CRUISES
noun: a voyage on a ship or boat taken for pleasure or as a vacation and usually calling in at several places.
CRUISE COLLECTION
A collection of twenty-eight ships cruising 10 inland bodies of water for groups to enjoy.
ATLAS
Access the many custom state and featured market maps.
40
Great places to visit and travel trivia for featured states. 14
HANDBOOK
Online: (1996) 50,000/month
e-Newsletters: (2000) 7,000/week opt-in readers
Digital Magazine: (1993) 40,000/year travel professionals
AFFILIATES THE TEAM
Chief Executive Officer
Mark Browning mark@TRIPinfo.com
Chief Content Officer Sheala Browning sheala@TRIPinfo.com
Chief Operating Officer Eric Cunningham eric@TRIPinfo.com
Contributing Writer Tom Adkinson
TRIPmedia Group, Inc. info@TRIPinfo.com
CRUISING AHEAD
We reported Cruise Ships operating worldwide grew to 314 by late 2021. Cruise Market Watch reports now that by the end of 2024 worldwide inventory will reach 360 ships, accommodating 673,000 passengers. That is nearly a 15% growth in Cruise Ships in just 3 years! No wonder 35.7 million passengers are expected to have cruised in 2024!
We provide reference information across 12 categories of interest to all segments of group planners. Cruises keep growing in significance. Smaller group gatherings Add Up to more than All Other Leisure Travel! Interestingly, of $24,749,000,000 spent cruising in 2024—Among U.S.+China+Germany+UK+Australia+Canada—60% was USA spend!
Smaller Groups are welcome aboard cruises. Whether it’s booking stateroom groups on a ship, chartering a boat on a lake, or planning a unique event on board, there are many ways to make special cruise memories. Here is historic perspective you may enjoy:
Average Year Launched: 2007
Average Year Launched among cruise ships worldwide today is 17.5 years ago, The first purpose-built cruise ship was built in 1900. It was followed by several massive ships over the next 60 years. But it was 1964 that introduced Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and others that changed all. The real rapid growth recently took off.
Median Year Launched: 2007
Median Year Launched among cruise ships worldwide today matches the same year average, as new construction brings industry growth to the forefront. Consider that 15 new cruise ships were built in 2023 alone, 6 of them at a cost over $700,000,000 each. For example, 31.7 million people enjoyed a cruise in 2023 – record levels that surpass even the numbers before the global pandemic shutdown!
Mode of Year Founded: 2007
Mode of Year Launched is the date that appears most often in our roster. There were more than 50 cruise lines operating in 2024, as recognized by the Cruise Lines International Association, as well as some smaller brands. But with 360 ships, even if older cruise ships are retired, quantity and quality of cruise options keeps growing!
We believe you will find in this issue an interesting collection of Cruise Ships that provide ideas for your group experiences. This issue is designed as an ongoing, useful reference. We hope this selection, here and online at TRIPinfo.com, is just that for you. That’s why we are here...to help make your group travel planning successful & fun.
Mark Browning, Publisher
Why River Cruises Are Perfect for Groups
Cruises have long been a top choice for group events—whether it’s a family reunion, a wedding, or a special getaway with friends. Recently, river cruises have been growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. River cruise companies report some of the highest repeat passenger rates in the industry. While any cruise can be enjoyable for a group, river cruises offer unique features that make them especially appealing for group travel.
1. Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere
One of the biggest draws of river cruises is the more intimate, relaxed atmosphere they provide. Unlike large ocean liners, which can carry thousands of passengers, river cruise ships are much smaller, typically carrying between 130-200 guests. This smaller size lets group members stay connected and enjoy comradery without getting lost in the crowd.
With fewer passengers, your group can easily find seating together at meals, socialize in common areas, and avoid the long lines that are often part of larger ships. River cruise guests often enjoy a more personalized experience, with staff able to provide greater attention to detail.
2. Affordable and All-Inclusive
River cruises offer great value, thanks to their allinclusive pricing. When you book a river cruise, the price typically covers accommodations, meals,
airport transfers, port charges, onboard lectures and activities, shore excursions, entertainment and WiFi. The all-in-one pricing structure makes budgeting a breeze and safeguards against surprise expenses.
Optional excursions are available for additional fees, but many groups find that the included activities are more than enough to keep everyone engaged. Plus, most river cruises offer unlimited beverages, including wine and beer with dinner, and some even offer beverage packages to suit different tastes.
For smaller groups, many river cruise lines offer special savings for groups as small as eight people— definitely something to check with your cruise line to maximize your group’s value.
The overall cost of the cruise can also be influenced by transportation to the embarkation port city. Group planners have the flexibility to choose a river cruise destination within their budget, whether they want to explore a local waterway or travel farther afield to exotic cultures and scenic sights.
3. Delicious Cuisine
Food is an important part of any vacation, and river cruises deliver in spades. The best part? No one in your group has to worry about who plans meals, where to eat, or who picks up the tab—it’s all taken
For music lovers, there’s no better place to explore the history and future of popular music than Mississippi, “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” Here, African and European musical traditions collided and were crafted into a new form of music, the blues, and its rock, gospel, and country offshoots. View a sample itinerary of music museums, attractions, and stages at VisitMississippi.org/MusicTour
Museum® Mississippi
#WanderMS
care of. With breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks included, all your group needs to do is show up at the well-appointed dining room and enjoy a wonderful meal together.
Onboard chefs and staff specialize in crafting memorable dining experiences. Meals often highlight regional dishes prepared with locally sourced, fresh ingredients, giving guests the opportunity to taste the flavors of the area they’re visiting. And for those with more familiar tastes, there’s always a variety of classic options available, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
4. Exceptional Service
One of the standout features of river cruising is the attentive, high-quality service. Crew members typically have significant experience in hospitality before joining a river cruise line, and the lines provide extensive training to ensure exceptional service. The staff-to-passenger ratio on river cruises is generally higher than on larger ships, meaning there are more crew members available to attend to guest’s needs.
Many river cruise lines employ crew members who speak English fluently, making communication seamless for international guests. Whether you’re in need of assistance with an onboard activity or simply have a question about an excursion, you can count on the crew to be there to help.
5. Picture-Perfect Moments
For many groups, capturing memories through photos is an important part of the trip. River cruises offer plenty of opportunities to snap group photos, both onboard the ship and during shore excursions. Professional photographers are often available to take photos during special events or excursions, ensuring you have high-quality pictures to remember your experience.
With scenic river landscapes and charming port cities as your backdrop, there are endless chances for candid and posed shots that will be treasured long after the cruise ends.
What’s Ahead
In the following pages, we’ll explore 10 popular river, lake, and near-coastal cruises, including maps, popular ports, and must-see sights. We’ll also take a closer look at three ships that cruise these waters, their onboard amenities, and the length of their itineraries. Click on each of the sections to view detailed overviews, deck plans, and specific itineraries.
We hope you have a fantastic trip!
Popular U.S. Cruise Embarkation Ports
With 75% of the U.S. population living within driving distance of a cruise port, it’s no surprise that North America is home to the world’s largest cruise market. Among the top ports, PortMiami stands out as the busiest and most popular cruise port globally, followed by Port Canaveral. Not far behind, Port Everglades ranks as the third-busiest cruise port in the U.S. and seventh in the world, while Port of Galveston takes the fourth spot in the U.S. and ninth worldwide. The great news for group leaders is that all of these ports are conveniently located near major airports, making them easily accessible for group travelers.
The cruise industry remains one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism. In 2023, a record 31.5 million passengers set sail, and that number is expected to rise to 35.7 million in 2024, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). With 82% of past cruisers saying they’d love to cruise again – and millennials leading the charge – cruising is continuing to captivate travelers of all ages.
American Splendor
American Cruise Lines # of Passengers: 180
2016
The world’s newest paddlewheeler, American Splendor, allows guests to experience the nostalgia of classic paddlewheeler travel, while enjoying perfect comfort and the most modern amenities. Located on both the Columbia and Mississippi Rivers, this paddlewheeler offers large staterooms with private balconies so that passengers may enjoy up-close views of the passing river landscapes. Passengers may also mingle with others in the any of the 3 guest lounges, dine in the elegant, glassenclosed restaurant with open-seating dining, listen to a musical performance in the River Lounge, workout in the Fitness Center or enjoy fresh air on the Sun Deck.
