtrip from Baltimore MD . Call ports include Yorktown-Williamsburg VA, Crisfield MD (Tangier VA), Cambridge MD (Oxford MD), St Michaels MD, Annapolis MD.

8-day / 7-night " Cape Codder Cruise " (visiting 8 ports and featuring navigation on the Cape Cod Canal ) is a roundtrip departing from Boston MA . Call ports include Glouchester MA, Plymouth MA, Martha's Vinyard Island MA, Falmouth MA, New Bedford MA, Provincetown MA.

8-day / 7-night "Maine Coast and Harbors Cruise" (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip from Portland ME . Call ports include Bar Harbor ME, Belfast ME, Camden ME, Rockland ME, Boothbay Harbor ME, Bath ME.

8-day / 7-night " New England Islands Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip departing from Providence RI . Call ports include Baltimore MD, St Michaels MD, Norfolk VA, Kitty Hawk NC, Beaufort NC (Morehead City NC), Wilmington NC, Charleston SC, Beaufort SC, Hilton Head SC, Savannah GA, St Simons Island GA, Jekyll Island GA, Amelia Island FL (Fernandina Beach).

8-day / 7-night " Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip departing from NYC/New York City NY . All call ports are in the New York state and include Catskill, Albany, Kingston/Hyde Park, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, and NYC (overnight stay before debarkation).

8-day / 7-night " Historic South and Golden Isles Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports Charleston SC and Jacksonville FL ( Amelia Island ). Call ports include Charleston SC, Beaufort SC, Hilton Head Island SC, Savannah GA, Jekyll Island and St Simons Island (GA), Amelia Island FL (overnight).

8-day / 7-night " Yankee Seaports Cruise " (visiting 8 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports NYC and Boston. Call ports include Long Island (Sag Harbor/day 2, Port Jefferson/day 3), New London Connecticut (Mystic Seaport/days 4-5 overnight), Newport Rhode Island (day 6), Plymouth Massachusetts (day 7).

15-day / 14-night " East Coast Inland Passage Cruise " (visiting 15 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports Baltimore and Jacksonville FL/Amelia Island. Call ports include Baltimore MD, St Michaels MD, Norfolk VA, Kitty Hawk NC, Beaufort NC (Morehead City NC), Wilmington NC, Charleston SC, Beaufort SC, Hilton Head SC, Savannah GA, St Simons Island GA, Jekyll Island GA, Amelia Island FL (Fernandina Beach).

Florida Gulf Coast and Keys

In 2023, ACL-American Cruise Lines introduced the 7-night/8-day "Florida Gulf Coast & Keys" itinerary.

The roundtrip from Tampa was specifically designed for ACL's catamarans/Coastal Cats and was introduced with the ship American Glory.

On this ACL ex-Florida voyage, on days 3 and 4 the ship stays in Key West overnight. This allows tourists to explore Key West City on Day 3 (with a complimentary guided tour to the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum) and the Dry Tortugas National Park on Day 4 (visiting Fort Jefferson/Civil War prison)

"The Civil War Battlefields Cruise" (2024)

In May 2023 ACL announced the introduction of the 34-night/35-day "Civil War Battlefields Cruise" visiting all major battlefields from the American Civil War (1861-65) in 13 states.

Starting on May 4, 2024, from New Orleans, the unique itinerary ends in Gettysburg (on June 6th). This is a B2B/back-to-back cruise involving 3x ships (American Melody, American Symphony, American Eagle), cruising on 3x rivers (Mississippi, Tennessee, Potomac), as well as coastal navigation (along ICW-Intracoastal Waterway/East Coast USA, and the Chesapeake Bay).

Prices started at US$24700 per person or US$726 per night. Fares were inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, daily excursions, onboard entertainment/meals/beverages/WiFi/tips/gratuities, all land transportation and hotels between the segments, all port charges.

Next are listed the itinerary's call ports and ships.

American Melody (Days 1 to 8) "The Anaconda Plan and the Vicksburg Campaign" segment from New Orleans to Memphis.

American Symphony (Days 9 to 14) "Major Land Campaigns of the Civil War’s Western Theater" segment from Nashville to Chattanooga.

