Viking Mississippi river ship lit up at dusk beneath a steel bridge

America’s Rivers and the Lines That Sail Them

Mississippi paddlewheelers, Pacific Northwest canyons and Hudson Valley foliage — and who sails them today.

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American river cruising has fewer lines than Europe, but more variety in the rivers themselves — from the Mississippi’s full length to the canyon country of the Columbia and Snake. Here is who sails where.

River	Character	Lines that sail it
Lower Mississippi	Antebellum homes, Civil War history, jazz and blues, from New Orleans upriver toward Memphis	American Cruise Lines, Viking
Upper Mississippi	Bluffs, small river towns and locks between St. Louis and St. Paul; fall color in autumn	American Cruise Lines, Viking
Ohio, Tennessee & Cumberland	Bourbon country, Civil War sites, Nashville and Chattanooga	American Cruise Lines
Columbia & Snake	The Columbia River Gorge, Lewis and Clark history, wine country and canyon scenery	American Cruise Lines
Hudson River	Fall foliage, historic estates and West Point, often from New York City	American Cruise Lines

The Two Big Names

American Cruise Lines

The largest operator on American rivers, with U.S.-flagged ships and American crews. Its fleet mixes paddlewheel-style riverboats with modern riverboats, and it covers more U.S. rivers than anyone else, plus coastal and East Coast waterway routes.

Viking

Viking brought its European formula to the Mississippi in 2022 with the purpose-built Viking Mississippi, sailing between New Orleans and St. Paul. Expect the same adults-only, Scandinavian-design style as its European longships, on a larger ship.

Paddlewheel riverboat on the Mississippi — The paddlewheel is still part of the Mississippi scene.

Choosing Between Them

Want a paddlewheel?

American Cruise Lines is where to look for paddlewheel-style ships on the Mississippi and its tributaries.

Want the Viking style?

Viking Mississippi gives you Viking’s design and adults-only atmosphere on America’s biggest river.

Want the Pacific Northwest?

The Columbia and Snake are sailed by American Cruise Lines, with dramatic gorge and canyon scenery.

Want fall color?

The Upper Mississippi and the Hudson are the classic autumn choices. Book early: fall dates are popular.

American Queen Voyages, once a big name on these rivers, ceased operating in 2024. If you have an older brochure, our advisors can suggest the closest current alternative.

American River Cruise Questions

Do I need a passport for an American river cruise?

Not for a cruise that stays within the United States, such as the Mississippi or the Columbia and Snake. You will still need an accepted government-issued photo ID to fly.

Are American river cruises like European ones?

The ships are often larger, the distances longer and the stops less dense with medieval old towns. In return you get American history, music and food, and no long-haul flight. Many guests do both, years apart.

Can I still sail on a paddlewheeler?

Yes. American Cruise Lines operates paddlewheel-style riverboats alongside its modern riverboats. Ask our advisors which ships are scheduled on the river and dates you have in mind.

Plan an American River Cruise

Tell us the river and season. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the ships sailing it and send free quotes.

Get American River Quotes