Viking Mississippi
Viking River Cruises # of Passengers: 386
American Serenade
American Cruise Line # of Passengers: 180 2023
American Serenade won Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Award for Best New River Cruise Ship of the Year, the first time an American ship has received this prestigious award. The new American riverboat showcases panoramic views, an impressive four-story glass atrium in the center of the ship. Ranging from 250 to 650 square feet, all of the spacious staterooms offer full-size bathrooms, roomy closets and private balconies. The ship also features an on board fitness center, outdoor walking track, spacious lounges, multiple dining venues, beautiful sun decks plus a unique bow ramp for easy boarding.
2022
Viking began sailing the Mighty Mississippi in August 2022 with the debut of this 5-deck ship featuring a contemporary Scandinavian-inspired design. Custombuilt for Mississippi River cruises, the modern ship sails through varying water levels and fits through locks, bridges and other obstacles encountered on the entire 2,350-mile river journey. Trips between St. Paul and St. Louis include tours and lectures discussing Mark Twain and westward expansion; trips from Memphis to New Orleans focus southern cuisine, birthplace of American music & civil rights movement. The ship features outside cabins, expansive windows, an Infinity Plunge Pool.
The Mississippi
St. Paul, MN
Red Wing, MN
La Crosse, WI
Upper River Cruise Highlights
• Red Wing, MN - Pottery Museum of Red Wing, The Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, Barn Bluff
• Winona, MN - Victorian-era homes, MN Marine Art Museum
• La Crosse, WI - Vesterheim Museum, Riverside Park
• Dubuque, IA - National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
• Muscatine, IA - Where the Mississippi River runs east to west
• Davenport, IA - John Deere Pavilion, Iowa Farm Visit
• Burlington, IA - Old Fort Madison, brewery & winery tour
Dubuque, IA
Davenport, IA
Burlington, IA
Hannibal, MO
St. Louis, MO
Cape Girardeau, MO
New Madrid, MO
Alton, IL
Chester, IL
Paducah, KY
Memphis, TN
Helena, AR
Greenville, MS
Vicksburg, MS
Natchez, MS
New Orleans, LA St. Francisville, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Oak Alley, LA
Mid-River Cruise Highlights
• Hannibal, MO - Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, original Normal Rockwell paintings
• St. Louis, MO - Gateway Arch, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Missouri Botanical Garden
• Chester, IL - Popeye Character Trail, Spinach Can Collectibles and Museum
• Civil War sites throughout the cruise
• Cape Girardeau - Old Bridge Overlook
• New Madrid, MO - Kochtitsky Home, Trail of Tears Water Route, Veterans Park
Lower River Cruise Highlights
• Memphis, TN - Graceland, Beale Street, National Civil Rights Museum
• Vicksburg, MS - Vicksburg National Military Park
• Natchez, MS - Frogmore, Monmouth Gardens
• St. Francisville, LA - Rosedown Plantation
• Baton Rouge, LA - Atchafalaya Swamp, USS Kidd
• Oak Alley, LA - Oak Alley Plantation
• New Orleans, LA - French Quarter, Jackson Square
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing the Mississippi
• American Cruise Lines
• Viking River Cruises
American Heritage
American Cruise Lines
# of Passengers: 150
2015
Refurbished in 2022, the American Heritage maintains the nostalgic feel of the classic American paddlewheelers, while possessing the latest safety, environmental and construction technologies. Like its sister ship – the American Splendor, this ship has the look of a traditional riverboat along with more amenities, a faster speed and an unmatched level of comfort. Features include three distinct guest lounges, a library, an elegant glassenclosed restaurant, open-seating dining, elevator service to all passenger decks, fitness center and exceptionally large staterooms.
American Symphony
American Cruise Lines
# of Passengers: 180
American Melody
American Cruise Lines # of Passengers: 180 2021
Part of American Cruise Lines modern riverboat series, American Jazz began its inaugural season in March 2021 on the Lower Mississippi and is also cruising the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers on the Music Cities Cruise from Memphis to Nashville. Known for its contemporary styling and modern amenities, the ship features a 5-story glass atrium, multiple common areas, private balconies in all of its spacious staterooms, spectacular views from everywhere on the ship, advanced opening bow and retractable gangway. The ship has a formal restaurant, Back Porch Café, 2 lounges, fitness room, yoga/wellness room, library and sun decks.
2022
Part of American Cruise Lines fleet of American Riverboat Cruise ships, the American Symphony, like its sister ship – the American Melody, introduces an updated modern interior design, integrating an elegant and refined aesthetic with the tradition of spacious comfort. The ship features an on-board fitness center with outdoor walking track, yoga room, lounges, multiple dining venues, panoramic views throughout, including an impressive four-story glass atrium in the center of the ship, spacious staterooms with full-size bathrooms, roomy closets and private balconies.
Cumberland, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers
History, nature, music and bourbon take center stage during cruises of these 3 rivers that ultimately connect to the Mississippi River in America’s Heartland.
River Cruise Highlights
• Nashville, TN - Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame
• Clarksville, TN - Fort Defiance, Old Glory Distilling Company, Beachaven Vineyards and Winery
• Dover, TN - Fort Donelson National Park
• Florence, AL - Alabama Music Hall of Fame
• Decatur, AL - Old State Bank Building
• Memphis, TN - Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum
• Chattanooga, TN - Lookout Mountain’s Incline Railway
• Savannah, TN - Shiloh National Military Park
• Paducah, KY - National Quilt Museum, River Discovery Center
• Owensboro, KY - Riverfront Park
• Brandenburg, KY - Lincoln Museum, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
• Frankfort, KY - Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Henderson, KY - Audubon Museum & Nature Center
• Louisville, KY - Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby Museum, Jim Beam Distillery
• Cincinnati, OH - National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Marietta, OH - 5 National Register Historic Districts
• Pittsburgh, PA - Andy Warhol Museum
• American Cruise Lines – American Heritage (2015), American Splendor (2016), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022) Popular Cruise Lines Sailing These Rivers
Madison, IN Cincinnati, OH
Louisville, KY
Paducah, KY
Dover, TN
Nashville, TN
Savannah, TN
American West
American Cruise Lines
# of Passengers: 110
1995
Following a redesign that included a new interior, color palates, textiles and regionally inspired artwork, the paddlewheeler formerly known as Queen of the West was renamed American West. The ship maintains the nostalgic touches that are iconic to classic American paddlewheelers while featuring the comfort and modern amenities that passengers anticipate. Guests aboard the American West find well-appointed staterooms with private balconies offering unobstructed views of the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscapes, glass-enclosed restaurant with open-seating, 3 lounges, fitness center, putting green and sun deck.
American Jazz
American Cruise Lines # of Passengers: 180
National Geographic Sea Lion
National Geographic Expeditions # of Passengers: 62 1982
Designed to navigate narrow inlets and wildlife-rich passageways inaccessible to larger ships, the National Geographic Sea Lion accommodates just 62 passengers in 31 outside cabins with windows. The ship carries sea kayaks and a fleet of expedition landing crafts, providing easy access to coastlines and other places of interest. Along with spacious observation decks, this nimble vessel carries innovative exploration tools, including a SplashCam and a hydrophone that enable looking and listening beneath the waves. The ship also features a lounge, fitness center, spa treatment room, sundeck and restaurant with open seating.
2020
Part of American Cruise Lines modern riverboat series, American Jazz began its inaugural season in March 2021 on the Lower Mississippi and now cruises the Columbia and Snake Rivers along with the National Parks & Legendary Rivers from Portland, OR to Jackson, WY. Known for its contemporary styling and modern amenities, the ship features a 5-story glass atrium, multiple common areas, private balconies in all of its spacious staterooms, spectacular views from everywhere on the ship, advanced opening bow and retractable gangway. The ship has a formal restaurant, Back Porch Café, 2 lounges, fitness room, library and sun decks.
Columbia & Snake Rivers
Cruise the forested land of Native American tribes and Lewis and Clark’s 19th-century expedition through the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains in Pacific Northwest.
