Bear in Alaksa Photographed from the Island Spirit

We wanted to book a cruise to Alaska, so we called USA River Cruises and talked to Cindy who told us about their small ships that did the Alaska itineraries. We had only been on large ships and a European river cruise, so we found this fascinating as we loved our river cruise and we had decided we did not want a cruise with thousands of folks on it; we were tired of the lines and crowds and waiting to get on and off all the time, and all the extra costs that come with the larger ships. When Cindy explained to us about the Island Spirit, we were really impressed…

We took a Cruise on the Island Spirit late summer of 2009 to Alaska. It was an experience we will always treasure., from first landing in Sitka the shuttle picked us up and took us to the ship, the driver was friendly and informative. Once we reached the ship we were greeted by the crew and given our room accommodations, we never picked up a bag. The ship was beautiful, relaxing and it felt like home after a few minutes, everyone was so nice and helpful. The meals were so scrumptious and having wine with dinner and an evening cocktail hour every night was unbelievable, nothing like this on the big ships!!  On our 8 night 9 day cruise we went to places in Eastern Alaska that no ships go to, a village of 97 residents called Tenakee Springs, where we visited the store founded in 1899 and tried their fantastic bakery, was one of our favorites. It was an amazing place. Captain Jeff and his crew really know what service is and they are passionate about Alaska and all its wilderness, they made every day truly a great experience. The whole cruise was amazing, we were so close to glaciers we could touch them and once we even saw a Bear catching fish in a stream, not on a picture but in real life and how many folks can say that??? There were so many wonderful things to see, that we have decided to go back and do the repositioning cruise in May so we experience even more, and of course we will call USA River Cruises, they know their cruises and their customers and that is refreshing nowadays!!

- Herbert and Ruth Chandler, AZ

Dear Cindy,

We just wanted to thank you and let you know that we had wonderful time on our Grand European Cruise. The hotels you picked out for us were perfect for our extended trip. A boutique hotel on a quiet street in Amsterdam was modern and close to everything, a grand old world hotel in downtown Budapest was an elegant end to our trip. I would recommend that everyone add some extra days before and after their cruise.
Although the weather tended to cold and damp(it was November), the sun did shine occasionally and we never let a little bad weather stop us. Our cruise started with a warm welcome by the crew on board the Viking Spirit. There were introductions and briefings about the ship and our trip. Everyone on the ship spoke English and were always friendly and helpful. They seemed to think of everything to make our trip a “cruise of a lifetime.” The rooms were spacious with plenty of storage so that we could unpack everything and settle in to life on board the ship. One of the best things about cruising in Europe is that you don’t have to pack and unpack with every new city. The ship engines are quite and you hardly feel like you are moving.

The food was excellent. There were numerous options and we liked being able to choose a light lunch in the lounge or a full luncheon in the dining room. There was a beverage center that was always open with coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water. There was some entertainment at night, a glass blower, a one man oompah band and, our favorite, a German band that was a cross between folk and rock music. The crew also entertained at times during the cruise and gave some lectures on various subjects such as Mozart, the canal system and the German language. There were also some fun times with special drinks and food having to do with the region.
The tours were excellent. On walking tours there was always an easier paced option for those who didn’t want to or couldn’t manage the regular tour. The guides used electronic speakers and we had individual ear phones and receivers so that everyone could hear, even the people in the back. There was a nice balance of guided tours and free time.
Some of our tour highlights were the Wurzburg Residenz palace, the Abbey at Melk, the concert (optional) in Vienna and the “roughing it” tour in Budapest (we walked and took public buses and trams and were able to spend time in the market building.) On one cold, rainy evening, after a long day of touring, we were greeted back on board with a wonderful glass of hot, mulled wine. Perfect! Viking always provided maps for us and made suggestions on what we could shop for and what we might want to eat while at each stop. They also told us how to use the subway in Vienna so that we could have more free time there.

During our free time we were able to spend a fun evening in a Rudesheim restaurant, coffee at a world famous Viennese coffee shop, a traditional Hungarian dinner in Budapest. The Christmas Market was open in Budapest and we enjoyed fair food and all the craft stalls.
This is our second small ship river cruise. We enjoy them because they are not the big, impersonal megaships. You get to know the other passangers and become good friends with at least a few of your
fellow travelers. You even get to know the crew. On one beautiful day in Melk, we walked back to the ship with the maitre ‘d and chatted about his family. On our last night, there was a crepe dessert that
our table decided would be wonderful with ice cream. After the waiter jokingly gave us a hard time, we had our ice cream and it was wonderful!