American Symphony (Days 15 to 17) "Scorched Earth"

American Eagle (Days 18 to 26) "The Union Advantage: a focus on naval power" segment from Jacksonville to Norfolk

American Eagle (Days 27 - 33) "Eastern Theater of the Civil War" segment from Norfolk to Washington (disembarkation) and bus travel from Baltimore to Sharpsburg MD (for Antietam).

(Days 34 to 35) "Battle of Gettysburg: The Turning Point for the North" segment is a Land Package to Gettysburg PA.

• DAYS 1-2 Pre-Cruise Hotel in New Orleans
• DAY 3 Houmas House, LA
• DAY 4 Baton Rouge, LA
• DAY 5 Siege of Port Hudson | St. Francisville, LA
• DAY 6 Battle of Port Gibson | Natchez, MS
• DAY 7 Siege of Vicksburg | Vicksburg, MS
• DAY 8 The Anaconda Plan | Day of River Cruising
• DAY 9 Memphis Naval Battle | Memphis, TN
• DAY 10 Battle of Stones River | Nashville, TN
• DAY 11 Battle of Fort Donelson | Clarksville, TN
• DAY 12 Paducah, KY
• DAY 13 Battle of Shiloh | Savannah, TN
• DAY 14 Florence, AL
• DAY 15 The Battles for Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN
• DAY 16 Battle of Chickamauga | Atlanta, GA
• DAY 17 Sherman's March to the Sea | Atlanta to Jacksonville
• DAY 18 Battle of Olustee | Jacksonville, FL
• DAY 19 Brunswick, GA
• DAY 20 Savannah, GA
• DAY 21 Hilton Head, SC
• DAY 22 Beaufort, SC
• DAY 23 Day of Cruising
• DAY 24 Fort Sumter | Charleston, SC
• DAY 25 Beaufort, NC
• DAY 26 Kitty Hawk, NC
• DAY 27 Battle of the "Monitor" and the "Merrimac" | Norfolk, VA
• DAY 28 The Peninsula Campaign | Yorktown, VA
• DAY 29 Battle of Fredericksburg | Washington, D.C.
• DAY 30 Alexandria, VA
• DAY 31 St. Michaels, MD
• DAY 32 First Blood of the Civil War | Baltimore, MD
• DAY 33 Antietam | Sharpsburg, MD
• DAY 34 Battle of Gettysburg | Gettysburg, PA
• DAY 35 Transfer to Airport from Gettysburg

"The Great United States Cruise" (2024)

In late March 2023, ACL announced the 60-day B2B/back-to-back "The Great United States Cruise". The unique itinerary combines 4 rivers and coast-to-coast travel on 3 ships, ranking it ACL's longest-ever domestic itinerary.

"The Great United States Cruise" departs from  Portland OR on August 14, 2024, and visits 20 American states and 4 time zones within the continental USA. It also includes a national parks package visiting Grand Teton NP, Glacier NP, and Yellowstone NP.

The first leg of the itinerary is from the Pacific Coast (Portland OR) for cruising on Columbia/Snake rivers (ship American Jazz ). The second leg is on the Mississippi River (ship American Symphony /from New Orleans to Saint Paul). The third leg is from Maine to New York/up the Hudson River (ship American Independence ).

The 60-day voyage ends in NYC/New York Harbour on October 14th (2024).

Flights from Jackson Wyoming to  New Orleans  and  Saint Paul  to  Portland ME  are included.

The price per person ranges between US$51060-77945. The pricing includes all flights, a pre-cruise hotel stay, hotels between the cruise segments, all meals and beverages, daily land tours, Internet, port charges, and gratuities.

San Francisco Bay Cruise itinerary (2023-introduced)

ACL's 2023 schedule (ship American Jazz) included the company's first-ever California voyage.

The 7-night/8-day "San Francisco Bay Cruise" itinerary (roundtrip from San Francisco ) visits four other Californian ports ( Stockton , Sacramento , Napa , Vallejo ) and ends with an overnight in San Francisco. Overnight port stays are offered in either Sacramento or Napa. A pre-cruise hotel package (inclusive of San Francisco Four Season Hotel overnight stay) is optional.