River Cruise HIghlights
• Portland, OR - Portland Art Museum, International Rose Test Garden
• Astoria, OR - Columbia River Maritime Museum, Fort Clatsop, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
• Mount St. Helens, WA - Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory
• Stevenson, WA - Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls, Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, Bonneville Dam
• The Dalles, OR - Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, Maryhill Museum
• Pendleton, OR - Sacagawea Interpretive Center, The Pendleton Experience
• Clarkston, WA - Hells Canyon – the deepest gorge in North America, Nez Perce National Historical Park
• Wildlife: bison, deer, elk
Stevenson, WA Astoria, OR
Portland, OR (Vancouver, WA) The Dalles, OR
WA
Spokane, WA
WA
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing the Columbia & Snake River
• American Cruise Lines - American Harmony (2019), American Jazz (2020), American Pride (2002), American Song (2018), American West (1995)
• National Geographic Expeditions - NG Sea Bird (1981), NG Sea Lion (1982)
Richland,
Clarkston,
Victory I
Victory Cruise Lines
# of Passengers: 190
2001
From May through September, this ship navigates the canals and locks of the Great Lakes to reach inland ports during her 10-day cruises between Toronto and Chicago. With itineraries that include 3 days of lake cruising, passengers may relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife sightings from the large windows in their staterooms or open and airy public common areas. Onboard enrichment programs complement a shore excursion at each port of call as well as plenty of time to shop and relax in waterfront parks. The newly refurbished ship features formal and casual restaurants, multiple lounges, fitness center, sun deck, spa and salon.
Viking Octantis
Viking Expeditions
# of Passengers: 378
Pearl Mist
Pearl Seas Cruises # of Passengers: 210 2014
Look for beautiful landscapes and wildlife on scenic cruises through the Great Lakes - Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Georgian Bay, St. Lawrence Seaway and the Canadian Maritimes aboard the Pearl Mist. Cruises sail between Milwaukee and Toronto (7 or 11 nights), Toronto and Portland, ME (15 nights) and Quebec City (10 nights) and Portland to Portland (7 nights). The ship features open sundecks, a library, fitness area, 2 lounges and a glass-enclosed dining room. Each stateroom offers either a large window and door or sliding glass doors opening onto a private balcony.
2022
Viking sails the Great Lakes with its expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, designed to explore remote destinations and allow passengers to immerse themselves in the region. The Polar Class 6 ship is set to sail on voyages to Antarctica and the Great Lakes of North America and navigate remote Polar Regions. The ship features an in-ship marina that will launch small excursion craft through its multiple shell doors, an onboard laboratory for guests to interact with scientists, 3 different temperature pools, spa, fitness center, auditorium, library, multiple restaurants, lounges and gathering areas.
The Great Lakes
These cruises travel sections of the freshwater 1,900-mile St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
Cruise HIghlights
• Toronto, ON - Hockey Hall of Fame
• Niagara Falls - Hornblower Boat Ride, Floral Clock
• Cleveland, OH - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum
• Detroit, MI - Henry Ford Museum
• Parry Sound, Georgian Bay, Thirty Thousand Islands region
• Sault Ste. Marie, MI/ON - Soo Locks observation deck, Ematinger-Clergue National Historic Site
• Mackinac Island, MI - Victorian-era Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac
• Holland, MI - LST 393 World War Landing, Dutch windmill
• Marquette, MI - Maritime Museum and Lighthouse
• Houghton, MI - Quincy Copper Mine (1846-1945)
• Duluth, MN - “Raptor flight path” at Hawk Ridge, Glensheen
• Thunder Bay, ON - Fort William, Ouimet Canyon, Kakabeka Falls
• Chicago, IL - Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park
Island Muskegon/
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing the Great Lakes
• Pearl Seas Cruises - Pearl Mist (2014)
• Victory Cruise Lines - Victory I (2016), Victory II (2018)
• Viking Expeditions - Viking Octantis (2022), Viking Polaris (2022)
• PONANT - Le Champlain (2018)
Georgian Bay
Little Current Parry Sound Midland
Star Pride
Windstar Cruises # of Passengers: 312
1988
The renovated all-suite Star Pride introduces new public areas, a total of 5 restaurants including 2 new dining venues, multiple lounges for evening entertainment, a spa and fitness center, infinity pool plus 2 whirlpools, and all new bathrooms in every suite. The yacht features a watersports platform off the ship’s stern where guests can enjoy swimming, kayaking, sail-boarding and even water skiing. Classified as a small ship that is able to tuck into small ports, Star Pride has an 11-day itinerary sailing between Boston and Montreal and a 25-day itinerary sailing between Greenland, Iceland, Montreal and Boston.
Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Cruise Line # of Passengers: 4,218
Queen Mary 2
Cunard Line # of Passengers: 2,691
2004
Refurbished in 2016, this legendary transatlantic ocean liner stands 23 stories above the water. Like any 5-star hotel, the ship is full of amenities including the only dedicated kennels at sea with a play area and walking route for canine companions, a library, a fullscale planetarium, play area and sporting activities for kids, 4 restaurants, 6 bars/lounges, casino, evening performances, fitness classes and deck games. QM2 offers 7-night itineraries between New York and Quebec and round-trip from New York to Halifax. Adding a transatlantic crossing between New York, Quebec and Southampton, UK to the itinerary becomes 21 days.
2015
The first of 4 vessels in Norwegian’s Breakaway-Plus series, Escape was the line’s largest ship when it launched and offers a variety of onboard activities: 3-story ropes course, water park with tandem waterslides, kid’s aqua park, spa & salon with a snow room, casino, teen retreat, baby nursery, mini-golf, sports complex, video arcade, on-board shopping, 25+ dining experiences including 3 main dining rooms, 14 bars/lounges, Broadway entertainment each evening and a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade. The ship sails from New York to Boston, Newport, Portland, Saint John and Halifax before returning to New York on a 7-day cruise.
New England & Canada
Typically these cruises depart (arrive) from New York, Boston or Portland, ME and explore ports in New England, the Canadian Maritimes and Canadian cities during the fall leaf season before heading to warmer waters for the Winter.
Toronto
Saguenay Fjord
Baie-Comeau
Québec City
Montreal
Thousand Islands
Clayton
Portland
Boston
Experiences on cruises of the St. Lawrence River
• New York, NY - 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty
• Newport, RI - Marble House, Cliff Walk, Castle Hill
• Boston, MA - Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Freedom Trail
• Provincetown, MA - Pilgrim Monument
• Bar Harbor, ME - Acadia National Park
• Halifax, NS - Halifax Citadel and Fortress, Peggy’s Cove
• Charlottetown, PEI - Green Gables Heritage Place, tour
historic downtown Charlottetown, lobster
• Gaspe, QUE - Bonaventure Island, Forillon National Park
• Saguenay, QUE - Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
• Quebec City, QUE - Montmorency Falls, Chateau Frontenac
• Montreal, QUE - Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park
• Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Silhouette (2011)
• Crystal Cruises - Crystal Serenity (2003)
• Cunard Line - Queen Mary 2 (2004)
• Holland America Line - Volendam (1999), Zuiderdam (2002)
• National Geographic Expeditions - NG Explorer (1982)
• Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Breakaway (2013), Norwegian Jewel (2005), Norwegian Gem (2007), Norwegian Getaway (2013), Norwegian Escape (2015)
• Oceania Cruises - Insignia (1998), Allura (2025)
• Pearl Seas - Pearl Mist (2014)
• Princess Cruises - Majestic Princess (2017), Enchanted Princess (2020), Island Princess (2003), Sapphire Princess (2004)
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises - Seven Seas Splendor (2020)
• Royal Caribbean International - Liberty of the Seas (2007), Vision of the Seas (1998), Brilliance of the Seas (2002)
• Seabourn Cruise Line - Seabourn Sojourn (2010), Seabourn Ovation (2018)
• Silversea Cruises - Silver Shadow (2000)
• Victory Cruise Lines - Victory I (2016), Victory II (2018)
• American Cruise Lines - American Star (2007), American Independence (2010)
• Carnival Cruise Line - Sunshine (2013)
• Viking Expeditions - Polaris (2022), Octantis (2022), Neptune (2022), Mars (2022)
• Windstar Cruises - Star Pride (1988)
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing New England & Canada
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing New England & Canada
American Eagle
American Cruise Lines # of Passengers: 100
As the first of American Cruise Lines’ brand-new Coastal Cats fleet, American Eagle features 4 decks, single- and double-occupancy staterooms, a beautiful top deck, restaurant and casual cafe, a unique bow and an activity platform at the stern. American Eagle offers the best qualities of expedition adventure cruising with the refinement, luxury, stability, and land proximity of river cruising. The design of the ship allows rare access into small ports and ability to travel on almost any river or waterway in the U.S. With land never out of sight, the small ship is a practical alternative to ocean expeditions, allowing for more time to explore each port in depth.
