UNEXPECTED VOYAGES: THE BEST UNKNOWN CRUISES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
We love going on trips. But I tend to try to look for the less popular but still fun trips. They tend to be less crowded and we also get the most fun for our money.
One thing I have wanted to do for awhile is a River Cruise. So I started researching all of the lessor known river cruises in North America, and decided to share my findings with you.
I expanded it a bit to include more than river cruises, but the focus is still on the lessor known ones.
For many people the concept of a cruise conjures up images of lazing by the pool as the horizon slides by, of sun-drenched Caribbean beaches, and of buffet dinners and live stage shows.
I found a wide variety of off-the-beaten-path routes across North America, taking in some of the most beautiful hidden gems across the continent.
I’ve researched 11 of the most interesting and lessor known North American cruises to give you some food for thought for your next vacation.
If you have done any of these, or if there are any we missed, let us know!
1. Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise
Price Range: $2,000 – $6,000 per person
Perfect for: History buffs, nature lovers, and wine enthusiasts
Offered by: Ameircan Cruise Lines
A cruise down the Columbia River that includes taking in the natural beauty of Snake River is an absolute treat. It is one of the best cruise routes for history lovers, following the trail of the Lewis and Clark expeditions as well as visiting Native American heritage sights.
The Columbia River system flows 1,243 miles from Columbia Lake in British Columbia hitting the Pacific Ocean just outside Portland, Oregon.
It winds its way through some of the most majestic landscapes in North America, taking in the towering canyons of the Columbia River Gorge and the lush agricultural plateaus along the Palouse River.
The Snake River, a significant part of the Columbia River basin, flows through Idaho before joining the Columbia River in Washington.
A Columbia and Snake River cruise offers fantastic opportunities for wine enthusiasts, passing through a number of excellent vineyards and making various stops at picturesque wineries for excursions and organized tastings.
Cruises generally stop at Portland, Astoria, Mount St. Helens, the Dalles, Richland, and Clarkston, and the best time to cruise this route is from April to October, when the weather is good and the wildlife is abundant.
The duration of a Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise varies, with options ranging from shorter 5-night cruises to longer journeys of up to 12 nights. The most common lengths are:
- 5-night cruises, offering a condensed exploration of key sites along the rivers.
- 8-night cruises, providing a more comprehensive experience with additional stops and in-depth exploration.
- 12-night cruises, which are the most extensive, covering a broader range of locations and offering deeper insights into the region’s history and natural beauty.
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2. Great Lakes Cruise
Price Range: $6,000 – $15,000 per person
Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers
Offered by:
Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant, Viking Expeditions, American Queen Voyages, and St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
The Great Lakes are some of the most impressive natural wonders the US has to offer. They combine intense natural beauty, historic towns and cities, picturesque landscapes, and rich, fascinating history.
Some of the more expensive cruises take you on a journey through all five of the Great Lakes.
The season for cruising the Great Lakes is a relatively short one if you want to get the best out of your adventure, running from June to early September, when the weather is warm and the main attractions are open.
Great Lakes cruise itineraries tend to be packed with incredible ports of call, activities, and experiences. You’ll get a chance to visit the dynamic metropolis of Chicago, as well as the historic town of Holland, Michigan, famous for its Dutch windmill, canals, dikes, and tulips.
Mackinac Island offers a step back in time, frozen in the Victorian era with no cars allowed, while Manitoulin Island in Ontario is a charming and delightful spot famous for its ice cream.
You won’t want to miss the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit or the Great Lakes freighter in Sault Sainte Marie. Finally, no Great Lakes adventure is complete without a trip to the magnificent Niagra Falls, one of the most famous and splendid natural wonders of the world.
Great Lakes cruises typically last anywhere from 7 to 16 days. The length of the cruise can vary depending on the specific itinerary and cruise line.
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3. Erie Canal Cruise
Price Range: As low as $25!
Perfect for: Fans of engineering and industrial heritage
Offered by: Erie Canal Cruises
The engineering marvel of the Erie Canal is of significant historical importance, opening up the western lands and helping to construct America as it is known today.
Most Erie Canal cruises are standalone experiences focused on the canal itself and do not necessarily connect directly with Great Lakes itineraries.
Specialized tour providers can provide experiences that include the Great Lakes.
Erie Canal cruises vary in duration, typically offering shorter experiences that can last from about 90 minutes to around 4 hours.
These cruises generally include sightseeing opportunities along the historic canal, passing through notable locks and exploring the scenic regions adjacent to the canal. Some cruises also offer meals.
