American themes, from Civil War to lobster bakes, set for 2018 US river cruises

Retrace the footsteps of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the Pacific Northwest, go on lobster bakes in Maine, or sail through Washington state’s Puget Sound on a wine-and-dine cruise. The cruises are among 16 themed journeys being launched next year by American Cruise Lines.

The 2018 cruises, which were announced in late November, are aimed at Americana fans, who will find plenty to choose from on rivers such as the Mississippi, Cumberland and Columbia, and other waterways, such as Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound.

American Cruise Lines has a fleet of 10 ships, making it the largest cruise line in the U.S. It operates small cruise ships, modern riverboats and paddle-wheelers that sail 35 itineraries on rivers and coastal and inland waterways that include New England, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, the Mississippi River system, and the Southeast.

Most cruises are one week, but some are as long as 10 days. Prices start at $3,725 per person, double occupancy.