ACL's San Francisco Bay Cruise itinerary features scenic cruising in San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay (an evening stop in Vallejo), as well as cruising on the Napa River and San Joaquin River.

The voyage includes passing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island. A guided San Francisco city tour visits Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf. The cruisetour's signature experiences also include NASCAR-style driving (at Stockton 99 Speedway) and visiting a Napa Valley Winery (wine-tasting excursion). A guided Old Sacramento tour visits the underground city, the port, and the California State Railroad Museum.

"Grand New England" itinerary

The new 10-night / 11-day cruise itinerary of the company (named "Grand New England") covers New England destinations, among which are charming islands and coastal towns located within the Northeast.

The itinerary visits the following ports of call:

• Day 1 (Boston MA)
• Day 2 (Provincetown MA)
• Day 3 (Newport RI)
• Day 4 (Martha's Vineyard MA)
• Day 5 (Kennebunkport ME)
• Day 6 (Camden ME)
• Day 7 (Bar Harbor ME)
• Day 8 (Rockland ME)
• Before the Rockland arrival, the cruise ship passes through the 10-km / 6-ml Merchants Row passage.
• The itinerary is operated by the new ACL ships American Constellation and American Constitution .

"Grand Historic South" itinerary

The 10-night / 11-day "Grand Historic South" itinerary is roundtrip from Charleston SC to destinations along southeast USA's Intracoastal Waterway.

The new itinerary visits the following ports of call:

• Day 1 (Charleston SC / South Carolina)
• Day 2 (Wilmington NC / North Carolina)
• Day 3 (Beaufort NC / North Carolina) - horse-drawn carriage ride tour
• Days 4 and 5 (Savannah GA / Georgia)
• Day 6 (Sapelo Island GA / Georgia) - Oyster Roast
• Day 7 (Jekyll Island GA / Georgia) - "Millionaires Village"
• Day 8 (Fernandina Beach FL / Florida) - Amelia Island
• Day 9 (cruising)
• Day 10 (Beaufort SC / South Carolina)
• Day 11 (Charleston SC / South Carolina)

The itinerary route features architecturally significant traditional homes, grand plantations, wildlife, amazing coastal landscapes. Also included are locally inspired cuisine specialties prepared by the ship's master chef.

"American Revolution" itinerary

The 12-day "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary visits some of the most historically significant port cities along the Chesapeake Bay.

• The itinerary also includes new ports - Washington DC, Chestertown MD, Mount Vernon VA. In Washington DC, passengers can enjoy private tours of any of Smithsonian Museums or a guided tour of the National Mall. In Chestertown MD, they can visit Schooner Sultana (replica of Royal Navy Frigate Sultana / in the British Navy between 1768-1772). At Mount Vernon VA, the cruise company's expert guides offer an exclusive tour through George Washington's Estate.
• Passengers also travel to the last battlefield of the Revolutionary War in Yorktown and Jamestown's first English settlement.
• In addition to the ashore enrichment program, the shipboard expert is Dr. Harold Cones (biology professor, emeritus / retired from professional life at Christopher Newport University).
• The "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary is leaving roundtrip from Baltimore MD . Voyages started in spring 2018 on the new ship American Constitution . Available departure dates in 2018 include Oct 29, and Nov 8.

American Cruise Lines ship tracker

Our American Cruise Lines ship tracker is a function integrated into all review pages. At page-bottom in each page, you'll find a map with the ship's current location (AIS position). All the real-time tracking data is provided by VesselFinder. It's all about convenience - you will find where is your riverboat (ship) cruising today and now along its current itinerary!

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping line companies and their fleets are listed there.

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7 best US river cruises

Whether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

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Explore America’s Most Iconic Waterways With the 5 Best U.S. River Cruises

Discover natural and cultural treasures close to home.

You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.

On these voyages, you'll sail with anywhere from 100 to 400 other guests aboard either modern riverboats or classic paddle wheelers that hearken back to a different time. Like their European counterparts, river cruises in the U.S. typically package everything at a single price, including staterooms, meals, guest lectures and enrichment programs, entertainment, and most shore excursions. Some even include pre-cruise hotel stays.