4. Mississippi River Cruise
Price Range: $2,500 – $6,000 per person. Some luxury Mississippi River cruises can reach up to $1,000 or more per person per night, significantly increasing the overall cost depending on the length of the cruise and the level of luxury.
Perfect for: Music lovers
Offered by: Viking River Cruises, American Cruise Lines, and Adventure Life
Mississippi River cruises cover a broad area. The river itself flows over 2,300 miles from its northern sources in Minnesota, passing through or bordering several states, including Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
Cruises on the Mississippi River can vary significantly in length and region:
- Upper Mississippi River Cruises: These usually travel through parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. They can focus on the scenic and wildlife views of the northern sections, with stops in cities like St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Dubuque.
- Lower Mississippi River Cruises: These are the ones that more commonly explore the Southern heritage, including the antebellum era, the Civil War, and the birthplaces of multiple music genres. These cruises typically include stops in vibrant cities such as Memphis, Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.
- Full-Length Mississippi River Cruises: Some cruises cover nearly the entire length of the river, offering a comprehensive experience from Minnesota to Louisiana. These journeys provide a full view of the changing geographical and cultural landscape of the river from its northern reaches to its southern delta.
It’s important to note that not all “full-length” cruises cover the entire river. Most long cruises advertised as full-length typically travel significant portions of the river but may not span from the very northern to the very southern tips.
For example, some of the longest cruises available cover about 1,393 miles of the river through various states
Each segment of the river offers unique cultural, historical, and scenic opportunities, making Mississippi River cruises diverse and comprehensive travel experiences that cover much of the central United States.
The best time to visit the Mississippi is during spring and fall, when the weather is milder and the crowds are sparser. Summer is also a good option if you can take the heat, as there are many festivals and events to enjoy along the route.
Mississippi River cruises offer a range of durations, from short trips to extensive voyages. Some of the options include:
- Short cruises: These might last just a couple of days, such as a 2-day cruise which focuses on specific parts of the river and includes thematic tours or sightseeing around historical areas.
- Long cruises: These can extend up to 23 days, providing a comprehensive journey along the river. These longer cruises often explore various segments of the river, offering in-depth experiences of the river’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes.
- Mid-length cruises: There are also options that last around 16 days, which include a detailed exploration of significant river towns and cities, combining rich historical narratives with visits to key landmarks along the river.
5. St. Lawrence River Cruise
Price Range: $1,500 – $6,000 per person
Perfect for: Culture vultures and foodies
Offered by: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Seabourn
A cruise through the heart of French Canada along the delightful St. Lawrence River is a hugely underrated experience and one of the best off-the-beaten-track cruises to discover.
It is a fantastic way to experience European charm without leaving North America, from the bustling, vibrant atmosphere of Montreal to the gorgeous Old Town of Quebec City.
A St. Lawrence River cruise is packed with cultural experiences and historic sites, including delicious regional cuisine and impressive local wines, as well as amazing galleries and museums in Quebec, Montreal, and Charlottetown.
he voyage includes the breathtaking natural masterpiece of the ‘1,000 Islands.’
This 50-mile stretch features intricate river channels and numerous islands. It’s historically significant, having been home to some of the biggest names in North American history, such as the Astors and the Pullmans.
The area is dotted with opulent mansions, castles, and summer residences, all set against a stunning backdrop of towering cliffs and lush forests.
Summer is a great time to visit due to the weather, but the region really comes alive in the fall, when the landscape lights up in a vivid display of gold, red, and orange.
St. Lawrence River Cruises typically last between 4 to 8 days. The duration depends on the specific itinerary chosen.
For instance, some cruises offer a 7-night, 8-day journey that explores the St. Lawrence River extensively, including visits to various historic and scenic locations along the way.
6. Chesapeake Bay Cruise
Price Range: $2,000 – $9,000 per person
Perfect for: Seafood lovers and cultural couples
Offered by: American Cruise Lines, USA River Cruises, Cruise the Chesapeake, Sunstone Tours & Cruises
Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. The largest national estuary in the country, it is a haven for wildlife and one of the most beautiful and most charming spots in the northeast.
With its rich maritime heritage, it is no surprise that the area is most famous for its exceptional seafood. A Chesapeake Bay cruise is one of the best ways to sample this wonderful cuisine in comfort and style.
The bay is truly enormous, with a total of 11,684 miles of shoreline fed by numerous rivers, making it an exceptional destination for cruising.
There are two main options when it comes to Chesapeake Bay itineraries. Firstly, a Baltimore round-trip, taking in numerous small historic towns and villages, passing lighthouses, coves, and marinas, and eating and drinking your way around the bay in luxury.
