us river cruises for seniors

US River Senior Cruises

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12 night pacific northwest cruise details, 7 night western caribbean cruise details, 5 night pacific coastal cruise details, 36 night transpacific cruise details, 14 night panama canal eastward cruise details, 30 night transpacific cruise details, 7 night mississippi delta explorer details, 23 night transcanal cruise details, 7 night exotic western caribbean cruise details, 25 night repo - panama canal details, related cruises.

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First-Timer's Guide to U.S. River Cruising

What to know about these popular, scenic trips along america's waterways.

If you're thinking about booking a U.S. river cruise — or you've already booked one and aren't sure what to expect — there are a few points to keep in mind.

This isn't a “piña colada in the hot tub” experience

Don't expect a passengers-gone-wild atmosphere on these generally relaxing cruises. It's often quiet after 10 p.m., and passengers tend to be older than those on many big-ship ocean voyages.

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You may sail during the day

Guests who think they'll spend all their before-sundown time in port and all night cruising the river may be surprised to discover that sailing can also take place during the day — sometimes for a full day, especially if the ports are far apart. The cruise line will likely plan special onboard activities to entertain you, and you can always enjoy the view.

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You can leave your ball gowns at home

The dress code on a river cruise is decidedly less formal than on some of the large ocean voyages. Daytime dress is casual and dependent on the temperature: jeans, running shoes, athletic wear. Comfort is key. For dinner, khakis or nice jeans with a shirt or sweater is fine. And bring rain gear.

You won't get seasick

Because the ships travel on rivers, not oceans, there are no significant waves, and even passengers who are prone to motion sickness are rarely (if ever) affected.

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There are ways to save

To get the best rates, book far in advance, choose a less expensive room, go during shoulder season (November, January, February and March on the Mississippi, for instance), and forgo all-inclusive alcohol packages (if the cruise line charges extra for drinks) and certain optional shore excursions. Plus, you'll pay much less for an inside, viewless stateroom, if your ship has these, notes American Queen Steamboat Co. (AQSC) founder and CEO John Waggoner: “A lot of people who are budget conscious say, ‘I'm only using my room to sleep in anyway.’ “ And the lines also often have early-booking discounts, through which you can save as much as $600 per person by planning many months ahead.

Find out what's included in the fare before booking

Avoid surprises at the end of your cruise. On some  AQSC itineraries , for example, you'll be billed for port charges of $119 to $599 per guest as well as $19.50 per day for gratuities. Some cruise lines include complimentary hotel stay the night before the cruise.

Choose a cruise that's your speed

Some are slow paced, which may be better for less mobile passengers or those who simply want more relaxation than action. Others have activities such as kayaking or have bikes and helmets to borrow when you're in port. Look at the kinds of excursions offered, and call the cruise line or read reviews to get a sense of the pace and decide whether it fits your travel style.

You don't need to sign up for every outing

Many of the cruises provide multiple options for shore excursions each day. “First-timers have a tendency to overschedule themselves,” points out Richard Marnell, executive vice president of marketing at Viking Cruises. His advice: Sign up in advance for whatever interests you most and play the rest by ear. Some of the best moments of any trip are unplanned.

Plan some time apart from your travel mates

If you're vacationing with a partner or group, you don't need to stay together for every activity and meal. Consider enjoying at least one experience without anyone you came with — do it alone or with someone you've met on the cruise — whether you're exploring the streets of a city or taking some other shore excursion. “Each of you will meet new friends you otherwise wouldn't have, and invariably you'll come back with stories to tell each other,” Marnell says.

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Top 5 River Cruising Experiences in the U.S.

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• River Cruises

Explore America’s Most Iconic Waterways With the 5 Best U.S. River Cruises

Discover natural and cultural treasures close to home.

You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.

On these voyages, you'll sail with anywhere from 100 to 400 other guests aboard either modern riverboats or classic paddle wheelers that hearken back to a different time. Like their European counterparts, river cruises in the U.S. typically package everything at a single price, including staterooms, meals, guest lectures and enrichment programs, entertainment, and most shore excursions. Some even include pre-cruise hotel stays.

