U.S. River Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines and More

Cruising America's great rivers is a carefree and enjoyable way to experience the country's rich heritage and scenic beauty, and Vacations To Go offers every discount, deal and special promotion available for these trips. To see these discounts, click here. 

Below are brief summaries of what you might experience while cruising America's rivers. Click the links to see all the latest deals and search for itineraries.

Board a comfortable ship and cruise the Mississippi River, which winds its way from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. On the Upper Mississippi, you can visit Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, and explore the arts scene in Red Wing, Minnesota. During the fall, see brightly colored autumn foliage. On the lower section of the river, experience Southern hospitality as you tour beautifully restored mansions, like Oak Alley in Louisiana, and dine on world-famous cuisine in New Orleans' French Quarter.

As the largest tributary of the Mississippi River, the Ohio River was a major transportation route for Native Americans and European explorers and settlers. Sailings can include Henderson, Kentucky, once home to naturalist and painter John James Audubon; keep an eye out for the 12 bronze bird statues around town, plus one of Audubon. In Paducah, Kentucky -- where the Ohio meets the Tennessee River -- the galleries of the LowerTown Arts District are big draws. Cincinnati, Ohio, offers a vibrant cultural center and eclectic architecture, and Louisville, Kentucky, is known for its horse-racing heritage. Ohio River itineraries can include segments on the Mississippi River.

The Tennessee River touches four states, flowing from east of Knoxville, Tennessee, to Paducah, where it converges with the Ohio River. During the Civil War, Union troops strategically used the river to invade Confederate territory, leaving behind a notable list of Civil War sites. Tennessee River itineraries can include time at the Shiloh National Military Park south of Savannah, Tennessee, and the W.C. Handy Home & Museum in Florence, Alabama, where the "Father of the Blues" was born in 1873.

Head west to the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington and follow in the footsteps of famed explorers Lewis and Clark. Itineraries also incorporate sights on the Snake River. These trips offer opportunities to see the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, the Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam, a National Historic Site whose construction started in 1934.

The Hudson River flows from the Adirondack Mountains to New York City. A cruise provides the perfect way to experience all that New York has to offer, from breathtaking scenery and grand architecture to the art, history and culture of the Big Apple. Famous landmarks include Sleepy Hollow, Franklin D. Roosevelt's Springwood estate in Hyde Park and West Point Military Academy. Fall sailings showcase the region's brilliant foliage

A newly formed company, Victory Cruise Lines, will begin sailing North American waterways next spring. The line will operate small-ship cruises on the Great Lakes, on the St. Lawrence Seaway and along Canada's coast.

From the thundering beauty of Niagara Falls to tranquil Mackinac Island or lively Montreal, Victory Cruise Lines' itineraries reveal unforgettable destinations. On the intimate 190-passenger Victory I and Victory II vessels, guests cruise to incredible cities and towns that larger ships can't reach.

You'll stay in an elegantly appointed oceanview stateroom and be looked after by friendly and attentive staff. The cruise fare covers all onboard meals, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, a pre-cruise hotel night and a featured shore excursion in every port. Enjoy regionally inspired cuisine, including elevated gourmet dishes and delicious pub fare. Knowledgeable and engaging lecturers, referred to as Lakelorians by the line, share their insights on the history, ecology and culture of the places you visit. 

To see all sailings with Victory Cruise Lines, click here.

Some of our river sailings are theme cruises, focusing on culinary traditions, Christmas markets, historical events and more. I've listed all of the options below -- click the links to see discounts and deals and search for itineraries.

Christmas markets
European history
Family-friendly
Food and drink
Music
Storyteller Series
Tulip time