American Liberty
American Cruise Lines # of Passengers: 100
American Star
American Cruise Lines # of Passengers: 100
2007
Refurbished in 2017, the modern coastal cruise ship explores the beauty and history of ports along the Hudson River during an 8-day cruise from New York City to Albany, NY and back to New York City. Each day, passengers are treated to customized shore excursions. The staterooms on the 4-passenger deck ship have large picture windows and some staterooms also have private balconies for enjoying the panoramic views. The ship features 4 common areas and a main dining room. American Star also sails on an 8-day New England Islands cruise during the summer and an 8-day cruise of Florida rivers in the winter.
2024
American Liberty is the newest ship in the American Cruise Line fleet and the 3rd ship to launch in the cruise line’s new Coastal Cat class, a groundbreaking series of 100-passenger ships. Christened in Newport, Rhode Island in August 2024, the new ship will sail the popular Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises. The new small ship accommodates 100 guests, features 4 decks and a unique catamaran bow. The Coastal Cat also offers an elegant interior design, private balcony accommodations, a beautiful top deck for amazing views, comfortable lounges both inside and out, a main restaurant and casual cafe, a walking track and fitness center.
The Hudson
Cruise the historic Hudson River beside the Catskill Mountains to the West and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east during the height of color in the Fall Foliage season and during the summer to see iconic views of the Manhattan skyline, cultural and historic sites.
Experiences on cruises of the Hudson River
• New York, NY - Statue of Liberty, Radio City Music Hall
• Newburgh, NY - United States Military Academy, West Point Museum and Cadet Chapel
• Kingston, NY - “Millionaires Row,” Hudson River Maritime Museum
• Catskill, NY - Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Rip Van Winkle Bridge
• Esopus Island - Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, kayak & Zodiac tours
• Albany, NY - New York State Capitol Building, New York State Museum
• Troy, NY - Gateway to the Erie Canal - Troy Lock & Dam Cruise
• Hyde Park, NY - Springwood Estate, FDR Home & Museum Tour
• Storm King Mountain - Storm King Art Center, river views
• Sleepy Hollow, NY - Sunnyside, home of Washington Irving, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
• River cruising - Bear Mountain Bridge, Iona Island
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing the Hudson River
• American Cruise Lines - American Eagle (2023), American Star (2007), American Independence (2010), American Liberty (2024), American Legend (2024), American Glory (2023)
AmaMagna
AMA Waterways
# of Passengers: 196
2019
Breaking the mold of river cruise ships, the new ship is almost twice as wide as traditional European river ships. The staterooms are larger than most on the river, measuring between 355 to 710 sq. ft; most staterooms have full balconies. The ship features 4 dining venues, 3 bar/lounges, sun-deck pool and whirlpool, fitness center, 2 massage rooms and pickleball court. The ship sails to Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. Passengers may choose a walking or biking tour of a port city or an alternate excursion. Connecting staterooms accommodate groups and families.
S.S. Maria Theresa
Uniworld River Cruises
# of Passengers: 150
Riverside Mozart
Riverside Luxury Cruises
# of Passengers: 120
A new brand of the German hotel group Seaside Collection, Riverside Luxury Cruises launched in late 2022 with the purchase of its first river cruise ship, Riverside Mozart. The luxury river cruise ship is the former Crystal River Cruises ship, Crystal Mozart Riverside Mozart debuted in April 2023 with 3- to 14-night itineraries on the Danube. The ship offers open dining in each of its 5 restaurants, large all-suite staterooms with personal service, indoor pool and Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath for men and women, fitness area, full-service spa and salon. Itineraries feature cruises between Vienna and Budapest or Passau and Budapest.
2015
Uniworld’s third of seven Super Ships was named for the beloved Habsburg ruler Maria Theresa. The boutique ship blends old-world elegance – featuring ornate decorations, antiques, paintings and marble bathrooms – with modern amenities. Each suite across the Uniworld fleet is unique; no two suites are decorated the same. Passengers can choose between 2 restaurants, swim in an enclosed heated pool, work out in the fitness center and relax in the lounge, movie theater, spa, salon and sundeck. The S.S. Maria Theresa sails between Passau and Budapest for itineraries ranging from 8 to 11 days and Passau to Venice for river/land itineraries of 15 days.
Regensburg
Germany
Linz
Germany Passau
Austria Melk
• AMA Waterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Cruises
Austria Durnstein
• CroisiEurope Cruises
• Grand Circle Cruise Line
• Riverside Luxury Cruises
• Scenic Cruises
• Tauck
• Uniworld
• Viking River Cruises
Austria
Vienna
Austria Bratislava
Slovakia
Budapest
Hungary
Vukovar
Croatia
Mohacs
Hungary
The Danube
Cruises on the Danube sail by natural wonders, castles, churches, monasteries and cultural sites in 10 countries from Central Europe to the Black Sea. Guests may cruise the entire river or a portion of the river.
Novi Sad
Serbia
Belgrade
Serbia
Vidin
Bulgaria
Belogradchik
Bulgaria
Giurgiu
Romania
Rousse
Bulgaria
Experiences on cruises – Western Danube River
• Prague, CZ - Hradčany Castle Grounds; St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Town’s Astronomical Clock
• Nuremberg, DE - Imperial Castle, Market Square, Nuremberg Trials Memoriam
• Regensburg, DE - Old Town Hall, Porta Pretoria
• Passau, DE - St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Linz, AT - Schlögen Oxbow
• Melk, AT - Benedictine Abbey
• Durnstein, AT - Wachau Valley, vineyards, castles
• Vienna, AT - Vienna Opera House, Schonbrunn Palace, Karntnerstrasse, Hofburg Imperial Palace
• Bratislava, SK - Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral
• Budapest, HU - Buda Castle, Thermal Baths, Heroes’ Square, Central Market Hall, Lazar Equestrian Park
Experiences on cruises – Eastern Danube River
• Budapest, HU - Buda Castle, Thermal Baths, Heroes’ Square, Central Market Hall, Lazar Equestrian Park
• Mohacs, HU - St. Nicholas Watermill
• Vukovar, HR - Ovcara Memorial, Baroque Eltz Palace
• Belgrade, RS - Kalemegdan Fortress, National Theater, Square of the Republic, Church of St. Sava
• Iron Gates Gorge - Series of gorges on the Serbian & Romanian borders
• Vidin, BG - Baba Vida Castle, Belogradchik Fortress, Vidin Synagogue
• Russe, BG - Liberty Monument, Old City Center, Holy Trinity Church, Opera House
• Bucharest, RO - Palace of the Parliament, Village Museum
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing the Danube River
M/S River Harmony
Grand Circle Cruise Line # of Passengers: 140
1999
Passengers aboard M/S River Harmony have unique opportunities for cultural connections with locals through discussions and a home-hosted visit with a local family to get a glimpse at local life. Onboard amenities include outside cabins with panoramic views of the river, a restaurant with open seating, complimentary wireless Internet, bar, lounge, library, sun deck, fitness center and sauna. Cruise itineraries include a 16-day cruise on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between Amsterdam and Vienna, 16-day cruise on the Rhine and Mosel Rivers and a 12-day springtime cruise between Antwerp and Amsterdam.
Scenic Jasper
Scenic Cruises # of Passengers: 163
ms Inspire
Tauck # of Passengers: 130
Renovated in 2020, ms Inspire is part of Tauck’s Destination Fleet consisting of nine custom-crafted riverboats. Passengers aboard the longship are treated to large cabins with plenty of light and panoramic views. Eight of the lower deck cabins feature an innovative loft cabin design. Each of these cabins extend from the first to the second decks, providing additional views and windows that open. Amenities include 2 dining venues plus al fresco dining on the Sun Deck, fitness center, putting green, jacuzzi and nightly entertainment in the lounge. The ship’s itinerary includes an 8-day Christmas Market cruise along the Rhine.
2015
Scenic Jasper is one of the cruise line’s 3 custom-built
Scenic Space-Ship fleet along with Scenic Opal and Amber, so named for their roomy luxury cabins, dining and entertainment areas. Onboard amenities include complimentary wi-fi, a heated swimming pool on the Sun Deck, five dining venues, lounge, e-bikes, wellness area, fitness center, massage services and beauty salon. Scenic Jasper cruises the Danube, Main, Moselle and Rhine Rivers. Rhine itineraries sail between Amsterdam and Basel/Zurich during 8 days cruises. Passengers may personalize their cruise with 19 included scenic free choice activities.
