North America River Cruises

What our customers ask about North America River Cruises

• When is the best time of year to take a river cruise in North America?

  North American river cruise seasons vary by region. The Pacific Northwest and Alaska routes run from May to September offering mild weather and extended daylight. Mississippi River cruises operate throughout the year with peak seasons in spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The Columbia and Snake Rivers see most visitors during summer months despite higher crowds. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We took our Inside Passage cruise in July and had perfect weather with temperatures in the 60-70s°F and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities."

• What are the main highlights of a North America river cruise through the Inside Passage?

  The Inside Passage stretches from British Columbia to Alaska featuring mountains waterfalls and rainforests. Holland America's MS Koningsdam takes travelers past humpback whales sea lions and bald eagles while visiting historic ports like Ketchikan (Alaska's "First City") and Juneau with its Mendenhall Glacier. The route includes Glacier Bay National Park where ice chunks regularly break from glaciers into the sea. A TourRadar traveler noted, "The scenery through the Inside Passage was absolutely breathtaking - we saw multiple whales breaching and the glacier calving was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

• What types of shore excursions are available during North America river cruises?

  Shore activities blend cultural experiences with outdoor adventures. Ketchikan offers Native Alaskan cultural sites showcasing Tlingit Haida and Tsimshian heritage. Juneau provides glacier hiking whale watching and aerial tours over the Juneau Icefield. Skagway features the Trail of '98 Museum and Red Onion Saloon highlighting Gold Rush history. Prince Rupert's North Pacific Historic Fishing Village shows visitors British Columbia's oldest cannery settlement. A TourRadar traveler shared, "The shore excursion to Mendenhall Glacier was incredible - we got to walk right up to the glacier and see wild bears fishing for salmon."

• How long are typical North American river cruise itineraries?

  Most river cruises last between 7 and 15 days while combined land-cruise packages can extend to 29 days. Mississippi River journeys between New Orleans and Memphis take 7-8 days and Alaska Inside Passage trips usually run 7-14 days. Longer routes like Viking's America's Great River cruise from St. Paul to New Orleans spans 15 days. As noted by a TourRadar reviewer: "Our 14-day cruise felt like the perfect length to really experience the region without feeling rushed."

• What are the cabin options available on North America river cruise ships?

  The MS Koningsdam represents typical cabin offerings on North American cruise ships. Choices range from economical Inside Staterooms to Ocean-view rooms with windows and Verandah Suites with private balconies. Upscale options include Vista Suites Signature Suites and top-tier Neptune and Pinnacle Suites with exclusive perks. Each room comes with modern amenities and daily housekeeping. A TourRadar traveler commented, "Our Verandah Suite on MS Koningsdam was spacious and comfortable - having our own private balcony to watch whales and glaciers was worth every penny."

• How does the experience differ between Mississippi River and Alaska Inside Passage cruises?

  These routes deliver contrasting experiences. Mississippi cruises center on American heritage Southern culture and regional cuisine featuring historic towns antebellum mansions jazz music and Cajun food. Alaska journeys focus on natural landscapes with glacier viewing wildlife spotting and outdoor activities. The vessels differ too with Mississippi routes using traditional paddlewheelers while Alaska trips employ larger ocean-going ships. A TourRadar traveler observed: "The Mississippi cruise was like stepping back in time while Alaska was all about nature's grandeur."