Thank you Cindy, we had a great time and didn’t have to worry about a
thing. You took care of it all! We look forward to traveling with
USA River Cruises again, soon!

Heidi and Bob Galster

New Hampshire

Learn about this cruise

I was “introduced” to USA River Cruises when searching the Web for river cruises. After decades of making travel arrangements myself, I thought it was time to sit back and let the pros take over. That was the beginning of a delightful relationship.

In April 2008 I took my first river cruise with Majestic America through USA River Cruises. The staff could not have been better as they had every detail taken care of, without my having to lift a finger.

The Columbia Queen traversed the Columbia and Snake Rivers, with magnificent and different scenery at every bend along the way. Visits to several towns including Astoria and Pendleton, a boat ride down the Snake River into Hell’s Canyon, views of the rock formations, Fort Clatsop, and changes of weather from rain one minute to snow the next, were just a few of the highlights of the trip.

On the Snake River, East of Pendelton, OR

Fort Clatsop

Enjoying this experience, Cindy suggested a river cruise up the northern Mississippi from Missouri to Minnesota. In September 2008 I was on the American Queen, taking in the sites along the Mississippi River.

Mark Twain’s House in Hannibal, MO

In April 2009 I ventured to Europe taking a Wind Star cruise from Portugal to Spain with stops at Gibraltar, and Almeria, Ibiza, and Port Mahon, Spain. I was on a roll and decided why stop traveling in Western Europe. Cindy provided information about a 16-day river cruise on the Danube River from the Black Sea to Nuremburg, Germany. Wow! What a wonderful time.

Hungarian “Cowboys”

Gibraltar and its Famous Rock

In 2009, we took our first cruise with ACCL through USA River Cruises.  What a delightful experience it was!  Cindy was most helpful in making sure we had everything taken care of before the cruise.

Being our first cruise, we were a little anxious about what we were getting into.  But from the moment we arrived at the boat, we knew we were in good hands.  Cruise Director Jen McDonald and the entire crew made us feel most welcome throughout the trip.

The cruise itself was relaxing and entertaining.  We had plenty of time to kick back and enjoy ourselves learning about the areas we were cruising through and chatting with the other passengers .  There was also plenty of time for reading and playing games.

At first we were surprised at how many of the passengers had already taken several cruises with ACCL – one couple was on their 14^th cruise!  But within a few days, we had decided to book another cruise, too.

Jim & Donna Fleming
Columbus, IN

Click here to learn more about about Captain Jeff’s specials, including 25% off the Sept. 28th Columbia River Cruise!

Captain Jeff

Captain Jeff Behrens and his ship, the M/V Island Spirit, provide unique Small Ship cruises for 32 passengers in both SE Alaska and the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The M/V Island Spirit, which Captain Jeff has owned and operated since 1990, is quite unique.  It is the only one of its type and passenger count to run all ships electric on batteries in the evenings (they have 6,000 lbs. of batteries to accomplish this).  This allows passengers to experience very quiet evenings.  Whether in secluded bays, inlets or dockside in small towns, you’ll always get a great night’s rest, probably the best in the small ship cruise experience. The onboard experience is always comfortable, with fine meals and included beverages, as well as all-inclusive tours and a naturalist/interpretive guide,.  You’ll never pay for the extras.  There are spacious lounges inside and out for viewing and binoculars on board for guest use. Maybe you’ll try one of the ships 8 kayaks?

Captain Jeff offers 2 Cruising itineraries aboard the Island Spirit:

SE Alaska 9 day programs between Sitka, Ak. and Petersburg, AK. - May-August

These trips feature tours and attractions in both cities.  You’ll enjoy traditional meals and young dancers in Petersburg, a wonderful Scandinavian fishing community.  Take a walk on the Muskeg Forest Trail and learn about native Flora and Fauna, or enjoy the tour of a local Cannery and learn about the lifeblood of the community catch. In Sitka, visit the Raptor Rehabilitation center, Totem Park and the local heritage museums, while learning about the Russian culture and history of the town.  You’ll also visit a truly Alaskan Village, “Tenakee Springs”.  A town of 90 folks or so, (depending on the season).  See the Real Alaska that big ship passengers only dream of. The Island Spirit is the largest vessel to be welcomed in this small community.

You’ll also visit Juneau where the Captain buys you a cold one at the famous Red Dog Saloon! Then see whales and spectacular hidden coves.  You’ll visit Ford’s Terror.  A magical place to relax and kayak among 5,000 foot canyon walls, sleep to the sound of a waterfall and forget about life’s cares. The Island Spirit is the only passenger vessel of her type to transit this narrow waterway to enter famous Fords Terror!

Trips start at $4495pp/dbl.

