Exciting developments in river cruising are on the horizon, with St. Paul poised to become a focal point for two extensive river cruises planned for 2026. American Cruise Lines has announced these voyages as the longest of their kind available, each promising a unique blend of destinations and experiences.
The Great United States Cruise, lasting 51 nights, will traverse 14 states and include visits to Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton national parks. The journey commences in the Pacific Northwest, from where travelers will explore these iconic parks. Following this leg, participants will fly to New Orleans to embark on a comprehensive Mississippi River cruise, concluding in St. Paul. Subsequently, they will head to Boston for a New England expedition. This itinerary is scheduled from May 29 to July 19, 2026.
Alternatively, the Great American Fall Foliage Cruise, extending for 54 nights, offers an exploration of Alaska’s Inside Passage and a cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul. It further includes a voyage along the East Coast from Portland, Maine, to Washington, D.C. This cruise will take place from September 5 to October 29, 2026. Both itineraries feature stops in Winona and Red Wing.
While St. Paul is prominently featured in these cruises, it will not be part of the Spring Across America cruise in April and May. This particular journey begins in South Carolina and Florida, focusing on the Mississippi River stretch between Memphis and New Orleans before heading to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Pricing for these luxury cruises is not readily available online; potential travelers must seek custom quotes. A comparable itinerary offered in 2024 covered 20 states over 60 days, with prices ranging from $51,060 to $77,945 per person, inclusive of meals, excursions, and transportation between cruise segments.
The decision to organize these extensive cruises aligns with the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. In recent years, river cruising has seen a resurgence in St. Paul, with luxury liners gradually replacing traditional paddle-wheelers. Viking River Cruises reintroduced luxury cruising with the launch of the Viking Mississippi from St. Paul in 2022, marking the return of such liners after a decade-long hiatus. American Cruise Lines has also reinstated its service in St. Paul, having previously halted stops there in 2018. However, the company continues to operate a fleet of both modern and renovated traditional paddle-wheelers.
Conversely, American Queen Voyages ceased operations in St. Paul by 2019 and eventually closed completely last year. The broader tourism industry in the state has faced challenges over the past three years, specifically during the 2021 COVID-induced outdoor vacation increase. The summer of the previous year was particularly difficult due to significant flooding affecting businesses along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers.
The Tangible Impact
The introduction of these extended river cruises is likely to have multiple impacts on St. Paul and the broader Minnesota region. As luxury cruises draw in discerning travelers, local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and shops, stand to benefit from increased tourist foot traffic. This influx can boost the local economy and provide job opportunities in the hospitality and service sectors.
Moreover, these cruises enhance St. Paul’s profile as a key destination in the cruise industry, potentially attracting further investment in tourism infrastructure. The presence of luxury liners contributes to the revitalization of the riverfront and promotes the city’s rich cultural and historical offerings to a wider audience.
However, the challenges faced by the tourism industry, such as environmental concerns like flooding, underscore the necessity for sustainable practices and robust infrastructure to support an increase in visitors. Overall, the cruises’ impact encompasses economic growth, infrastructure development, and increased visibility for St. Paul on the national tourism map.