American Cruise Lines, Sailings for Active Travelers and More

American Cruise Lines offers over 50 itineraries in the U.S., with river voyages along the Mississippi, Columbia, Hudson and others, as well as coastal sailings in destinations like Alaska, Chesapeake Bay and New England. Journey to top music cities like Memphis and Nashville, follow the route of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition in the Pacific Northwest, view amazing wildlife in the country's northernmost state or explore historic cities on the East Coast.

There are no more than 180 passengers aboard any sailing, and guests receive personalized service in a relaxed, casual setting.

Right now, Vacations To Go customers can enjoy special savings on American Cruise Lines sailings. To see all current river offers, click here.

Cruise fares include a pre-cruise hotel night, regionally inspired cuisine, wine and beer with meals, a cocktail hour every evening, gratuities, Wi-Fi service and port charges and taxes. Musicians, historians and naturalists are on every cruise, and onboard entertainment ranges from informal lectures to live musical performances. These experts may also join shore excursions to give guests additional insight about the destination.

American Cruise Lines will launch two new ships this year. The American Liberty and American Legend are catamaran-style vessels that will sail East Coast itineraries beginning in August and November, respectively. The 100-passenger ships are specifically designed to provide smooth sailing along lakes, bays and protected coastlines. To see all of the company's ocean ships and search for sailings, click here.
 

River cruise operators recognize that many guests want options for staying fit while traveling. These lines offer wellness programs and fitness amenities on board -- like gyms, spas and pools -- and provide unique and active ways to explore ashore.

Avalon Waterways includes guided active excursions on its itineraries, like a hike to Bratislava Castle in Slovakia or a morning run in the French town of Caudebec-en-Caux with the Avalon Adventure Host. Active & Discovery itineraries provide an even larger selection of active options in every port of call with hiking, biking, canoeing and jogging excursions.

The "Let's Go" shore excursions of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises include walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking and golfing tours. Bicycle to Claude Monet's home at Giverny or hike up to a 12th-century castle on the Rhine, for example. The line's Wellness on the Water amenities include yoga sessions, TRX suspension training classes with certified instructors, fitness centers and heated pools.

Emerald Cruises has the EmeraldACTIVE program, which might feature a guided bike tour along the Danube or a hike in Germany's Black Forest. Its sister company, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, has similar options, like cycling through the Dutch town of Veere or to a Bordeaux wine estate for a tasting.

As part of its program, AmaWaterways has wellness hosts fleetwide in Europe (except for ships in Portugal). They lead fitness classes like stretching, core strengthening and resistance-band training and also conduct hiking, biking and jogging excursions.

Several lines also keep fleets of complimentary bicycles on their ships, so passengers can pedal along riverside paths or through cities and towns on their own.
 

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