Here are five river cruises that will show you the U.S. in a whole new light.

American Cruise Lines’ Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville

It's hard to choose from American Cruise Lines' 35 itineraries. For arts and culture lovers, the eight-day Music Cities Cruise along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers presents an opportunity to visit several charming cities and towns in the South. The itinerary is offered on four different 180-passenger ships, including the American Serenade and the classic American Splendor paddle wheeler.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum. The next day, the ship travels through the Barkley Lock and past the stunning coves and limestone bluffs of the Cumberland River's Lake Barkley– a view best enjoyed from the balcony of your stateroom. In Dover, Tennessee, guests visit historic Fort Donelson National Park and learn about the garrison's role during the Civil War. The next day, passengers can tour the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Fort Defiance in Clarksville, Tennessee, and cap off the experience with a whiskey tasting at Old Glory Distilling Co. The voyage ends in Nashville, where you can stroll along historic Lower Broadway, visit museums dedicated to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and take in a Grand Ole Opry show. 

American Queen Voyages' Upper Mississippi Cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis

History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature.

After departing St. Louis, the cruise arrives in Alton, Illinois, where guests can play golf on championship courses, explore the National Great Rivers Museum , or just stroll around the town's historic districts. Day three brings passengers further upriver to Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, from which the author drew inspiration for several of his novels. On day four, the ship stops at Bettendorf, Iowa, for a hop-on hop-off tour of museums, artist studios, the German American Heritage Center , and the Quad City Botanical Center . In Dubuque, Iowa, guests can take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, billed as "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway". Day nine, finds the the ship at La Crosse, Wisconsin, famous for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. The final port is Red Wing, Minnesota, home to beautifully preserved artisan workshops, factories, and pioneer-era architecture. After disembarking, passengers can explore nearby Minneapolis before going home.

American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

This eight-day fall foliage-themed cruise takes leaf peeping to a new level. The round-trip voyage out of New York City takes nature lovers through the heart of the Hudson Valley  –  swathed every fall in a blanket of bright orange, red, and yellow. Whether you sail on the classic 48-stateroom American Star or the 100-passenger American Eagle , you'll enjoy a stunning display of colors from the comfort of your balcony. On shore, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to the highest waterfall in the Empire State , walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in the world , and visit the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park and author Washington Irving in Sleepy Hollow.

Viking Cruises’ New Orleans & Southern Charms Lower Mississippi Cruise

This eight-day round-trip cruise takes in historic estates, military sites, and comunities bursting with Cajun and Creole culture. After departing New Orleans, the Viking Mississippi stops in the Louisiana towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, which boast Greek Revival mansions, Spanish moss-draped avenues, and even a haunted house . Day four brings travelers to the oldest city on the river, Natchez, Mississippi, home to a rich African American heritage . The next day, guests can learn about one of the most consequential battles of the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park before setting sail for the vibrant capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship then returns to New Orleans, where guests can stay longer or catch a flight home.

Courtesy of Viking

UnCruise Adventures’ Rivers of Adventure & Wine Columbia and Snake River Cruise

Spotting wildlife and sipping wine go hand-in-hand on this UnCruise Adventures expedition around the Pacific Northwest. The seven-night round-trip journey from Portland isn't your typical leisure cruise. Instead, passengers get to go on rainforest hikes, rafting adventures, winery visits, and scenic kayaking excursions through dramatic canyons.

After the champagne departure from Portland and a stop at Astoria, Oregon, the ship passes through the Columbia River Gorge. Passengers can disembark for a guided hike, then return for a wine tasting with the ship's sommelier. The gourmand adventures continue with an excursion to Walla Walla, Washington, which includes visits to olive oil makers, chocolatiers, and family-owned wine cellars. Day five begins at the mouth of the Palouse River, where guests can kayak or paddleboard. The next day, passengers can visit Columbia Hills State Park and Rowena Plateau on foot or by skiff boat while enjoying river dips, farm-to-fork delights, and a wine tour and tasting. Guests then disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for whitewater rafting or a relaxing winery tour. The adventure ends with a farewell dinner back at Portland.

