Ohio, Tennessee & Cumberland River Cruises
Music, bourbon and Civil War history on the rivers of the old frontier.
Get Free US River Cruise QuotesEast of the Mississippi, three rivers carry small ships through the heart of the old frontier: the Ohio from Pittsburgh down to the Mississippi, the Tennessee through Alabama and Tennessee, and the Cumberland to Nashville. This is country music, bourbon, Civil War and Native American history, linked by locks, lakes and wooded hills.
The Tennessee and Cumberland
American Cruise Lines’ Tennessee rivers itinerary runs between Nashville and Chattanooga. Along the way, ports can include Paducah, Kentucky, where the Tennessee meets the Ohio; Land Between the Lakes, the wooded peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley; Savannah, Tennessee, near the Shiloh battlefield; Florence and Muscle Shoals, Alabama, famous for their recording studios; and Decatur. For 2026 the line also added an 11-day Great Smoky Mountains cruise on the Tennessee River.
The Ohio River
The Ohio runs through the old industrial and river-trade heart of the country: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville and many smaller towns with handsome historic districts. American Cruise Lines has sailed Ohio River itineraries between Louisville and Pittsburgh, as well as longer voyages from Pittsburgh down to St. Louis.
For 2027, Viking has announced new Viking Mississippi voyages that sail up the Ohio to Louisville, including a 15-day Bayous, Blues & Bluegrass itinerary from New Orleans and an 8-day Mississippi & Ohio River Explorer from Memphis.
What You Will See
| Theme | Where |
|---|---|
| Country and blues music | Nashville, Muscle Shoals, Memphis |
| Bourbon country | Louisville and the Kentucky river towns |
| Civil War history | Shiloh, Chattanooga, Fort Donelson area |
| Lakes and woods | Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes |
| River-town architecture | Paducah, Madison and Ohio river towns |
| Mountain scenery | The Tennessee River gorge near Chattanooga |
Itineraries and ports change from season to season, so ask us for the current list for the dates you want.
Good to Know
- These are lock-and-dam rivers: expect several lock passages, some at night.
- Spring and fall are the most comfortable months; summer is warm and humid.
- Nashville and Chattanooga are worth a hotel night or two either side of the cruise.
- Tours in port often use coaches, because some sights are a drive from the landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the Tennessee or the Ohio?
The Tennessee and Cumberland itinerary leans toward music, lakes and Civil War history, with Nashville and Chattanooga at either end. The Ohio is about river towns, bourbon country and the story of westward trade. Both are relaxed, lock-and-dam rivers.
Can I combine these rivers with the Mississippi?
Yes. Longer voyages link the Ohio with the Mississippi, and Viking’s announced 2027 itineraries sail from New Orleans or Memphis up to Louisville.
Get Quotes for the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland
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 Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland and send free quotes.
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