Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Glacier National Park are some of the most popular destinations in the country, and now you can visit them by cruise ship. American Cruise Lines has announced a 15-day trip dubbed "National Parks & Legendary Rivers" that follows the Columbia and Snake Rivers with seven of the days set aside for land excursions. Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of the cruise line, told USA TODAY, "The Columbia and Snake Rivers are spectacular for river cruising and interest continues to grow for our cruises in the region every year. Expanding our personalized cruise itineraries into the region's national parks has always been in our sights."
The cruise starts in Hayden, Oregon, and ends in Jackson, Wyoming, following the route that Lewis and Clark traveled. The cruise line's public relations manager, Alexa Paoella, also told USA TODAY that the journey will feature plenty of opportunities to explore a diverse set of scenery with an "Adventure Guide" there to lead you the entire way.
Along with the national parks, the cruise will stop in cities Astoria, Kalama, The Dalles, Richland, and Clarkston, which include other natural sites such as the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, and Hells Canyon. Guests will be able to kayak the Columbia River, participate in an art workshop in the Dalles, visit museums in Richland, go on another jet boat tour through Hells Canyon, and much more.
"I think it's really awe-inspiring and beautiful, and doing it on a cruise and then on a personally private guided tour through three of the parks, where everything is planned out for you, I think it's a very relaxing and comfortable way to do it," Paoella explained.
Dates start on May 28, 2023, with the last departure on September 4, 2023. Prices start at $10,445 per person and increase with each departure date up to $11,320. The fare includes meals, park transportation and entrance fees, park activities, hotel accommodations, and airport transportation. There are three multi-deck ships sailing this itinerary, and they fit between 180 and 184 passengers. There are also accessible cabin options, along with accessible features that lead to the lounges, sun decks, and dining halls.
If you've always wanted to combine your love of national parks and cruise vacations, there's now a perfect option available.
READ MORE: What NOT to Do at a National Park, and What to Do Instead
