The Best River Cruises in North America

The Ultimate River Escape: Indulge in Relaxation and Exploration

North America

Are you dreaming of a holiday through North America that combines the tranquility of a river voyage with thrilling excursions and enriching experiences? Look no further than one of these top-rated river cruises. We've sifted through countless options, ships, and itineraries, analyzing them based on price, comfort, cuisine, guest ratings, excursions, and activities to bring you the very best selection. These top river cruises in North America offer the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as you set sail on a river cruise that will exceed your expectations in every way.


The Top 3 Cruises:

  • 9 Days, $2400.00

  • 9 Days, $2899.00

  • 18 Days, $7120.00
North America
The Best River Cruises through North America

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Truly Egypt Tours 9 Days Start/End in Cairo 13 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in North America.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 16 to 71
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $267

This cruise visits Cairo, Cairo, Giza, Memphis, Saqqarah, Memphis, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Agilkia Island, Aswan, Philae, and Abu Simbel.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Truly Egypt Tours
Truly Egypt Tours is a smaller tour company providing personalized service with a focus on Egypt. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$2,400
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 9 Days Start/End in Vancouver 7 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in North America.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Local Culture: provides in-depth local experiences.

Great for:
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $294

This cruise visits Vancouver, British Columbia, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, and Ketchikan.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Local Living
  • River Cruise
  • Cultural Photography
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$2,649
on TourRadar

Organized by Click Tours 18 Days Tel Aviv to Cairo 42 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in North America.
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 35
Price per Day: $316

This cruise visits Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea, Caesarea National Park, Megido, Kafar Kanna, Tiberias, Tabgha, Capernaum, Golan Heights, Banias Nature Reserve, Mount Hermon, Yardenit, Galilee, Nazareth, Massada, Beit Alfa, Jerusalem, Ein Kerem, Masada National Park, Dead Sea, Qumran National Park, Mount Zion, Bethlehem, Jerusalem Old City, Mount of Olives, Jerash, Amman, Mount Nebo, Petra, Wadi Rum, Madaba, Cairo, Memphis, Memphis, Saqqarah, Giza, Kitchener Island, Aswan, Elephantine Island, Kom Ombo, Philae, Edfu, Esna, Luxor, and Valley of the Kings.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Click Tours
Click Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.



$7,120 $5,696
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 9 Days Chicago to Detroit 6 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Great for History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $511

This cruise visits Chicago, Mackinac Island, Holland, Grand Rapids, Frankenmuth, Detroit, Southfield, and Dearborn.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$4,599
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 9 Days Start/End in Amsterdam 11 Destinations

starstarstarstarstar 4.5 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $572

This cruise visits Holland, Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, Delft, The Hague, and Rotterdam.

  • Sightseeing
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$5,149
on TourRadar

Organized by Collette 9 Days Start/End in Amsterdam 11 Destinations
Great for:
  • History Enthusiasts
  • Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.6 rating

Age Range: 5 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 44
Price per Day: $600

This cruise visits Holland, Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague.

  • Sightseeing
  • Historical
  • Museum
  • River Cruise
  • Walking Tour
  • Fully Guided

By Collette
Collette is a long-established tour operator offering guided tours with a balance of structured sightseeing and free time. Their trips range from classic group tours to small-group explorations, faith-based travel, and luxury options. They emphasize comfort, cultural immersion, and local experiences, often including unique dining and hands-on activities.



$5,399
on TourRadar

Why does North America appeal to river cruise passengers?

River cruises in North America appeal to travelers for their relaxed pace, scenic views, and access to culturally rich, often less-touristed destinations. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and NYC offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. San Francisco is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and NYC are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. With easy, all-inclusive travel arrangements and immersive stops in culturally rich areas, river cruises provide a convenient and enriching way to explore multiple regions in comfort and style.

North America


How much do River Cruises in North America cost?

The average daily price of River Cruises in North America is $427 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of River Cruises in North America here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$427
Average Price Per Day
6
Tours Analyzed
4.6
Average Rating
3
Tour Companies
38
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer River Cruises?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer river cruises in North America. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Collette

Collette logo Collette is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include the U.S., Italy, Great Britain, and France. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as wine tasting, island hopping, and camping.

See All Tours from Collette

Truly Egypt Tours

Truly Egypt Tours is a smaller tour company that focuses on Egypt. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.

See All Tours from Truly Egypt Tours

Click Tours

Click Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers tours to destinations around the world. Some of their most popular destinations include Italy, Spain, Greece, and Israel. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category. Travelers usually enjoy the tour activities such as island hopping, cooking classes, and wine tasting.

See All Tours from Click Tours


River Cruise Destinations in North America

Wondering where river cruise tours visit in North America? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

Memphis

Memphis is a music loving city that sits on the Mississippi River. It has its roots in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll and several notable musicians recorded such as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. In addition to its influence over music, the city has a great food scene with classic southern favorites such as barbecue.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a popular Canadian city on the west coast. It has a spectacular setting between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. It's also a diverse city with a vibrant Asian population and many great restaurants. Visitors enjoy the cultural opportunities that the city offers, but also appreciate the opportunities to get out into nature in the surrounding areas.

It sits between the Pacific Ocean and high reaching mountains, so the city offers spectacular views.

Juneau

Juneau is the capital of the the state of Alaska, but it's also surrounded by one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States. The city is only accessible by sea or air and it is filled with wildlife, history, and nearby glaciers. In town you'll find amazing seafood restaurants and a unique local art scene. Many people visit as part of a cruise, and the town is often bustling with energy and activity.

The landscape is filled with glaciers, mountains, and fjords, making it a dramatic and beautiful destination.

Chicago

Chicago is a booming metropolis that sits on the edge of Lake Michigan. It is a thriving and diverse city that has theater, shopping, and high-reaching skyscrapers. It's also home to the Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower), which at one time was the world's tallest building. Visitors appreciate the many museums, sporting events, and entertainment options around town.

The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

More

Other popular destinations for river cruise tours through North America include Holland, Grand Rapids, Skagway, Mackinac Island, and Glacier Bay National Park.


Which is cheaper?

Can you save money by traveling independently instead of joining guided river cruises? It's not a simple yes or no. Tours usually include key expenses such as lodging, transportation, meals, entry fees, guides, and activities, which you'd need to manage and pay for individually on your own trip. To figure out the difference, compare the total tour price with the cost of making your own arrangements. Depending on your choices—like opting for budget hotels or premium dining—the cost of a tour might be higher or lower. Be sure to examine the tour inclusions carefully when comparing.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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