Learn more about this cruise | Contact USA River Cruises about this cruise.

Columbia & Snake River Cruises: Operate in the fall for the best cruising Weather!

These cruises cover both rivers from the mouth of the Pacific Ocean at Astoria, Oregon to Lewiston, Idaho.  Gateway airports are Spokane, Wa. and Portland, Ore. where a Cruise host and complimentary motorcoach shuttle meet you to welcome you aboard.  Cruises are either Westbound or Eastbound, so all cruising is done during daylight hours and you see all of the river scenery.

All meals, cocktails, attractions and exhibits are included in the program price.  You’ll visit Maritime Museums, Lewis and Clark Heritage museums, vessel locks and powerhouses, wind farms and their generators, waterfalls, wineries and more.  Even enjoy an included Jet boat ride up into Hell’s Canyon.  Cruise the historic Columbia Gorge Corridor with us and learn about the formation of this scenic River Canyon. Further upstream see and learn about the Cataclysmic Missoula Ice Age Floods. There’s history all around us.

These trips are a wonderful combination of cruising and touring.  We might cruise in the morning, then take a break and visit a local town in the afternoon or evening.  The next day we may cruise all day, and then tie up by a park for the evening.  It’s a comfortable informative vacation.  And the ship’s owner is onboard and accessible to visit his bridge!

Trips start at $2899pp/dbl.

Learn more about this cruise | Contact USA River Cruises about this cruise.

Astoria appeared in the distance on our port side, laying peacefully against the early evening sky as we motored Westward from Portland on the Columbia drawing near to the Pacific and the voyage end for Lewis and Clark. The picture marked the last hours of our 8 day adventure river cruise up the Columbia and Snake Rivers, which included a jet boat ride through Hell’s Canyon and visits to the towns of Walla Walla, Pemberton, and especially the wonders of Mt. St. Helens. . It was a great trip, marking the start of the 40^th anniversary summer of Barb and myself, and one we had long dreamed of making.

USA River Cruises and Cruise West did a great Job of meeting our expectations for exploration, learning about the settling of the northwest, and the history of this great area. The meals were great and the talks about local history met everything we had looked forward to. Our crew became good friends, as did many of the passengers on similar adventures of exploration, and we returned feeling very fulfilled at having had this wonderful experience.

So thanks to all those who made this happen, especially Marcy and Kieron, we will long remember you and the adventure as we share our story (and pictures) with family and friends.

-Carl and Barb Debevec

Aboard the Spirit of ‘98, July 2009

“We had a fabulous time.  This was the most relaxing vacation we’ve ever had.  We really needed it!  Can’t wait to go on another one.  Send us brochures on more options and destinations.  We’re ready to go again.”

- Gary and Jan from Belevedere, CA went on the American Queen from St. Louis to Memphis October 25.

American Queen

Cindy and Don with the Captain

Day 1: We board the cruise in Jacksonville, FL ( Amelia Island is a cheerful, artistic place).

First thing we notice is how large our cabin is over 255 sq. feet and beautifully decorated; these must be largest cabins on a small ship I have seen so far. Bathroom is also full size like a luxury hotel. At 12:30pm lunch is being served and it smells great!! At 1:00pm we head up the coast to Brunswick, GA. There is a briefing in the lounge on tours and we are introduced to Charlie Petrocci, our guest speaker for the week. Charlie’s talks through out the week were not only interesting but fun, he was fun and very passionate about nature and culture along the eastern inter-coastal way! Cocktail hour was at 5:30pm every evening any; drinks were free, along with assortment of wonderful hors d’oeuvres. Dinner was also fantastic; served at 6:30pm every night, great local cuisines and great service!! We stop in Brunswick for an overnight stay, and many of us get off and walk around this cute historical town. At 8:30pm Charlie does another one of his wonderful talks on the history of Brunswick and the Sea Turtle Center which is also on the tour for tomorrow. Wow, hard to believe we are only on our first day; it has been an exciting first day!!

Cindy with Charlie, the ship's naturalist

Day 2: There is an early riser breakfast from 6:30am-9:00am which we don’t make; we do however make the sit-down breakfast which is very good. We then head out for a tour of St. Simons Island, it was really interesting to visit the Bloody March, the site of the famous 1742 battle. We also visit Retreat Plantation and stop at the beautiful Christ Church; there is no better way to experience true southern charm. We have plenty of time to shop or walk. That night we have some fantastic Jazz and Blues Music from “After Hours” local entertainers.

Day 3: We head out for a tour of Jekyll Island to the Sea Turtle Center, and the Historic District and the “Millionaires Village” the winter cottages of the rich and famous, which are unbelievable. The Sea Turtles are amazing - some almost 100 years old!! It all is so much fun and educational, and what we enjoy most is no packing or unpacking and no dressing up, all very casual.

