This year is shaping up to be a good one for vacations that don’t require a passport. 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 in 2026 are domestic cruises, where options include coastal sailings, river cruises, and voyages in 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.
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Soak up Alaska’s stunning scenery
Alaska’s cruise season runs May through October, aligning with summer vacation season. My family and I had a ball on our Princess cruise to Alaska. In addition to the scenery and wildlife—enough to impress me everyone in the family, even jaded teens—our ship itself offered something different for each of us. From onboard naturalists to a teen club to movies under the stars complete with popcorn and blankets, there were 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 onboard, 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.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Alaska cruise tips: When to go, what to pack, how to choose, and more
Sail on a Windjammer in Maine
To savor Maine’s rugged coastal beauty, I suggest a Windjammer Cruise. I’ve spent many summers in the state, where the scenery consistently takes my breath away. 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 the unifying elements. These seafaring vessels carry just a few dozen passengers and a small but capable crew. Windjammers depart from either Rockland or Camden from May through October; some cater to families while others are better suited to adults.
I sailed aboard the 22-passenger Schooner Stephen Taber with hosts Captain Noah and Jane Barnes. Our days were spent beach combing 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.
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Take a river cruise in the United States
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 down one on their 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 offers 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.
READ MORE: Not just for grownups anymore: 7 kid-friendly European river cruises to consider
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 is a way for energetic travelers 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 additional equipment to entice you into action mode. UnCruise’s 7-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 locals.
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Explore the Great Lakes by cruise ship
The Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) make up the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet and are abundant in natural beauty, wildlife, and migratory birds, including the world’s fastest animal, the peregrine falcon.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. Though you’ll journey to Canada, it’s considered a closed-loop cruise, departing and returning to the same U.S. port and staying within the Western Hemisphere, meaning there’s no passport required.
Expedition cruising is a growing trend, with everyone from multigenerational families to seniors hopping aboard. I’ve experienced several expedition cruises; they’re very different from on a traditional cruise, so don’t expect a zip line, skating rink, or casino. However, if your definition of luxury includes adventure, learning, and immersion in nature, it’s a jackpot.
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