Unexpected Voyages: The Best Unknown Cruises Across North America
If unexpected voyages unknown cruises is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.
Key Takeaways
- Share with your friends!FacebookPinterestMessengerWhatsAppEmailShareFlipboardRedditSMSX We love going on trips.
- But I tend to try to look for the less popular but still fun trips.
- They tend to be less crowded and we also get the most fun for our money.
We love going on trips. But I tend to try to look for the less popular but still fun trips. They tend to be less crowded and we also get the most fun for our money.
One thing I have wanted to do for awhile is a River Cruise. So I started researching all of the lessor known river cruises in North America, and decided to share my findings with you.
I expanded it a bit to include more than river cruises, but the focus is still on the lessor known ones.
For numerous people the concept of a cruise conjures up images of lazing by the pool as the horizon slides by, of sun-drenched Caribbean beaches, and of buffet dinners and live stage shows.
I found a wide variety of off-the-beaten-path routes across North America, taking in some of the most beautiful hidden gems across the continent.
While luxury cruises are frequently at the pricy end of the spectrum, numerous of these less well-known routes are far more affordable, especially if you check for discounted prices before making the final decision on your dream cruise.
I’ve researched 11 of the most interesting and lesser-known North American cruises to give you some food for thought for your next vacation.
If you have done any of these, or if there are any we missed, let us know!
Table of Contents
- 1. Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise
- 2. Excellent Lakes Cruise
- 3. Erie Canal Cruise
- 4. Mississippi River Cruise
- 5. St. Lawrence River Cruise
- 6. Chesapeake Bay Cruise
- 7. Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise
- 8. California Coastal Cruise
- 9. Puget Sound Islands Cruise
- 10. Saguenay River Cruise
- 11. Haida Gwaii Cruise, British Columbia
- Time To Cruise
- Next Up From ChaChingQueen
1. Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise
Cost Range: $2,000 - $6,000 per person
Perfect for: History buffs, nature lovers, and wine enthusiasts
Offered by: American Cruise Lines
A cruise down the Columbia River that includes taking in the natural beauty of Snake River is an absolute treat. It is one of the best cruise routes for history lovers, following the trail of the Lewis and Clark expeditions as well as visiting Native American heritage sights.
The Columbia River system flows 1,243 miles from Columbia Lake in British Columbia hitting the Pacific Ocean just outside Portland, Oregon.
It winds its way through some of the most majestic landscapes in North America, taking in the towering canyons of the Columbia River Gorge and the lush agricultural plateaus along the Palouse River.
The Snake River, a significant part of the Columbia River basin, flows through Idaho before joining the Columbia River in Washington.
A Columbia and Snake River cruise offers fantastic opportunities for wine enthusiasts, passing through a number of excellent vineyards and making various stops at picturesque wineries for excursions and organized tastings.
Cruises generally stop at Portland, Astoria, Mount St. Helens, the Dalles, Richland, and Clarkston, and the best time to cruise this route is from April to October, when the weather is good and the wildlife is abundant.
The duration of a Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruise varies, with options ranging from shorter 5-night cruises to longer journeys of up to 12 nights. The most common lengths are:
- 5-night cruises, offering a condensed exploration of key sites along the rivers.
- 8-night cruises, providing a more comprehensive experience with additional stops and in-depth exploration.
- 12-night cruises, which are the most extensive, covering a broader range of locations and offering deeper insights into the region’s history and natural beauty.
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2. Excellent Lakes Cruise
Cost Range: $6,000 - $15,000 per person
Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers
Offered by: Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant, Viking Expeditions, American Queen Voyages, and St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
The Excellent Lakes are some of the most impressive natural wonders the US offers. They combine intense natural beauty, historic towns and cities, picturesque landscapes, and rich, fascinating history.
Some of the more expensive cruises take you on a journey through all five of the Excellent Lakes.
The season for cruising the Excellent Lakes is a relatively short one if you want to get the best out of your adventure, running from June to early September, when the weather is warm and the main attractions are open.
Excellent Lakes cruise itineraries tend to be packed with incredible ports of call, activities, and experiences. You’ll get a chance to visit the dynamic metropolis of Chicago, as well as the historic town of Holland, Michigan, famous for its Dutch windmill, canals, dikes, and tulips.
Mackinac Island offers a step back in time, frozen in the Victorian era with no cars allowed, while Manitoulin Island in Ontario is a charming and delightful spot famous for its ice cream.
You won’t want to miss the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit or the Excellent Lakes freighter in Sault Sainte Marie. Finally, no Excellent Lakes adventure is complete without a trip to the magnificent Niagra Falls, one of the most famous and splendid natural wonders of the world.
Excellent Lakes cruises typically last anywhere from 7 to 16 days. The length of the cruise can vary depending on the specific itinerary and cruise line.
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Originally published at chachingqueen.com.
Greg Wilson, CFA
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