Secondly, an Eastern Seaboard itinerary, which skips some of the smaller towns for spots like Annapolis, Norfolk, and Yorktown, and can even venture further south to cities like Savannah or Charleston.
This adds an extra dash of historical exploration to an already fantastic cruise option.
Spring and fall are the ideal times of the year to visit, showing off the bay in its best light, with blooming foliage in March and April, and radiant earthy tones in September and October. Summer can get hot and muggy, and is best avoided.
Chesapeake Bay cruises vary significantly in length depending on the itinerary and cruise line. Some common options include:
- Short Cruises: These typically last around a few hours to a day, primarily focusing on specific areas of the Bay, such as harbor cruises around Baltimore or Norfolk.
- Weekend Cruises: These generally last 2-3 days and might cover a few ports along the Bay, offering a quick glimpse of the area’s highlights.
- Longer Cruises: These can last from 7 nights to 10 nights or more, providing a comprehensive exploration of the Chesapeake Bay, including visits to multiple historic towns and cities like Annapolis, St. Michaels, Cambridge, Norfolk, and Yorktown. These cruises often include a variety of onshore and offshore activities, providing an in-depth experience of the Bay’s maritime heritage, natural beauty, and cultural sites.
For those interested in exploring the Chesapeake Bay extensively, the 10-night itineraries would be ideal as they combine historical tours with leisure activities, while shorter cruises are perfect for those with limited time but a desire to experience the scenic and cultural beauty of the Bay.
7. Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise
Price Range: $1,500 – $3,000 per person
Perfect for: Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts
Offered by: American Cruise Lines, Seastreak, Sunstone Tours & Cruises
A fall cruise along the Hudson River is a scenic joy, taking you into the beautiful heart of the natural masterpiece that is New York State.
This wonderful outdoor paradise is one of the best places in the world to enjoy the full drama and majesty of the changing of nature’s palette in fall, and leaf-peeping in the Catskill Mountains is an iconic experience that everyone should try.
But a Hudson River cruise isn’t just about watching the vivid reds, oranges, golds, and bronzes of the landscape as the foliage casts off its summery greenery and prepares for winter.
New York State is full of wonderful little villages and towns, historic mansions and forts, and iconic landmarks like West Point and Sleepy Hollow.
Your cruise itinerary will take you from New York City via Albany, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, and Troy, right up the Hudson into the heart of the Catskills and beyond to Lake George, Saratoga Springs, and up to to Albandy.
Unsurprisingly the best time for a Hudson River Fall Foliage cruise is at the peak of fall in September and October. This is when the colors of the leaves are at their brightest and best.
Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises vary in length, but typical offerings include cruises that last from a few hours to multiple days.
For example, some cruises may offer a simple day trip, while others can extend up to 7-8 days, providing a comprehensive exploration of the Hudson River, its scenic landscapes, and historical sites.
The duration of the cruise often depends on the specific itinerary and the cruise line offering the trip.
8. California Coastal Cruise
Price Range: $200 – $5,000 per person
Perfect for: Surfers, sun worshippers, wine connoisseurs
Offered by: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruises
The Pacific Coast is a world-famous cruise destination, with sailings from almost every port heading north to Canada and Alaska, and south to the Mexican Riviera.
But while the Pacific Northwest and Baja California are well-trodden paths for West Coast cruisers, the California coast itself is often overlooked.
This rugged stretch of coast offers an incredibly varied landscape, featuring golden-sand beaches, long clifftop trails, dramatic mountain ranges, and expansive forests of redwoods and sequoias.
A cruise down the California coast provides the opportunity to admire breathtaking coastal scenery and explore vibrant cities like San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
While the cruise focuses on coastal attractions, it allows you to enjoy activities like surfing, sunbathing, and shopping.
Best of all, a California cruise is the perfect opportunity for oenophiles to indulge their love of wine with tastings at some of the best and most picturesque wineries in the world.
California wine is world-class and the state boasts an incredible array of vineyards and wine growers, serving up amazing wines accompanied by mouthwatering food surrounded by rolling fields and hillsides covered in vines.
The weather in California is nearly perfect for pretty much the whole year, but May to September will deliver the best experience, with warm sun and clear skies.
California Coastal Cruises can vary in length significantly, offering a range of durations to fit different schedules and preferences:
- Short Cruises: Some are as brief as 3 days, perfect for quick getaways that explore local highlights along the California coast.
