The 15 Best River Sightseeing Cruises in the USA

1.90-Minute Savannah Riverboat Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 3,367 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41Our pick

Board at 9 East River Street for a 90-minute narrated cruise aboard the Georgia Queen or Savannah River Queen. Choose a climate-controlled observation deck, open-air patio, or upper-deck bench, then cruise past Savannah’s waterfront, working port, and Old Fort Jackson. Lunch is not included.

“It was a fun experience. Especially enjoyed the cannon going off. Learned alot about the history of Savannah. Enjoyed seeing how they are turning original building into businesses.”

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2.Jungle Queen Riverboat 90-Minute Narrated Sightseeing Cruise in Fort Lauderdale

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,753 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $31

Spend 90 minutes aboard the Jungle Queen, gliding along Fort Lauderdale’s New River past grand homes, mega yachts, downtown views, and parts of Port Everglades. Your guide provides live stories and jokes, with drinks and snacks available for purchase. Morning, afternoon, and evening departures vary by season.

“Very smooth operation. Crew were very welcoming and friendly. Commentary on trip was interesting and informative. A lovely trip of good value.”

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3.Savannah: Riverboat Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,206 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41

Spend 90 minutes on Savannah’s river, listening to a captain explain the working port, historic waterfront, visiting ships, and Old Fort Jackson. Choose indoor air-conditioned seating or an outdoor deck, buy snacks and drinks onboard, and allow extra time for downtown parking.

“This is a great way to get an overview of the Savannah River’s historic significance. Our guide was well informed and entertaining. Traveling on the boat was fun and provided a different view of the city. I would recommend this activity to all ages.”

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4.Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Kingston

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 807 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Board the historic Rip Van Winkle in Kingston for a 90-minute cruise toward Hyde Park and back. Choose an air-conditioned lower deck, shaded middle deck, or open upper deck. A guide shares local history while you pass estates, lighthouses, orchards, vineyards, and Catskill views.

“Great Trip. Beautiful scenery. The crew was nice and very helpful. It rained for a little while but it was still very nice.”

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5.Cincinnati: Sunset Sightseeing Cruise on the Ohio River

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 615 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

Cruise the Ohio River from Newport, Kentucky, for two hours of Cincinnati skyline views, sunset colors, music, and a relaxed family-friendly evening. You’ll hear a DJ on many departures or a live band on summer Fridays and Saturdays. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, but seating is outdoors.

“We loved this sunset cruise. We got incredibly lucky with weather and skies you couldn’t beat. We took our daughter with several friends to celebrate her 15th birthday. Siblings joined too - she’s 13 and 10. Everyone loved it and had so much fun! Very memorable experience, beautiful skies and sunset views, and I’m so glad we did it. Highly recommend.”

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6.Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise from Albany

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 515 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Cruise the Hudson River from Albany for 90 minutes with narration about the city, port, buildings, commerce, and wildlife. Expect skyline views, working riverfront scenery, possible bald eagle sightings, indoor and outdoor seating, and a cash bar and snack bar aboard the Dutch Apple.

“Very interesting things to see on the river! Including mother nature with egrets and eagles. Bery good historical narrative during the cruise.”

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7.Sacramento: City Cruises River Cruise with History Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 280 reviews · 1 hour · from $31

Cruise the Sacramento River for one hour from Old Sacramento with live English narration, views of Tower Bridge and the I Street Bridge, and chances to buy snacks and drinks. Arrive early for upper-deck seats, since outdoor seating is limited and narration may be harder to hear upstairs.

“Really fun and beautiful river cruise! The Captain's narration was really interesting about the the history of the river. He explained about the seals coming into the river to catch fish. Grandkids loved the sparkle face painting lady with her beautiful costume! Wonderful experience!”

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8.City Cruises Chicago: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 128 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $84

Cruise the Chicago River aboard the glass-enclosed Odyssey Chicago River for a three-course brunch, lunch, or dinner. You’ll see major buildings from DuSable Bridge to Willis Tower, hear architecture commentary on daytime sailings, and enjoy onboard service, cocktails, or bottomless brunch mimosas.

