Hudson River Cruises
America’s Rhine: history, mansions and mountains within reach of New York City.
Get Free US River Cruise QuotesThe Hudson is short by river-cruise standards, but few American rivers pack in more history and scenery per mile: the fortress of West Point, the Gilded Age estates of Hyde Park, the landscapes that inspired the Hudson River School painters, and the Catskill Mountains on the horizon.
Highlights Along the River
West Point
The US Military Academy, on a bend of the river where the Hudson narrows between the Highlands.
Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown
Washington Irving country, with its old church and storied legend.
Hyde Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home and presidential library, and the Vanderbilt Mansion nearby.
Kingston
New York’s first state capital, with a historic stockade district.
Catskill
Gateway to the mountains and to the home of painter Thomas Cole.
Albany
The state capital, at the head of the tidal river.
Who Sails the Hudson
American Cruise Lines is the line offering overnight small-ship cruises on the Hudson, with summer and fall-foliage departures. In 2026 its sailings ran between New York City and Albany; for 2027 they are planned as round trips from Albany with a call in New York City and a pass by the Statue of Liberty.
The fall season is short and popular. If you want October, ask early.
Make It a Longer Trip
Add a few nights in New York City before or after, or choose one of American Cruise Lines’ longer East Coast voyages that string the Hudson together with Revolutionary War and Civil War sites as far as Washington, D.C. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can price the cruise with hotels and rail or flights so you can see the whole trip.
Why Small Ships Suit the Hudson
Large ocean ships can reach New York Harbor, but they cannot sail up the Hudson Valley and tie up in the small river towns. A small ship can, and it lets you take the river at its own pace: the Highlands narrowing around West Point, the lighthouses at Saugerties and Rondout, and the long views to the Catskills. Because the distances are short, there is time for relaxed tours and unhurried afternoons on deck. For many travelers from the Northeast, it is also a river cruise they can reach by train or car, with no flight at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cruise start in New York City?
In 2026, American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River cruises ran between New York City and Albany. For 2027 the line has announced round trips from Albany that include a New York City stop. Check your exact sailing.
When is the best time?
Late September and October for fall color, which is why those dates sell out first. Summer sailings are greener and warmer.
Is the Hudson combined with other waterways?
Yes. Longer American Cruise Lines voyages link the Hudson with the East Coast, such as a Revolutionary War voyage between Albany and Washington, D.C. in autumn 2026.
Get Quotes for the Hudson River
Tell us your month, how many are traveling and the ship size you prefer. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the lines sailing the Hudson River and send free quotes.
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