The Rhine
Romance, castles, vineyards, art, cultural and historic sites take center stage during these cruises through The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.
NORTHSEA
Cruise Experiences – Rhine River
• Amsterdam, NL - Windmills and Canals
• Amsterdam, NL - Anne Frank House
• Amsterdam, NL - Rijksmuseum
• Cologne, DE - Cologne Cathedral
• Germany - Rhine Gorge, Lorelei Rock
• Rüdesheim, DE - Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
• Mainz, DE - Gutenberg Museum
• Heidelberg, DE - Heidelberg Castle
• Strasbourg, FR - La Petite France district
• Breisach, DE - German Black Forest
• Switzerland - Lake Lucerne
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing the Rhine River
• AMA Waterways
• Avalon Waterways
• CroisiEurope Cruises
• Emerald Cruises
• Grand Circle Cruise Line
• Riverside Luxury Cruises
• Scenic Cruises
• Tauck
• Uniworld
• Viking River Cruises
Amsterdam The Netherlands
Moselle River
Strasbourg France
Rudesheim Germany Mainz Germany
Avalon Tranquility II
Avalon Waterways
# of Passengers: 128
Avalon Tranquility II is one of Avalon’s Suite Ships. The Suite Ships feature two decks of suites with beds facing wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that give passengers the opportunity to watch the passing scenery from their cabin and even transform it into an open-air balcony. Onboard amenities include complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, whirlpool and game area on the Sky Deck, fitness center, covered observation lounge, choice of sightseeing pace options, lectures and nightly entertainment. The elegantly decorated, contemporary ship sails for 9 days between Nuremberg to Basel and 6 days between Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
Emerald Sky
Emerald Cruises
# of Passengers: 180
Viking Idi
Viking River Cruises
# of Passengers: 190
Viking Idi displays the streamlined Scandinavian design and understated elegance that is characteristic of Viking Longships. Staterooms on the top 2 decks include floorto-ceiling sliding glass doors to French balconies or verandas. Amenities include restaurant, lounges and public spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the panoramic views, sun deck, putting green, walking track, organic herb garden and solar panels, free Wi-Fi, library and onboard shop. The ship travels the Main, Moselle, Rhine and Danube Rivers featuring a variety of itineraries during 8- and 12-day cruises with daily shore excursions.
2014
The first ship in Emerald Cruises’ Star-Ship fleet, this sleek, contemporary ship offers 8- to 15-day itineraries on the Main, Danube, Rhine and Moselle Rivers. To enjoy panoramic views and transform the space, passengers in staterooms on the top 2 decks can lower the upper half of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Lower deck staterooms feature a large picture windows. Amenities include restaurants, lounges, an onboard heated pool that becomes a cinema on select evenings, wellness and fitness areas, hair dresser, sun deck with putting green, game area, walking track, plus free Wi-Fi, daily shore excursions and onboard bicycles.
The Main
Flowing through central Germany, the Main River meets the Rhine in Mainz and the Main-Danube canal in Bamberg. The canal joins the Danube in Nuremberg. Completed in 1992 following centuries of effort, the 106-mile canal, with 16 locks, is an engineering marvel that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea. Cruises on the Main typically sail on the other rivers, but shorter itineraries will include the Main only.
Mainz Germany
Cruise Experiences – Main River
• Miltenberg, DE - Half-timbered houses, home of the actual Snow White
• Wertheim, DE - Wertheim Castle
• Kitzingen, DE - Leaning Tower
• Wurzburg, DE - Bishop’s Residenz, Old Main Bridge
• Bamberg, DE - Old Town Hall
• Nuremberg, DE - Nuremberg Old Town
• Nuremberg, DE - Nuremberg Rally Grounds
• Continental Divide Monument
Frankfurt Germany
Miltenberg Germany
• AMA Waterways
• Avalon Waterways
• CroisiEurope Cruises
• Emerald Cruises
• Grand Circle Cruise Line
• Riverside Luxury Cruises
• Scenic Cruises
• Tauck
• Uniworld
• Viking River Cruises
Wurzburg Germany
Bamberg Germany
Main-Danube Canal
Regensburg Germany
Nuremberg Germany
Popular Cruise Lines Sailing the Main River
There Are No Castle Tours on an Amazon River Cruise
By Tom Adkinson
It’s time to restructure your image of a river cruise. Instead of castles, cathedrals and chardonnay, think pink dolphins, shamans and pisco sours. Instead of French or German, think Spanish. Instead of the Rhine or the Danube, think the Amazon.
Yes, that Amazon. The one that is 4,400 miles long, touches eight countries and drains an area the size of the lower 48 states. Instead of wrapping yourself in European history and culture, an Amazon cruise plops you down in the middle of perhaps the greatest science lesson of your life.
The Amazon fleet is small, and the vessels make even a 120-passenger European riverboat look huge. I chose the Zafiro, which can carry 38 passengers and a crew of 24. At 150 feet long and 33 feet wide it’s plenty big enough, especially since it was a floating island of luxury in an incredibly isolated region.
The Zafiro operates from Iquitos, the world’s biggest city with no road access. Getting to Iquitos means floating in or flying in. Cruise passengers fly in from Lima.
Most Zafiro trips are seven-day adventures covering 740 river miles, plus another 200 miles on twice-daily excursions aboard powerful 24-foot skiffs that take you deep into the rainforest on various tributaries.
“This part of the Amazon is like your birthday. You’re going to get a lot of presents, but you don’t know what they are going to be,” said Juan Tejada, one of two naturalists on my cruise.
Among the presents Tejada and fellow naturalist Edgard Vascones unwrapped for us were a pair of pink dolphins in a feeding frenzy, a troop of monkeys moving in line through the trees and a flock of greater ani, whose indigo blue feathers glistened in patches of sunlight. Tejada grew up in Iquitos learning – and appreciating – the Amazon’s wildlife.
“It’s as big a thrill to see a little red-capped cardinal as it is to see a toucan colorful enough to be the model for the Fruit Loops cereal box,” he said.
In my week with Tejada and Vascones, we saw threetoed sloths, 11 types of monkeys, two dolphin species, frogs, toads, butterflies, an anaconda, a red-tailed boa, scores of bird species, a red-rump tarantula –and that’s just part of the list.
The Amazon has five major tributaries, and the Zafiro’s route includes the confluence of the 1,100-mile-long Ucayali River and the 879-mile-long Maranon River, the point where “Amazon” appears on maps. Iquitos is downstream from the confluence, and already the Amazon is two miles wide, which makes you marvel at the scale of the entire river system.
Although the overarching objective of a Zafiro cruise is appreciating this immense ecosystem, the geographic goal is the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, a protected region the size of Belgium. Only about 3,000 people a year sign the ledger book at one of the reserve’s ranger stations. Indeed, this is isolated territory.
The terrain is not so much inherently dangerous as it is overwhelmingly big. That’s what makes the Zafiro’s air-conditioned rooms, hot showers, fresh linens and three chefs (including a baker) so extraordinary. You may be in the wilderness, but you travel in a bubble of comfort and education in the form of lectures, culinary lessons about Peruvian cuisine (including a
session about preparing your own ceviche at home if you dare) and conversations with naturalists who love their country.
“The Zafiro works well for many groups,” said Emily Harley-Reed, formerly with the Alabamaheadquartered Exodus Travels, which charters the Zafiro more than half the year. “We see affinity groups such as Audubon chapters, university alumni groups and multi-generational families. A three-generation family with a dozen members cruised earlier in 2018.”
Venturing into the Amazon rainforest earns passengers bragging rights for swimming while dolphins surface nearby, fishing for piranha (which taste as good as crappie or bream), seeing a red-tailed boa constrictor on a rainforest hike and watching a naturalist grab a two-foot-long caiman out of the rushes.
You’ll have none of those experiences on the Rhine or the Danube.
Tom Adkinson, whose more common river adventures are canoe floats on small Tennessee rivers, is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. Find more of his stories at www.CornersOfTheCountry.com.
5 Tips for a Successful Cruise with Your Group
Giving each person the freedom to travel as they desire meets the individual’s needs and sets the stage for a phenomenal trip together.
1. Flexible travel. Consider cost, efficiency and priorities of each group member. Instead of trying to fly on the same airline at the same time, each group member should choose the airline that best fits their circumstance. Some may use airline points; others may be closer to different hub cities that offer direct routes to the cruise port. Some members may spend time in nearby destinations before and/or after the cruise, independent of the group and cruise line, or some group members may opt for pre- and postcruise land tours that cruise lines might offer.