“The activity, the food and crews are all awesome. We will defintely comebaxk on our next visit here in Chicago. I will highly recommend this to my family, officemates and friends.”

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9.Savannah Riverboat: Sunday Brunch Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 113 reviews · 1h 30m · from $77

Board at 9 East River Street for a 90-minute Savannah River cruise with Southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, ham, quiche, breakfast dishes, desserts, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. A live English-speaking captain narrates River Street landmarks from a climate-controlled dining room, with open-deck views available too.

“This was a great experience and look forward to booking again, possibly a dinner cruise next time.”

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10.Boston: Charles River Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 109 reviews · from $30Best value

Settle into a 70-minute narrated cruise from CambridgeSide Mall and see Boston and Cambridge from the Charles River. A live English guide points out MIT, Harvard, Beacon Hill, the Back Bay, the CITGO Sign, and busy rowing lanes. Dillon and Captain Tina have led especially entertaining sailings.

“Verry interesting and the guide was fun and had a lot of informations about Boston and fun facts.”

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11.Norfolk: City Cruises Elizabeth River Buffet Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 109 reviews · from $69

Cruise Norfolk’s Elizabeth River for two hours aboard City Cruises, with an attended buffet, coffee, tea, DJ entertainment, live narration, and views of Navy vessels. You can buy cocktails onboard and take your drink to the outdoor observation decks. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.

“The cruise was very nice. It was my first time on the Spirit of Norfolk. The staff was very friendly which you was enter the ship. Once on board, they show my party of seven to our table. Then peg host Showann came to our table and took very good care of everyone. The food and drinks was amazing. All of the staff on the ship made sure you was comfortable. This music was nice and the atmosphere was great. I will be returning soon.”

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12.City Cruises Sacramento: Cocktail River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 80 reviews · 1h 30m · from $43

Spend 90 minutes cruising the Sacramento River from L Street Dock, with a live DJ, skyline views, and Tower Bridge passing by. You can buy cocktails and small bites onboard. The cruise is for ages 21 and older, with casual to cocktail attire suggested.

“It was a fun activity to do with a group of friends for our date night. Before we left the dock, it was super hot in the boat. Like so hot, we were sweating! It was also pretty crowded so we had to sit inside, first level. The sparkling Brute on that level was not chilled so they kept telling us we had to get it from the 2nd level if we wanted it cold. It was not a great drink. I think drink options can be better. We didn’t have any appetizers so I can’t comment on that. There was a DJ up top and the music was good.…”

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13.Sacramento: City Cruises Rock The Yacht River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 75 reviews · 1h 30m · from $48

Set sail from Old Sacramento for a 90-minute, 21-and-over party cruise with a live DJ. You’ll pass beneath Tower Bridge and by I Street Bridge, with indoor and outdoor seating plus cocktails, beer, wine, and snacks available from two bars.

“Did not have an experience because the power went off snd the captain was rude.”

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14.City Cruises Chicago: Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on Chicago River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $84

Board at 455 Cityfront Plaza Drive for a two-hour brunch cruise along Chicago’s main and south river branches. Expect a plated three-course meal, unlimited mimosas for adults with ID, skyline views, music, and narration near the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, and Willis Tower.

“Booked this brunch for two reasons: 1. A sit down 3 course meal that is served to you. 2. Endless mimosas. These two reasons did not disappoint. As we walked to our table the mimosas were being placed on the table. The food was great and the atmosphere was perfect. I highly recommend this excursion. It is worth every penny.”

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15.City Cruises Chicago: River Architectural Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $84

Spend about two hours aboard City Cruises’ climate-controlled boat, enjoying a plated lunch while guides point out Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Civic Opera House, Union Station, and Willis Tower. You get assigned seating, outside photo areas, and unlimited coffee, tea, and water.

“I can confirm that the instructions were awful. The pin that is in the reservation is for another parking lot. I recommend you follow the instructions that Viator gives you to start and then heed mine. The directions will take you to a parking lot on North Colombus Drive. If you stop there, you will miss your reservation. Make that right at the light on N Columbus Drive and go uphill. At the top of the hill, the NBC building should be on your right. If see a draw bridge, DO NOT CROSS IT. When you made it to the top of the hill, cross the street and make another…”

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