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Cruise industry in the United States - statistics & facts

Has the u.s. cruise industry recovered from the impact of covid-19, what are the leading u.s. cruise companies, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Revenue of the cruises industry in the U.S. 2019-2028

Revenue growth of cruises in the U.S. 2019-2028

Employment in the cruise line operator industry in the U.S. 2012-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2023, by source market

Number of cruise passengers from the U.S. 2016-2022

Further recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027
• Premium Statistic Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2019-2023, by source market
• Premium Statistic Main global cruise destinations 2019-2023, by number of passengers
• Premium Statistic Revenue of the cruises industry in the U.S. 2019-2028
• Premium Statistic Revenue growth of cruises in the U.S. 2019-2028
• Premium Statistic Direct spending in the cruise industry in the U.S. 2021-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Cruise line operator industry's market size in the U.S. 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Businesses in the cruise line operator industry in the U.S. 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Employment in the cruise line operator industry in the U.S. 2012-2022

Number of global ocean cruise passengers 2009-2027

Number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide from 2009 to 2023, with a forecast until 2027 (in millions)

Number of ocean cruise passengers worldwide from 2019 to 2023, by source region (in 1,000s)

Main global cruise destinations 2019-2023, by number of passengers

Leading ocean cruise destinations worldwide from 2019 to 2023, by number of passengers (in 1,000s)

Revenue of the cruises market in the United States from 2019 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue growth of the cruises market in the United States from 2019 to 2028

Direct spending in the cruise industry in the U.S. 2021-2022, by type

Direct spending in the cruise industry in the United States in 2021 and 2022, by type (in billion U.S. dollars)

Cruise line operator industry's market size in the U.S. 2012-2022

Market size of the cruise line operator industry in the United States from 2012 to 2021, with a forecast for 2022 ( in million U.S. dollars)

Businesses in the cruise line operator industry in the U.S. 2012-2022

Number of businesses in the cruise line operator industry in the United States from 2012 to 2021, with a forecast for 2022

Number of employees in the cruise line operator industry in the United States from 2012 to 2021, with a forecast for 2022

Cruise passengers

• Premium Statistic Number of cruise passengers from North America 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of cruise passengers from the U.S. 2016-2022
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of the cruise passenger volume from the U.S. 2017-2022
• Premium Statistic Busiest cruise ports worldwide 2019-2022, by passenger movements
• Premium Statistic Share of U.S. travelers planning a cruise trip October 2021-June 2023

Number of cruise passengers from North America 2016-2022

Number of cruise passengers sourced from North America from 2016 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Number of cruise passengers sourced from the United States from 2016 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Growth rate of the cruise passenger volume from the U.S. 2017-2022

Year-over-year percentage change in the number of cruise passengers sourced from the United States from 2017 to 2022

Busiest cruise ports worldwide 2019-2022, by passenger movements

Busiest cruise ports worldwide in 2019 and 2022, by number of passenger movements (in 1,000s)

Share of U.S. travelers planning a cruise trip October 2021-June 2023

Share of travelers intending to take a cruise trip in the next 12 months in the United States from October 2021 to June 2023

Cruise companies

• Premium Statistic Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide 2008-2023
• Premium Statistic Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc 2008-2023
• Premium Statistic Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 1988-2023
• Premium Statistic Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023
• Premium Statistic Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic Net income of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic Percentage change in revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide 2020-2023

Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide 2008-2023

Revenue of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide from 2008 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc 2008-2023

Net income of Carnival Corporation & plc worldwide from 2008 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 1988-2023

Revenue of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. worldwide from 1988 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises worldwide 2007-2023

Net income of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. worldwide from 2007 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023

Revenue of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. worldwide from 2011 to 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Net income of Norwegian Cruise Line worldwide 2011-2023

Net Income of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. worldwide from 2011 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

Percentage change in revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide 2020-2023

Percentage change in revenue of leading cruise companies worldwide from 2020 to 2023 (compared to 2019)