2. Flexible schedules. One of the best parts of river cruising is the casual atmosphere onboard the ship. Encourage members of your group to plan their own schedules each day. They can participate in some or all of the included shore excursions, opt for the special excursions offered by the cruise line, or stay and relax onboard while other passengers tour.
3. Plan group time. Set aside time during the day when group members spend time together sharing daily experiences. One group used an hour or so before dinner and called it their “Sip & Share.” While enjoying a favorite libation and food purchased at the port city of the day, group members shared the day’s highlights while showing pictures and souvenirs. Another group preferred spending their
special time onboard in the early morning enjoying the peaceful river views, eating breakfast together while discussing their plans for the day.
4. Hire a guide to explore special interests have a tie that binds. A special excursion exploring their special interest – possibly genealogy, history, religion, music, art, architecture, food, wine, beer – makes the difference between a good trip and the trip of a lifetime.
Groups leaders may arrange special excursions prior to the cruise by contacting the cruise line or local destination marketing organization for a list of special guides in the area who are knowledgeable of the subject and experienced leading groups interested in the subject. If arrangements aren’t made in advance, the onboard cruise director may have resources to help arrange the excursion. Of course, the group is responsible for paying the guide independently of the cruise line.
5. Meet other people. Getting to know fellow passengers enriches the cruise experience for each group member. Groups recognize that most river cruise passengers are sociable people. River cruises tend to promote familiarity between passengers due to the small number of passengers and the common shared experiences during shore excursions and onboard.
Atlas Index
Click on a state name or city to view the map. (This will open a new page in your browser) Cities are in GREY
Alabama
Birmingham, AL
Mobile & Gulf Shores, AL
Alaska Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
Arkansas
Little Rock, AR
California
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
San Francisco Bay Area
Colorado
Denver, CO
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Big Cypress & Seminole Country
Cocoa Beach & Space Coast
Fort Myers & Naples, FL
Jacksonville &
Northeast Florida
Key West & Florida Keys
Miami & The Beaches
Orlando, FL
Panhandle & Northwest Florida
Tampa, St. Pete & Clearwater
Washington County
Georgia
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
Brunswick & The Golden Isles
Columbus, GA
Georgia Coast
Peachtree City, GA
Savannah, GA
Statesboro, GA
Hawaii
Idaho
Boise, ID
Illinois
Chicago, IL
Indiana
Indianapolis, IN
Iowa
Kansas
Kansas City, KS
Kentucky
Louisville, KY
Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans French Quarter
Louisiana Northshore
Maine
Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Havre de Grace, MD
Massachusetts
Boston, MA
Michigan
Detroit, MI
Minnesota
Mississippi
Gulfport, Biloxi & MS
Gulf Coast
Mississippi
Delta & Tunica
Natchez, MS
Missouri
Branson, MO
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Las Vegas, NV
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Jersey Coast
New Mexico
New York
Manhattan
New York City, NY
North Carolina
Charlotte, NC
Great Smoky
Mountains Nat’l Park
High Country & Boone Area
Mooresville, NC
Outer Banks, NC
Piedmont Triad
Research Triangle
Wilmington & Cape
Fear Coast
North Dakota
Ohio
Cincinnati, OH
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, OK
Tulsa, OK
Oregon
Portland, OR
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Lowcountry & Hilton Head Island
Myrtle Beach, SC
Pee Dee Country
Santee Cooper Country
Thoroughbred
Country
South Dakota
Tennessee
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Ocoee, TN
Smoky Mountains
Texas
Dallas, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX
San Antonio & Hill
Country
Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
Vermont
Virginia
Chesapeake Bay & Eastern Shore
Coastal Virginia
Roanoke, VA
Washington
Seattle, WA
Washington D.C.
Downtown D.C.
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
United States of America
HANDBOOK
Great places to visit and travel trivia for featured states.
LEGEND
The icons below represent activities or accessibility options available at the locations on the next pages.
Alabama
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Helen Keller
Condoleezza Rice
Hank Aaron
Nat King Cole
Emmylou Harris
Coretta Scott King
Carl Lewis
Alaska
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Holly Madison
Curt Schilling
Sarah Palin
Archie Van Winkle
James Morrison
Jewel
Wyatt Earp
Carlos Boozer
Arizona
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Joe Jonas
Stevie Nicks
Geronimo
Barbara Eden
Kerry Strug
Emma Stone
Shawn Michaels
Jordin Sparks
Arkansas
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Paul “Bear” Bryant
Dizzy Dean
Sonny Liston
Conway Twitty
John Grisham
Johnny Cash
Bill Clinton
FACTS:
Capital: Montgomery
Population: 4,903,185
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: December 14, 1819 (22nd)
Bird: Yellowhammer
Flower: Camellia
Nickname: The Cotton State
Song: “Alabama”
Tree: Longleaf Pine
FACTS:
Capital: Juneau
Population: 731,545
Time Zone: Alaska / Aleutian
Statehood: January 3, 1959 (49th)
Bird: Willow ptarmigan
Flower: Alpine Forget-me-not
Nickname: The Last Frontier
Song: “Alaska’s Flag”
Tree: Sitka Spruce
FACTS:
Capital: Phoenix
Population: 7,278,717
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: February 14, 1912 (48th)
Bird: Cactus Wren
Flower: Saguaro Blossom
Nickname: The Constitution State
Song: “Arizona”
Tree: Palo Verde
FACTS:
Capital: Little Rock
Population: 3,017,804
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: June 15, 1836 (25th)
Bird: Mockingbird
Flower: Apple Blossom
Nickname: The Natural State
Song: “Arkansas, Oh Arkansas”
California
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Shirley Temple Black
Leonardo DiCaprio
Steve Jobs
Mickey Mouse
Richard M. Nixon
Sally Ride
Tiger Woods
FACTS:
Capital: Sacramento
Population: 39,512,223
Time Zone: Pacific
Statehood: September 9, 1850 (31st)
Bird: California Valley Quail
Flower: California Poppy
Nickname: The Golden State
Song: “I Love You, California”
Tree: Coast Redwood & Giant Redwood
Colorado
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Tim Allen
Jon Heder
John Kerry
Jack Dempsey
David Fincher
Byron R. White
John Hall
FACTS:
Capital: Denver
Population: 5,758,736
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: August 1st, 1876 (38th)
Bird: Lark Bunting
Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine
Nickname: Centennial State
Song: “Where the Columbines Grow”
Tree: Blue Spruce
Connecticut
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Noah Webster
Michael Bolton
George W. Bush
Vint Cerf
Katharine Hepburn
J. P. Morgan
Benedict Arnold
John Mayer
Delaware
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Valerie Bertinelli
Eleuthere Irenee du Pont
de Nemours
Henry Heimlich
Robert Mitchum
George Read
Judge Reinhold
Caesar Rodney
FACTS:
Capital: Hartford
Population: 3,565,287
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: January 05, 1788 (5th)
Bird: Robin
Flower: Mountain Laurel
Nickname: The Constitution State
Song: “Yankee Doodle”
Tree: White Oak
FACTS:
Capital: Dover
Population: 973,764
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: December 7, 1787 (1st)
Bird: Blue Hen Chicken
Flower: Peach Blossom
Nickname: The First State
Song: “Our Delaware”
Tree: Pine
Tree: American Holly
Florida
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Ariana Grande
Ray Lewis
Pat Boone
Steve Carlton
Frances Langford
Osceola
Sidney Poitier
Janet Reno
Georgia
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Martin Luther King, Jr.
James (Jimmy) E. Carter
Rosalynn Carter
Ty Cobb
Clarence Thomas
Ryan Seacrest
Gladys Knight
Julia Roberts
Hawaii
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Barack Obama
Bruno Mars
Nicole Kidman
Bethany Hamilton
Marcus Mariota
Kelly Preston
K. Megan McArthur
Don Ho
Idaho
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Sarah Palin
Aaron Paul
Lana Turner
Harmon Killebrew
Ezra Pound
Mike Riley
FACTS:
Capital: Tallahassee
Population: 21,477,737
Time Zone: Eastern & Central
Statehood: March 3, 1845 (27th)
Bird: Northern Mockingbird
Flower: Orange Blossom
Nickname: The Sunshine State
Song: “Florida, Where the Sawgrass...”
