SMOOTH SAILING
5 US cruises you can experience without a passport
TRAVEL
This year is shaping up to be a good one for vacations that stick close to home. Small towns and big cities alike are commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America. The 100th anniversary of Route 66 is boosting the popularity of nostalgic road trips along the 2,448-mile Mother Road.
But not to be overlooked are domestic cruises, with options including coastal sailings, river cruises and voyages on the Great Lakes. If your vacation plans are likely to keep you closer to home this year, consider one of these U.S.-based cruises.
1 Sail on a Windjammer in Maine
To savor Maine's rugged coastal beauty, I suggest a Windjammer Cruise. Windjammers are traditional tall ships powered by harnessing the force of the wind. Treasured by environmentalists, they are also a genuine slice of New England's maritime history. There's also no definitive itinerary on each voyage as the next day's destination is determined the old-fashioned way: by weather, wind and tide.
Each of the nine ships in the Windjammer fleet is individually owned and has a distinct personality, with beauty, grace and speed as the unifying elements.
These seafaring vessels carry just a few dozen passengers and a small but capable crew. Windjammers depart from May through October; some cater to families, while others are better suited to adults.
I sailed aboard the 22-passenger Schooner Stephen Taber . Our days were spent beachcombing on semi-secret islands with up-close views of whales, porpoises and eagles. As a passenger, you can assist the crew as much or as little as you like; my husband is a seasoned sailor who enjoyed getting to work while I enjoyed relaxing on deck.
2 Soak up Alaska's stunning scenery
Alaska's cruise season runs May through October, aligning with the summer vacation season. My family and I had a ball on our Princess Cruises sailing to Alaska.
In addition to the scenery and wildlife — enough to impress everyone in the family, even jaded teens — our ship itself off ered something diff erent for each of us. From onboard naturalists to a teen club to movies under the stars, complete with popcorn and blankets, there was a range of experiences for every age.
My personal highlight was the day spent cruising Glacier Bay National Park, where the pristine land and seascapes look like a frosty wonderland. The line's North to Alaska program brings Indigenous Alaskans and resident experts on board, from lumberjacks who can swing an axe with style to mountain climbers who have tackled Denali. It was a great opportunity to get to know some of the folks who call the 49th state home.
3 Take a river cruise
Not all river cruises meander down European rivers such as the Rhine or Danube. There are plenty of rivers to cruise in the U.S., too, from the Snake River to the Hudson. American Cruise Lines can escort you on one in its fleet of small ships that are made in America and focus exclusively on U.S. itineraries.
Immortalized by Mark Twain, the Mississippi River is a symbol of America's adventurous spirit. American Cruise Lines off ers numerous itineraries along the Mississippi, including the popular Complete Mississippi River Experience, traveling the full length of the river from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota. Shore excursions are led by local guides who are extremely knowledgeable in their subject matter. You'll stop in Hannibal, Missouri (Twain's boyhood hometown), where each corner brings his beloved characters, including Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, to life.
Kids are welcome, though keep in mind guests tend to be baby boomers and there are no activities that cater specifically to tiny travelers.
4 Say aloha to Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands never disappoint. Of course, I'm not the only one who considers Hawaii to be a dream destination; the islands are popular with everyone from honeymooners to families.
The Aloha State has eight major islands, each with its own distinct flavor. Why limit yourself to visiting only one? Cruising gives you the opportunity to visit multiple islands with ease and get a genuine feel for each one's unique beauty and traditions.
UnCruise off ers energetic travelers a way to explore this tropical paradise. These small ships, with only 22 to 86 guests, can go where larger ships can't. The focus is on nature and away from screens and technology. Ships have kayaks, hiking poles, binoculars and other gear to get you into action mode. UnCruise's seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes stops at four islands: Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. Get ready to dive into the sea and snorkel with manta rays, hike around a volcano and learn about Hawaiian culture as you spend time with residents.
5 Explore the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes m ake up the planet's largest freshwater ecosystem and are abundant in natural beauty, wildlife and migratory birds . If you're over 18, you can sail these vast waterways on a Viking expedition ship when you book Great Lakes Treasures, a 10-day trip that starts and finishes in Milwaukee.
The shores of the Great Lakes brush big cities as well as pristine wilderness. The itinerary showcases both, with stops in Chicago and Canada's Fathom Five National Marine Park with its stunning Flowerpot Island rock formations. While this cruise departs and returns to the same U.S. port, you'll still want to carry a valid passport for emergencies and to comply with the cruise line's travel recommendations.
Expedition cruising is a growing trend, with everyone from multigenerational families to seniors hopping aboard. Expedition cruises are very diff erent from a traditional cruise, so don't expect a zip line or casino. However, if your definition of luxury includes adventure, learning and immersion in nature, it's a jackpot.
