North America's most prolific river cruiser, American Cruise Lines, has boats on the water in 30 states. That means many river ports, too many to mention here, but some of the "big ones" may surprise you.
This year, the cruise line polled its passengers to see which stops they like best. Call it river cruising's Top Ten.
Poughkeepsie, New York? Hannibal, Missouri? And the one they like best…St. Michael's, Maryland — a placew river cruisers recognize by Hooper's Lighthouse (right).
Nothing against these hamlets, which are clearly enchanting places that people enjoy visiting. But how many people outside driving distance have even heard of them?
There are some on the "favorites" list that fit the recognition category…the kind you don't have to ask the state. Nantucket. Astoria. Savannah. Glacier Bay…
Wait a minute — there's a river in Glacier Bay, where ocean-going ships cruise?
River cruising is full of surprises, isn't it? Maybe that's why it's growing so fast.
Caribbean Princess
7 nights
January 25, 2014
Houston (return): Cozumel, Roatan, Belize
Inside: $499
Cost per day: $71
www.princess.com