Tree: Cabbage Palmetto
FACTS:
Capital: Atlanta
Population: 10,617,423
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: January 2, 1788 (4th)
Bird: Brown Thrasher
Flower: Cherokee Rose
Nickname: Empire State of the South
Song: “Georgia On My Mind”
Tree: Live Oak
FACTS:
Capital: Honolulu
Population: 1,415,872
Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian
Statehood: August 21, 1959 (50th)
Bird: Nene
Flower: Yellow Hibiscus
Nickname: The Aloha State
Song: “Hawaii Ponoi, Hawaii Own”
Tree: Candlenut
FACTS:
Capital: Boise
Population: 1,787,065
Time Zone: Pacific
Statehood: July 3, 1890 (43rd)
Bird: Mountain Bluebird
Flower: Syringa
Nickname: Gem State
Song: “Here We Have Idaho” Tree: Western White Pine
Illinois
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Ronald Reagan
Robin Williams
Betty White
Harrison Ford
Hillary Clinton
Ernest Hemingway
Quincy Jones
Raquel Welch
Indiana
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Jimmy Hoffa
Florence Henderson
Evan Bayh
Michael Jackson
Steve McQueen
Janet Jackson
James Dean
David Letterman
Iowa
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Jerry Mathers
Kurt Warner
Mamie Eisenhower
Ashton Kutcher
John Wayne
Cloris Leachman
Shawn Johnson
Halston
Kansas
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Amelia Earhart
Burt Bacharach
Joanna Gaines
Gale Sayers
Ed Asner
Martina McBride
Annette Bening
FACTS:
Capital: Springfield
Population: 12,671,821
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: December 03, 1818 (21st)
Bird: Cardinal
Flower: Violet
Nickname: The Prairie State
Song: “Illinois”
Tree: White Oak
FACTS:
Capital: Indianapolis
Population: 6,732,219
Time Zone: Eastern & Central
Statehood: December 11, 1816 (19th)
Bird: Cardinal
Flower: Peony
Nickname: The Hoosier State
Song: “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away”
Tree: Tulip
FACTS:
Capital: Des Moines
Population: 3,155,070
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: December 28, 1846 (29th)
Bird: American Goldfinch
Flower: Rose
Nickname: The Hawkeye State
Song: “The Song of Iowa”
Tree: Oak
FACTS:
Capital: Topeka
Population: 2,913,314
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: January 29, 1861 (34th)
Bird: Meadowlark
Flower: Sunflower
Nickname: The Sunflower State
Song: “Home on the Range” Tree: Cottonwood
Kentucky
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Muhammad Ali
George Clooney
Johnny Depp
Duncan Hines
Wynonna Judd
Abraham Lincoln
Diane Sawyer
FACTS:
Capital: Frankfort
Population: 4,467,673
Time Zone: Eastern & Central
Statehood: June 1, 1792 (15th)
Bird: Cardinal
Flower: Goldenrod
Nickname: The Bluegrass State
Song: “My Old Kentucky Home”
Tree: Tulip Tree
Louisiana
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Harry Connick Jr.
Frank Ocean
Reese Witherspoon
Truman Capote
Jared Leto
Mahalia Jackson
Peyton Manning
Quvenzhané Wallis
Maine
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Judd Nelson
Linda Lavin
Patrick Dempsey
Nelson Rockefeller
Stephen King
Elijah Lovejoy
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Maryland
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Barbara Mikulski
Reginald F. Lewis
Harriet Tubman
Frederick Douglass
Michael Phelps
Julie Bowen
John Wilkes Booth
Nora Roberts
Massachusetts
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
John F. Kennedy
Dr. Seuss
Benjamin Franklin
John Adams
George H. W. Bush
Matt Damon
Mark Wahlberg
Matt LeBlanc
FACTS:
Capital: Baton Rouge
Population: 4,648,794
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: April 30, 1812 (18th)
Bird: Brown Pelican
Flower: Magnolia
Nickname: The Pelican State
Song: “Give Me Louisiana“
Tree: Bald Cypress
FACTS:
Capital: Augusta
Population: 1,344,212
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: March 15, 1820 (23rd)
Bird: Chickadee
Flower: White Pine Cone & Tassel
Nickname: The Pine Tree State
Song: “State Song of Maine”
Tree: White Pine
FACTS:
Capital: Annapolis
Population: 6,045,680
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: April 28, 1788 (7th)
Bird: Baltimore Oriole
Flower: Black-eyed Susan
Nickname: Old Line State
Song: “Maryland My Maryland”
Tree: White Oak
FACTS:
Capital: Boston
Population: 6,892,503
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: February 06, 1788 6th)
Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee
Flower: May Flower
Nickname: The Bay State
Song: “Hail, Massachusetts”
Tree: American Elm
Michigan
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Serena Williams
Tom Selleck
Burt Reynolds
Magic Johnson
Madonna
Stevie Wonder
Henry Ford
Kid Rock
Minnesota
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Bob Dylan
Chris Pratt
Judy Garland
Steve Martin
Vince Vaughn
J. Paul Getty
Lindsey Vonn
FACTS:
Capital: Lansing
Population: 9,986,857
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: January 26, 1837 (26th)
Bird: Robin
Flower: Apple Blossom
Nickname: The Wolverine State
Song: “Michigan, My Michigan”
Tree: White Pine
FACTS:
Capital: St. Paul
Population: 5,639,632
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: May 11, 1858 (32nd)
Bird: Common Loon
Flower: Lady Slipper
Nickname: The Land of 10,000 Lakes
Song: “Hail! Minnesota”
Tree: Red Pine
Mississippi
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Elvis Presley
Oprah Winfrey
Faith Hill
James Earl Jones
Brett Favre
Jimmy Buffett
B.B. King
Missouri
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
George Washington Carver
Calamity Jane
Maya Angelou
Langston Hughes
Mark Twain
Eminem
Harry S. Truman
Jon Hamm
Montana
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Michelle Williams
Evel Knievel
Gary Cooper
Patrick Duffy
Myrna Loy
Dana Carvey
Phil Jackson
Nebraska
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Gerald Ford
Gabrielle Union
Malcolm X
Larry the Cable Guy
Warren Buffet
Andy Roddick
Marlon Brando
Fred Astaire
FACTS:
Capital: Jackson
Population: 2,976,149
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: December 10, 1817 (20th)
Bird: Mockingbird
Flower: Magnolia
Nickname: The Magnolia State
Song: “Go Mis-sis-sip-pi”
Tree: Magnolia
FACTS:
Capital: Jefferson City
Population: 6,137,428
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: August 10, 1821 (24th)
Bird: Bluebird
Flower: Hawthorn
Nickname: The Show Me State
Song: “Missouri Waltz”
Tree: Dogwood
FACTS:
Capital: Helena
Population: 1,068,778
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: November 8, 1889 (41st)
Bird: Meadowlark
Flower: Bitterroot
Nickname: Big Sky Country
Song: “Montana Melody”
Tree: Pine
FACTS:
Capital: Lincoln
Population: 1,934,408
Time Zone: Central & Mountain
Statehood: March 1, 1867 (37th)
Bird: Western Meadowlark
Flower: Goldenrod
Nickname: Cornhusker State
Song: “Beautiful Nebraska”
Tree: Cottonwood
Nevada
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Pat Nixon
Julia Mancuso
Harry Reid
Sarah Winnemucca
Andre Agassi
Jenna Jameson
Rutina Wesley
FACTS:
Capital: Carson City
Population: 3,080,156
Time Zone: Pacific & Mountain
Statehood: October 31, 1864 (36th)
Bird: Bluebird
Flower: Sagebrush
Nickname: Silver State
Song: “Home Means Nevada”
Tree: Pine
New Hampshire
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Robert Frost
John Irving
Mandy Moore
Franklin Pierce
Alan Shepard
Bode Miller
E.E. Cummings
New Jersey
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Frank Sinatra
Whitney Houston
Bruce Springsteen
John Travolta
Meryl Streep
Martha Stewart
Buzz Aldrin
Jon Bon Jovi
New Mexico
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Neil Patrick Harris
Demo Lovato
Jeff Bezos
Demi Moore
Dolores Huerta
Rudolfo A. Anaya
FACTS:
Capital: Concord
Population: 1,359,711
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: June 21, 1788 (9th)
Bird: Purple Finch
Flower: Purple Lilac
Nickname: The Granite State
Song: “Old New Hampshire”
Tree: White Birch
FACTS:
Capital: Trenton
Population: 8,882,190
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: December 18, 1789 (3rd)
Bird: Eastern Goldfinch
Flower: Violet
Nickname: The Garden State
Song: “New Jersey Loyalty”
Tree: Red Oak
FACTS:
Capital: Santa Fe
Population: 2,096,829
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: January 6, 1912 (47th)
Bird: Roadrunner
Flower: Yucca Flower
Nickname: Land of Enchantment
Song: “O, Fair New Mexico”
Tree: Piñon Pine
New York
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Adam Sandler
Al Capone
Michael Jordan
J. Robert Oppenheimer
Tom Cruise
Theodore Roosevelt
Jimmy Fallon
Jane Fonda
FACTS:
Capital: Albany
Population: 19,453,561
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: July 26, 1788 (11th)
Bird: Eastern Bluebird
Flower: Rose
Nickname: The Empire State
Song: “I Love New York”
Tree: Sugar Maple
North Carolina
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Billy Graham
Scotty McCreery
Dolley Madison
Meadowlark Lemon
Dale Earnhardt, Sr.