- Medium-Length Cruises: These typically last about 7 days, providing a more comprehensive experience that may include several stops at key coastal cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
- Longer Cruises: There are also extended options that last up to 10 days or more, these often include more destinations and might even extend to nearby regions like the Pacific Northwest or down to Mexico.
These varying lengths offer flexibility, whether you’re looking for a brief exploration or an in-depth voyage along the beautiful California coastline.
9. Puget Sound Islands Cruise
Price Range: $2,000 – $8,000 per person
Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife watchers
Offered by: American Cruise Lines, USA River Cruises, Puget Sound Express
Cruising through the pristine waters of Puget Sound makes for a fantastic way to see to see the glories of the Pacific Northwest up close.
This wonderful part of the world is ideal for rugged explorers and ardent nature lovers who want to experience some of the most interesting and exciting creatures in North America up close.
Eagles, puffins, whales, seals, and dolphins thrive in the rich ecosystems of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. A cruise through these waters offers a front-row seat to the abundant wildlife, showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.
The best time to explore Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands is during the summer.
The climate at this time of the year is warm and (mostly) dry, whereas in spring, fall, and over the winter the temperatures can drop alarmingly low and the weather can be extremely wet. This time of the year also maximizes the chances of seeing wildlife.
The Puget Sound and San Juan Islands Cruise typically lasts for about 8 days. This duration allows travelers to fully explore the scenic and cultural highlights of the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, including various historic seaside towns and natural attractions.
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10. Saguenay River Cruise
Price Range: $2,500 – $5,000 per person
Perfect for: Anyone looking for Scandinavian-style beauty
Offered by: Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Ponant Cruises, Royal Caribbean
Did you know that there are fjords outside of Norway? While the Scandinavian country might be the most famous fjord landscape in the world, there are plenty of places you can explore these extraordinary natural wonders without leaving North America, and Saguenay in Quebec is one of the most remarkable.
A Saguenay River cruise takes you sailing through Saguenay Fjord, one of the longest fjords in the world as well as being the most southerly.
The soaring, pine-laden crags that line the fjord on either side create a stunning backdrop for your voyage, and the waters of the river estuary play host to salmon, sea trout, and various whale species including fin, grey, and even the occasional gargantuan blue!
The city of Saguenay, a gem for shore excursions, exudes the charm of a sleepy New England town. Formed in 2002 from the amalgamation of older towns like Chicoutimi, Jonquière, and La Baie, Saguenay boasts a rich history that predates its official founding, giving it an atmosphere that feels much older than it technically is.
A Saguenay River cruise is best timed to coincide with the whale migrations, in late summer. July, August, and September are the perfect time to visit, as the summer weather is delightful and the wildlife is abundant.
Saguenay River Cruises generally last between 7 to 12 nights. These cruises are part of broader itineraries that explore other parts of Canada and New England, providing ample time to experience the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness of the Saguenay Fjord and surrounding areas.
11. Haida Gwaii Cruise, British Columbia
Price Range: $3,000 – $7,000 per person
Perfect for Explorers, adventurers, and anyone interested in Indigenous culture and traditions. The Haida Gwaii is often referred to as the Canadian Galápagos.
Offered by: Adventure Canada, Bluewater Adventures, Maple Leaf Adventures
The Haida Nation has lived on the Haida Gwaii, an archipelago just off the coast of British Columbia, for over 12,500 years.
This Indigenous group are renowned for their craftsmanship and artistry, and the Haida Gwaii boasts some of the finest examples of Indigenous art, totems, and cultural traditions in North America.
Sailing through the remote and rugged Inside Passage to visit the traditional territory of the Haida Nation offers a deeply moving and rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to learn about and understand the history and customs of this ancient people.
The journey allows explorers to experience a pristine wilderness, complete with fjords, forests, grizzly bears, and bald eagles.
Typically, cruises to Haida Gwaii depart from northern British Columbia, such as from Prince Rupert, and focus on exploring the islands.
The best time of year to cruise Canada and Alaska is summer, from May to September when the wildlife is most active and the climate most forgiving.
Haida Gwaii cruises typically last about 8 days, offering an immersive experience exploring the rich marine life, rainforests, and the Haida culture.
These cruises navigate the entire archipelago, including the remote southern regions like Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, renowned for its cultural and ecological significance.
Time To Cruise
There are countless opportunities across North America to experience everything from hidden cultural gems and historic waterways to breathtaking natural beauty and unique wildlife encounters through various cruise options.
As the industry continues to evolve, the promise of discovering new destinations and creating unforgettable memories remains a compelling reason to consider cruising as a way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of North America.
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