This New 51-day River Cruise Is the Longest in the U.S. — and It Visits 15 States Coast-to-coast

This year was all about months-long world cruises. But next year? We’ve got our eyes on a 51-day river cruise — and there’s no passport needed.

American Cruise Lines’ “Great United States” itinerary is far more than a typical river cruise. In fact, it spans three separate cruises (including an ocean cruise!), two flights, and a land-based tour that travels to 15 states in total.

The adventure begins in the Pacific Northwest on May 30, 2025. Over a week, guests will board American Jazz to explore eight ports along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Excursions range from a day trip to Mount St. Helens to visiting the picturesque Multnomah Falls in Oregon.

Next, guests will travel by land through three national parks: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. During this week-long segment of the itinerary, scenic drives will be paired with visits to park highlights, such as the iconic Old Faithful geyser and the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Wyoming.

From Jackson, Wyoming, guests will fly to New Orleans to board the American Serenade for a nearly three-week-long voyage on the Mississippi River. Along the way, the ship will call at such ports as Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Vicksburg, Mississippi; St. Louis, Missouri; and Dubuque, Iowa. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Civil War battlefields and historic sites will play a major role in this portion of the itinerary. (For a deeper dive into Civil War history, check out American Cruise Line’s 36-day “Civil War Battlefields” cruise.)

After disembarking in Red Wing, Minnesota, guests will fly to Boston for the final leg of the journey: a two-week coastal New England cruise aboard American Patriot. Ports of call include Portland, Maine; Bar Harbor, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island; and Massachusetts islands Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Seafood will undoubtedly be part of the experience in this region, as well a good craft beer or two.

The cruise fare for the 51-day voyage includes not only the shipboard experiences — including all food and beverages — but also hotel stays, flights, and transfers. Plus, guests will receive a special American Cruise Lines jacket to commemorate the voyage, as well as a gear pack so you’re kitted out for the adventure. Rates for the journey are by request only; you can inquire at americancruiselines.com.