USA River Cruise experts are excited about these fantastic cruise itineraries. Whether its a brand new itinerary, or one that occurs rarely, you should take this opportunity to book your cruise now. Don’t let your cabin on the ship get booked by someone else. Consider these exciting cruise recommendations for your vacation plans.

Columbia gorge and crown point to illustrate Columbia Gorge River Cruises History in the Making
#1 | Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise

The Columbia River cruise is a favorite for good reason. If you love variety – you’ll see something new almost every time you look towards the shore. This cruise takes you through multiple landscapes as varied as the people who live here.  You’ll traverse from high desert – rolling tree-bare hills called the Palouse – these stunning hills are what is left following the ancient great Missoula flood which scoured eastern Washington.

These hills become high desert – the eastern slopes of nearby Mount Hood and Mount Adams as you enter the Cascade Mountain Range. The Columbia River is the only river that actually passes through a mountain range – not just originate there. Traveling westward, you’ll have Oregon on your left and Washington on your right. As you enter the Cascades, you’ll find it rapidly becomes greener and steeper with towering cliffs. This is the Columbia River National Scenic Area. The terrain is unusual, with the Oregon side lined with multiple waterfalls – many just visible from the river.  Travel under the Bridge of the Gods near the site of an ancient land bridge that was once formed by a land slide.

As you pass out of the Gorge, you enter the big metropolitan area of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington.  Passing further west, you’ll pass several wildlife refuges, small towns, and plenty of green mountains. Once again you’ll glide through a mountain range – this time the Coastal Mountains on your way to the maritime landscape where the Columbia River finally empties out into the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon.

The journey on the Columbia ends here for most ships, under the Astoria-Megler Bridge spanning the enormous mouth of the river. But the cruises that run this scenic river will take you back to the Portland/Vancouver metro area for your return home.  There are few other rivers that can offer such variety in one short cruise! There are options ranging from 4 night highlight cruises to 10 day full experience cruises. We highly recommend it!

>>Find out more about a Columbia River Cruise

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Camden, Maine
#2 | Explore the Maine Coastline on the Downeast Maine Cruise

One of the best aspects of small ship cruising is the ability to stop in smaller towns and communities. On the Downeast Maine cruise, you stop in some of most charming small towns found all along the Maine coastline. With Maine’s crooked coastline, there are many coves and bays where big ships just can’t go. If you want to explore beyond just the one stop most cruise ships do, you’ll love this itinerary.

Visiting small towns, you’ll meet people who have probably lived there all their lives. This unique itinerary is a step back to a slower pace of life, with fresh air and a history to learn that goes way back. If you love a good lobster roll, you’ll love a visit to Maine for some of the freshest seafood around.

>>See an itinerary for the Downeast Maine cruise

 

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Florida's Gulf Coast
#3 | Discover Key West

Most big ship cruises depart Florida – but you can take a small ship cruise that will take you around Florida. Follow the shape of the state, down to Key West and up the Gulf of Mexico side on this cruise where you can dive into the many great museums, outdoor experiences, and laid back lifestyle of the Florida coastline. See Port Canaveral, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, and Key West on this 3 week cruise extravaganza that starts in Washington, D.C.  With a good mixture of onboard time and offshore time, you’ll get the best of both worlds for those who like to relax and kick back.

>>See the laid back itinerary on this fun cruise to Florida

Paul Gauguin cruise to tahiti and bora bora
#4 | Bora Bora and the Society Islands

Think outside the box – we also offer many cruises around the world, taking you to exciting and exotic locations. We love this cruise on board the m/s Paul Gauguin – they specialize in luxurious island comfort. You won’t feel as if you’re just on any old ship – this ship was designed to sail these exotic islands and know this area very well. You’ll dine on local cuisines made from fresh and local ingredients. You’ll meet the locals, enjoy learning about the culture and history here. The crystalline aqua blue waters, towering volcanoes, and swaying palm trees will definitely let  you know “you aren’t in Kansas anymore!” to quote L. Frank Baum.  If you are ready for a change of pace – a slower pace – and perhaps have it accompanied by a lovely Tahitian cocktail, you’ll love this cruise! We like the 10 day cruise option, but there are many others and we can help you decide which is right for you.

>>Find out more about the Society Island Cruise

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