Day 4: We have met some of the nicest people on this cruise, the ages vary from 40s to 90s but all are on this cruise to have fun and learn something wonderful about our own country. With only 94 passengers on the ship it is easy to get to know folks and you may sit anywhere for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Don and I decide to move around at every sitting and get to know everyone on the ship; it is so nice talking to people and making new friends from all over the country, a few from other countries. This day we cruise through the Inland Passage sometimes so close to land you feel like you can reach out and touch it, it is so beautiful. Lots of eagles, hawks, pelicans all sorts of marsh critters (I am sure Charlie would not appreciate my lack of knowledge here). At 6:00pm we pull into the gorgeous dock of Savannah, GA, a place I have wanted to see ever since I was a little girl! It is more beautiful than I ever have imagined it to be. I can’t wait to get off and explore my dream city.

Day 5: Last night we had dinner at the Sapphire Grill which is located next to Paula Dean’s Lady and Son’s restaurant and store. It was one of the most romantic places we have ever eaten, and to make it even more romantic on our anniversary a huge thunder storm came in and we had our dinner by candle light as the power went out for almost 1 hr, but you would never know it since they use gas stoves. Everything was prepared perfectly; how much more romantic can you get??

Today we took the Trolley tour and visited the house of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. It was classic southern home with a beautiful courtyard garden. We visited all the local spots were famous movies were shot, such as Forest Gump, Prince of Tides, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, just to mention a few. Once you see all the historic homes and statues and gardens you can understand why they would do so many movies here. The history is overwhelming and you can understand why Union General William T. Sherman presented Savannah to President Lincoln as a gift, it is truly one of our countries most colorful, historical cities to visit.

We also did an afternoon tour of the Mighty Eight Air Force Museum. Boy, this tour did not get enough kudos; it was one of the biggest, best Air Force Museums that my husband and I have seen, and believe me with Don, we have seen quite a few. 2 ½ hours was not near enough to see this huge memorial to all our men and women who have served in the air force. We saw many exhibitions from WWII through today. It was so inspiring. They even had a visual, oral exhibit that allowed you to really feel like you were riding in a WWII airplane, being shot at and getting ready to bomb the enemy. It was a shocking but realistic sensation, something we will never forget and we hope to go back there someday and spend an entire day there.

Day 6: Well we pull into Daufuski Island, SC for the night, or so we thought. At about 12:00am a big storm comes in and we have to leave Daufuski because our ship is pulling the pier too much, and our Captain decides to leave before we cause any damage to this small local dock. Once away from the pier you really don’t even know what is happening in fact most of the passengers slept right through it all. Daufuski is an interesting place; Charlie tells us it is an island that is not connected by bridge to mainland so the culture is somewhat isolated and they speak their own language of Gullah. On the opposite end is Hilton Head, another stop along the way, very modern with golf courses and huge beautiful homes, but deep in the middle of this island is somewhat a jungle filled with all kinds of plant and animal life and you can take an Alligator boat cruise to see it all.

Day 7: We are now in Beaufort, SC and off on a carriage tour of the City that was so educational, our guide was a retired college professor and he knew so much about the South and slavery and all the stories of the Civil War. It was so interesting, entertaining and fun to sit in a horse drawn carriage and learn all about Robert Small’s and many other great heroes of the south. In the late afternoon we headed for Charleston, SC.

Docking there in late afternoon and than taking a city tour that night gave us a real good feel for this big, colorful southern city. We spent most of the evening walking around and taking the local trolley all over this unbelievable city.

Day 8: Our most memorable cruise finally ended, with so many wonderful, lifetime memories! We have to leave our new found friends, but we have extended our stay in Charleston for two more days and as we find out so many of our friends have done the same. So our fun continues for a little longer!!

Best part of the cruise, making new friends for a lifetime including the wonderful staff of the American Spirit and learning more about this great country we live in and what has made it was it is today; not forgetting all the sacrifices and victories!!

What makes this cruise exceptional: The service, they were professional but took their jobs very personally in making every passenger happy. Cabins, lots and lots of space. And very comfortable.  Educational speakerssuch as Charlie, and local entertainment, both fantastic!!

Meals were very good and exceptional wines were served with dinner every night and plenty of food all day long, including root beer floats and ice cream sundaes every evening. It was hard to come home and break that habit!!

Many wonderful choices of reasonably priced shore excursions and because these ships can park on the docks you can spend your time just wandering the cities and enjoying the locals as we did many days.

The American Spirit