5 US Cruises Departing in 2026 That Require No Passport

2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for domestic travel — and that includes some incredible cruising options right here in the U.S.

The Best U.S. Cruises to Take in 2026

You don’t need a passport to have an amazing cruise vacation. From the icy waters of Alaska to the sunny shores of Hawaii, there are some truly great cruise options within U.S. borders. Here’s a look at five domestic cruise experiences worth considering this year.

Alaska: Glaciers, Wildlife, and Wide-Open Wilderness

Alaska’s cruise season runs from May through October. That timing lines up perfectly with summer vacation for most families. The scenery and wildlife alone are enough to wow just about everyone — yes, even teenagers.

Princess Cruises is one popular option for Alaska sailings. Their North to Alaska program brings Indigenous Alaskans and local experts on board. You might meet lumberjacks, mountain climbers who’ve summited Denali, or naturalists who know the region inside and out.

One highlight you won’t want to miss is a day spent cruising Glacier Bay National Park. The landscape there looks like something out of a dream. Onboard, there’s something for every age — teen clubs, movies under the stars with popcorn and blankets, and much more.

Maine: Sail the Coast on a Windjammer

If rugged coastal beauty is your thing, a Windjammer cruise in Maine might be exactly what you’re looking for. Windjammers are classic tall ships powered entirely by wind. They’re a living piece of New England’s maritime history.

What makes these sailings truly special is their unpredictability. There’s no set itinerary. The next day’s destination is decided the old-fashioned way — by weather, wind, and tide.

The Windjammer fleet has nine individually owned ships, each with its own personality. Ships carry just a few dozen passengers, so the experience feels intimate and personal. Sailings depart from Rockland or Camden, Maine, between May and October. Some ships welcome families, while others are better suited for adults.

One standout vessel is the 22-passenger Schooner Stephen Taber. Days on board include beachcombing on hidden islands and spotting whales, porpoises, and eagles up close. Passengers can help the crew as much or as little as they like.

Mississippi River: A Classic American River Cruise

River cruising isn’t just a European thing. The U.S. has some remarkable rivers to explore by ship. American Cruise Lines operates a fleet of small, American-made ships focused entirely on U.S. waterways.

The Mississippi River is one of their most popular routes. Their Complete Mississippi River Experience travels the full length of the river — from New Orleans all the way up to St. Paul, Minnesota. Shore excursions are led by knowledgeable local guides.

One memorable stop is Hannibal, Missouri — the boyhood hometown of Mark Twain. The town brings his famous characters like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer to life around every corner. Kids are welcome on these cruises, though most guests tend to be baby boomers, and there aren’t specific activities designed for very young children.

Hawaii: Island-Hop With UnCruise Adventures

Hawaii is a dream destination for good reason. The islands attract everyone from honeymooners to multigenerational families. With eight major islands, each offering its own unique vibe, cruising is one of the best ways to experience more than one.

UnCruise Adventures offers a fantastic option for active travelers. Their small ships carry just 22 to 86 guests, allowing them to reach places bigger cruise ships simply can’t go. The focus is on nature, adventure, and connecting with local culture — not screens or casinos.

Their seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary visits four islands: Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island. Activities include snorkeling with manta rays, hiking around a volcano, and spending time with locals to learn about Hawaiian traditions. Ships come loaded with kayaks, binoculars, hiking poles, and other gear to keep you active throughout the trip.

The Great Lakes: An Expedition Cruise Close to Home

The Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario — form the largest freshwater ecosystem on Earth. They’re full of natural beauty, wildlife, and migratory birds, including the peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest animal.

Viking offers a 10-day expedition cruise called Great Lakes Treasures. It departs and returns to Milwaukee, making it a convenient closed-loop trip. Guests must be 18 or older to sail. Even though the cruise stays close to U.S. ports, it does include a stop in Canada, so bringing a valid passport is a smart idea.

The itinerary blends city visits with stunning nature. Stops include Chicago and Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park, home to the striking Flowerpot Island rock formations. Expedition cruising is different from a traditional cruise — don’t expect a zip line or casino. But if your idea of luxury means adventure and immersion in nature, as one traveler put it, “it’s a jackpot.”

Final Thoughts: Great Cruising Doesn’t Require a Passport

Whether you’re drawn to towering glaciers, historic tall ships, legendary rivers, tropical islands, or freshwater seas, the U.S. has a cruise experience for you. These domestic sailings offer something genuinely different from a typical international vacation.

The best part? You can explore some of the most breathtaking places in the country — all without ever leaving North America.