Cruising is a choice of vacation that many people opt to, while some people are wary of. It can seem daunting if one thinks of being out in the ocean for days at a time; even if the ports of call are enticing. One solution for people who do not like the idea of having their vacation out in the vast ocean on a cruise liner is to take a smaller river cruise instead. This could be the perfect cruise trip for the family, sightseeing along some of the most famous waterways in North America. Try one of these five North American River Cruises.

Embarking on a paddleboat cruise can be the perfect way of getting close to some of the most famous landmarks in the US and Canada. No matter which part of North America you would like to explore, there should be a river cruise that takes you to the right direction.

Photo courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company

Following Mark Twain’s footsteps with a Mississippi trip

Mark Twain grew up in the town of Hannibal in the Upper Mississippi region, and he chose the area as the base for his stories about Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. You can follow in the footsteps of the great writer by taking a cruise along this part of the majestic Mississippi River. The Lower Mississippi takes you to New Orleans where you can enjoy the music and cuisine of The Big Easy.

Explore the state of New York on the Hudson River

The Catskill Mountains are one of the most amazing natural sights to see in the US. Taking a cruise along the Hudson River allows you to savour the beauty of the mountains before spending time in the buzzing metropolis of New York City, admiring landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

Spotting wildlife along the Columbia River

Columbia River cruises are amongst the most popular with travellers, and you can see why. The wildlife in the area is incredible. The river also passes some incredibly beautiful waterfalls and vast vineyards which you can just admire while sitting back.

Visiting the Alaskan wilderness

Alaska is awe-inspiring for its remote beauty. This is a place which is dominated by huge glaciers and where you can take time out to spot grizzlies and try your hand at kayaking. If you have an adventurous spirit, an Alaskan river cruise is one of the best vacations you can take.

Traveling to the Great Lakes

You may not realize that you can take a cruise which visits all of the Great Lakes, but you can, and it’s an experience that you will never forget. This cruise takes you along waterways in both the US and Canada and you get to witness one of the most incredible natural sights you will ever see; the truly spectacular and powerful Niagara Falls.

As you can see, you do not need to travel the ocean to enjoy taking a cruise. The rivers of North America have plenty of amazing secrets for you to discover if you decide to try a river cruise instead. Choose any of these Five North American River Cruises and it will be worth the while.