Sarah Bretz, ContributorAmerican Cruise Lines has announced that it has completed the first few sailings of its newest itinerary, an eight-day Hudson River Summer Classic, and already tripled the number of departures in 2025.
American is the only cruise line in the world to offer overnight luxury river cruises exploring the Hudson River, and for years its Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises have only operated in September and October — often selling out over a year in advance. This year, the line tested several early summer sailings in May and June, along with a new eight-day Hudson River Summer Classic itinerary which sails roundtrip from NYC and explores the Hudson River valley.
The new cruise offers views of Manhattan’s skyline, sails past the Statue of Liberty, and visits Catskill, Albany, Kingston, Hyde Park, West Point, and Sleepy Hollow, New York. It also includes excursions in New York City.
The new Hudson River Summer Classic itinerary is similar to the Fall Foliage cruise, but also provides a great way to explore the Hudson Valley during the summer — harkening back to a time when summer journeys throughout the region were a popular vacation option for families and couples. The new sailings are also particularly convenient for New Yorkers, with ships departing from Pier 81 right near the Intrepid.
These exclusive sailings operate aboard the newest modern riverboats and small ships in the country, which offer 100 percent private balcony accommodations, indoor and outdoor lounges, walking tracks, and other amenities.
Over the past century, the Hudson River Valley has been home to U.S. presidents, titans of industry, illustrious artists, and both famous and infamous Gilded Age characters. The region is steeped in history and offers many historic sites. Local guides and experts will lead America’s guests through all the area’s renowned points of interest, including visits to West Point Military Academy, FDR’s Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Lyndhurst.
The itinerary also includes a guided exploration of New York City including a special World Trade Center experience and the opportunity to visit Sleepy Hollow where Washington Irving’s most famous novel, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, was written while Irving lived on the banks of the Hudson at his home, Sunnyside.
American Cruise Lines has already completed the first several sailings of the new Hudson River Summer Classics, with the last 2024 cruise concluding in NYC today, June 25th.
Next year, the line will offer more than triple the number of summer departures, offering sailings all throughout June, July, and August — in addition to the popular fall sailings in late September and October. All Hudson River cruises are further highlighted with onboard enrichment and nightly entertainment, all-inclusive fine dining, and complimentary cocktails every evening.
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