Consumer opinions

• Basic Statistic Best-rated mega-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
• Basic Statistic Best-rated large-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
• Basic Statistic Best-rated midsize-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
• Basic Statistic Best-rated small-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023
• Basic Statistic Best-rated river cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

Best-rated mega-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

Best-rated mega-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide as of June 2023

Best-rated large-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

Best-rated large-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide as of June 2023

Best-rated midsize-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

Best-rated midsize-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide as of June 2023

Best-rated small-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

Best-rated small-ship cruise lines by travelers worldwide as of June 2023

Best-rated river cruise lines by travelers worldwide 2023

Best-rated river cruise lines by travelers worldwide as of June 2023

Further reports

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Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
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• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

7. Galereya Kino

8. viki cinema, 9. smokygrove.

10. Gandikap

11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.

The fold of P&O Cruises Australia signals the end of Australian-branded cruising

Analysis The fold of P&O Cruises Australia signals the end of Australian-branded cruising

In 1981 Australia was on the cusp of a recession that would usher in the Hawke and Keating years.

And one Aussie-branded company, P&O Cruises Australia, was selling the idea of escaping the rat race by taking to the high seas .

But now the brand is set to fold as the harsh economic realities of the 2020s take their toll.

Its parent company, the Miami-based Carnival, has decided it's too expensive to operate the brand in Australia.

There will be job losses in Carnival's Sydney office, and one of three ships under the P&O brand will be retired, with the other two absorbed into Carnival's fleet.

Griffith University's Cruise & Maritime researcher Johnnel Smith called the decision "heartbreaking". 

"It's sad news all-round," she said 

"Our beloved P&O Cruises will be leaving the Australian market."

It's understood P&O Cruises Australia will be absorbed by the Carnival Cruise Line brand.

"It's a cessation of the [Australian-branded] cruising," Ms Smith adds. 

"Basically Carnival is taking over all of the ships."

Restructure not uncommon in cruise industry 

To be clear, P&O Cruises Australia is not insolvent.

Ms Smith explains there's "lots of restructure" in the cruise industry, especially post-pandemic. 

"There's been a lot of restructuring – a lot of bigger cruise lines, you take over smaller ones," she says. 

"I wouldn't say [the business] is a bust.

"I would say it's an improvement."

Which is precisely how Carnival Corporation chief executive officer Josh Weinstein described the move.

"Given the strategic reality of the South Pacific's small population and significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we're adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need to continue delivering an incredible cruise experience year-round to our guests in the region," he said.

More competition in the cruise market 

The fundamental problem is P&O Cruises Australia has become, as far as US bosses are concerned, a high cost and uncompetitive operation.

Costs, including port fees and fuel, are relatively high in Australia and make it one of the most expensive regions to operate a cruise line.

Carnival told the ABC it viewed the Australian P&O brand as a drag on the overall business.

Or to put it bluntly, the business isn't turning a big enough profit for the company's American shareholders.

Between 10 and 20 jobs will be lost in Australia and Carnival says crew members will be assigned to other ships, although it's not clear where or how.

Competition was also an unwelcome factor for P&O, Ms Smith says. 

"This past cruise season we had Disney and Virgin Voyages come Down Under for the first time," she said. 

"And so when it comes to the level of competition taking place in the cruise market, Aussies are cruising, and all it means is that [you need to be] a bit more competitive [but] it takes cash to care."

"It costs a lot of money to stay competitive and to remain top of mind [for travellers]."

Fears for future itineraries

It's the end of an era for the popular brand which set sail from Sydney on December 23, 1932, on a seven-day itinerary calling at Brisbane and Norfolk Island.

The company's first permanent ship in Australia, called the "Fairstar" and heavily promoted as 'the fun ship', was part of the fleet for nine years until 1997.

The brand's fold has also led to doubts about the future of cruises across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand for many cruise goers, Ms Smith says.

"People are a bit concerned that, in addition to taking over this cruise line, that there are going to be changes to the itineraries," she said. 

"It's a major concern. 

"And especially also value for money because P&O does provide a lot of value for money for cruises."

Passengers booked onto P&O Cruises this year won't be affected, while guests booked for next year will have the option for a full refund.

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