Here are five river cruises that will show you the U.S. in a whole new light.

American Cruise Lines’ Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville

It's hard to choose from American Cruise Lines' 35 itineraries. For arts and culture lovers, the eight-day Music Cities Cruise along the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland rivers presents an opportunity to visit several charming cities and towns in the South. The itinerary is offered on four different 180-passenger ships, including the American Serenade and the classic American Splendor paddle wheeler.

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The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum. The next day, the ship travels through the Barkley Lock and past the stunning coves and limestone bluffs of the Cumberland River's Lake Barkley– a view best enjoyed from the balcony of your stateroom. In Dover, Tennessee, guests visit historic Fort Donelson National Park and learn about the garrison's role during the Civil War. The next day, passengers can tour the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Fort Defiance in Clarksville, Tennessee, and cap off the experience with a whiskey tasting at Old Glory Distilling Co. The voyage ends in Nashville, where you can stroll along historic Lower Broadway, visit museums dedicated to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, and take in a Grand Ole Opry show. 

American Queen Voyages' Upper Mississippi Cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis

History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature.

After departing St. Louis, the cruise arrives in Alton, Illinois, where guests can play golf on championship courses, explore the National Great Rivers Museum , or just stroll around the town's historic districts. Day three brings passengers further upriver to Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, from which the author drew inspiration for several of his novels. On day four, the ship stops at Bettendorf, Iowa, for a hop-on hop-off tour of museums, artist studios, the German American Heritage Center , and the Quad City Botanical Center . In Dubuque, Iowa, guests can take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator, billed as "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway". Day nine, finds the the ship at La Crosse, Wisconsin, famous for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. The final port is Red Wing, Minnesota, home to beautifully preserved artisan workshops, factories, and pioneer-era architecture. After disembarking, passengers can explore nearby Minneapolis before going home.

American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

This eight-day fall foliage-themed cruise takes leaf peeping to a new level. The round-trip voyage out of New York City takes nature lovers through the heart of the Hudson Valley  –  swathed every fall in a blanket of bright orange, red, and yellow. Whether you sail on the classic 48-stateroom American Star or the 100-passenger American Eagle , you'll enjoy a stunning display of colors from the comfort of your balcony. On shore, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to the highest waterfall in the Empire State , walk across the longest pedestrian bridge in the world , and visit the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park and author Washington Irving in Sleepy Hollow.

Viking Cruises’ New Orleans & Southern Charms Lower Mississippi Cruise

This eight-day round-trip cruise takes in historic estates, military sites, and comunities bursting with Cajun and Creole culture. After departing New Orleans, the Viking Mississippi stops in the Louisiana towns of Darrow and St. Francisville, which boast Greek Revival mansions, Spanish moss-draped avenues, and even a haunted house . Day four brings travelers to the oldest city on the river, Natchez, Mississippi, home to a rich African American heritage . The next day, guests can learn about one of the most consequential battles of the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park before setting sail for the vibrant capital city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship then returns to New Orleans, where guests can stay longer or catch a flight home.

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UnCruise Adventures’ Rivers of Adventure & Wine Columbia and Snake River Cruise

Spotting wildlife and sipping wine go hand-in-hand on this UnCruise Adventures expedition around the Pacific Northwest. The seven-night round-trip journey from Portland isn't your typical leisure cruise. Instead, passengers get to go on rainforest hikes, rafting adventures, winery visits, and scenic kayaking excursions through dramatic canyons.

After the champagne departure from Portland and a stop at Astoria, Oregon, the ship passes through the Columbia River Gorge. Passengers can disembark for a guided hike, then return for a wine tasting with the ship's sommelier. The gourmand adventures continue with an excursion to Walla Walla, Washington, which includes visits to olive oil makers, chocolatiers, and family-owned wine cellars. Day five begins at the mouth of the Palouse River, where guests can kayak or paddleboard. The next day, passengers can visit Columbia Hills State Park and Rowena Plateau on foot or by skiff boat while enjoying river dips, farm-to-fork delights, and a wine tour and tasting. Guests then disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for whitewater rafting or a relaxing winery tour. The adventure ends with a farewell dinner back at Portland.

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