Charlie Daniels
FACTS:
Capital: Raleigh
Population: 10,488,084
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: November 21, 1789 (12th)
Bird: Cardinal
Flower: Dogwood
Nickname: The Tarheel State
Song: “The Old North State”
Tree: Pine
North Dakota
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Josh Duhamel
Kellan Lutz
Lawrence Welk
Angie Dickinson
Peggy Lee
Bobby Vee
FACTS:
Capital: Bismarck
Population: 762,062
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: November 02, 1889 (39th)
Bird: Western Meadowlark
Flower: Wild Prairie Rose
Nickname: The Tarheel State
Song: “North Dakota Hymn”
Tree: American Elm
Oklahoma
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Ron Howard
Brad Pitt
Carrie Underwood
Reba McEntire
Chuck Norris
Blake Shelton
Dr. Phil McGraw
FACTS:
Capital: Oklahoma City
Population: 3,956,971
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: November 16, 1907 (46th)
Bird: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Flower: Mistletoe
Nickname: The Sooner State
Song: “Oklahoma”
Tree: Redbud
Ohio
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
John Legend
Maya Lin
Russell Wilson
Thomas Edison
Edwin Stanton
John Glenn
Art Tatum
Roy Rogers
Oregon
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Chief Joseph
Douglas C. Engelbart
Cathy McMorris Rodgers
Ashton Eaton
Matt Groening
Tonya Harding
James Beard
FACTS:
Capital: Columbus
Population: 11,689,100
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: March 1, 1803 (17th)
Bird: Cardinal
Flower: Scarlet Carnation
Nickname: The Buckeye State
Song: “Beautiful Ohio”
Tree: Buckeye
FACTS:
Capital: Salem
Population: 4,217,737
Time Zone: Pacific & Mountain
Statehood: February 14, 1859 (33rd)
Bird: Meadowlark
Flower: Oregon Grape
Nickname: Beaver State
Song: “Oregon, My Oregon”
Tree: Douglas Fir
Pennsylvania
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Taylor Swift
Will Smith
Kevin Hart
Pink
Kobe Bryant
Amanda Seyfried
Tina Fey
FACTS:
Capital: Harrisburg
Population: 12,801,989
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: December 12, 1787 (2nd)
Bird: Ruffed Grouse
Flower: Mountain-laurel
Rhode Island
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Meredith Vieira
Cormac McCarthy
Jack Reed
Matthew C. Perry
H.P. Lovecraft
FACTS:
Capital: Providence
Population: 1,059,361
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: May 29, 1790 (13th)
Bird: Rhode Island Red
Flower: Voilet
Nickname: The Ocean State
Song: “Rhode Island It’s For Me”
Tree: Red Maple
South Carolina
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Francis “Swamp Fox” Mar-
ion
Andrew Jackson
Joe Frazier
Dizzy Gillespie
Vanna White
FACTS:
Capital: Columbia
Population: 5,148,714
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: May 23, 1788 (8th)
Bird: Great Carolina Wren
Flower: Yellow Jessamine
Nickname: The Palmetto State
Song: “Carolina”
Tree: Palmetto
South Dakota
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Sitting Bull
John Thune
Hubert H. Humphrey
Tom Brokaw
January Jones
Sparky Anderson
Tennessee
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Davy Crockett
Justin Timberlake
Dolly Parton
Aretha Franklin
Morgan Freeman
Kenny Chesney
George Hamilton
Greg Allman
Texas
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Lyndon Johnson
Alvin Ailey
Matthew McConaughey
Carol Burnett
George Foreman
Dwight Eisenhower
NIck Jonas
Sandra Day O’Connor
Utah
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Marie Osmond
Roseanne Barr
J. Willard Marriott
Butch Cassidy
Laraine Day
Jewel
James Woods
Wallace Henry Thurman
FACTS:
Capital: Austin
Population: 28,995,881
Time Zone: Central & Mountain
Statehood: December 29, 1845 (28th)
Bird: Mockingbird
Flower: Bluebonnet
Nickname: The Lone Star State
Song: “Texas, Our Texas”
Tree: Pecan
FACTS:
Capital: Salt Lake City
Population: 3,205,958
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: January 4, 1896 (45th)
Bird: American Gull
Flower: Sego Lily
Nickname: Beehive State
Song: “Utah, We Love Thee”
Tree: Quaking Aspen
FACTS:
Capital: Pierre
Population: 884,659
Time Zone: Central & Mountain
Statehood: November 2, 1889 (40th)
Bird: Ring-necked Pheasant
Flower: Pasque Flower
Nickname: The Mount Rushmore State
Song: “Hail, South Dakota”
Tree: Black Hills Spruce
FACTS:
Capital: Nashville
Population: 6,829,174
Time Zone: Eastern & Central
Statehood: June 6, 1796 (16th)
Bird: Mockingbird
Flower: Iris
Nickname: The Volunteer State
Song: “The Tennessee Waltz”
Tree: Tulip Poplar
Vermont
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Chester A. Arthur
Ted Bundy
Jody Williams
Grace Anna Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge
Hannah Teter
Alexander Lucius Twilight
Virginia
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Pharrell Williams
Booker T. Washington
George Washington
Woodrow Wilson
Thomas Jefferson
Mildred Loving
Shirley MacLaine
Patsy Cline
FACTS:
Capital: Montpelier
Population: 623,989
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: March 4, 1791 (14th)
Bird: Hermit Thrush
Flower: Red Clover
Nickname: The Green Mountain State
Song: “Hail, Vermont”
Tree: Sugar Maple
FACTS:
Capital: Richmond
Population: 8,535,519
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: June 25, 1788 (10th)
Bird: Cardinal
Flower: American Dogwood
Nickname: Mother of States
Song: “Carry Me Back to Old Virginia” Tree: Dogwood
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Washington
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Bill Gates
Kurt Cobain
Taraji Henson
Jimi Hendrix
Adam West
Bob Barker
Hope Solo
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West
Virginia
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Brad Paisley
Steve Harvey
Nick Saban
Mary Lou Retton
Don Knotts
Charles Yeager
Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson
Wisconsin
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Mark Ruffalo
William Rehnquist
Paul Ryan
Gene Wilder
Orson Welles
Chris Farley
Wyoming
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Jackson Pollock
Dana Perino
Vernon J. Baker
Jim J. Bullock
John Colter
Velma Linford
Chief Washakie
James G. Watt
FACTS:
Capital: Olympia
Population: 7,614,893
Time Zone: Pacific
Statehood: November 11, 1889 (42nd)
Bird: American Goldfinch
Flower: Rhododendron
Nickname: The Evergreen State
Song: “Washington, My Home”
Tree: Western Hemlock
FACTS:
Capital: Charleston
Population: 1,792,147
Time Zone: Eastern
Statehood: June 20, 1863 (35th)
Bird: Cardinal
Flower: Great Laurel
Nickname: The Mountain State
Song: “The West Virginia Hills”
Tree: Sugar Maple
FACTS:
Capital: Madison
Population: 5,822,434
Time Zone: Central
Statehood: May 29, 1848 (30th)
Bird: Robin
Flower: Wood Violet
Nickname: Badger State
Song: “On Wisconsin”
Tree: Sugar Maple
FACTS:
Capital: Cheyenne
Population: 578,759
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: July 10, 1890 (44th)
Bird: Meadowlark
Flower: Indian Paintbrush
Nickname: Equality State
Song: “Wyoming”
Tree: Plains Cottonwood
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