Overnight Hudson River Cruises
A week on the river between New York City and Albany, with a guided stop most days.
Get Free Hudson River Cruise QuotesTwo Seasons, One River
Hudson River cruises overnight are a small, specialized program. American Cruise Lines sails a summer itinerary from June through August and a fall foliage itinerary in September and October. Both trace the valley between New York City and Albany, calling at towns that cannot be seen properly from a car on the highway.
| Summer Classic | Fall Foliage | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 8 days | About 9 days, including a hotel night in New York first |
| Season | June to August | September and October |
| Typical calls | Sleepy Hollow, West Point, Hyde Park, Kingston, Catskill, Albany | The same valley towns, timed for color |
| Seasonal extras | Long evenings on deck | Autumn programs such as apple tasting and Sleepy Hollow’s Halloween events (2027 plans) |
Ports and excursions vary by departure; our advisors confirm the exact program for your date.
The Ships
The line’s small ships carry well under two hundred guests, which is what lets them tie up at small town landings along the Hudson. In September 2026 it christened its newest ship, American Ranger, at Historic Catskill Point; she carries 130 guests in staterooms with private balconies, including single cabins and suites, and has several lounges, a top-deck walking track and laundry facilities.
What Changes in 2027
For 2027 the Hudson cruises are planned as round trips from Albany, with a stop in New York City and excursions in the metropolitan area, including cruising past the Statue of Liberty. The summer program starts in June and the fall foliage program returns in September.
A Typical Week
New York City
Skyline, Statue of Liberty and an included city tour; the 9/11 Memorial & Museum appears on the 2027 program.
Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown
Washington Irving country and the Gothic Revival Lyndhurst estate.
West Point
The U.S. Military Academy above the river’s most dramatic bend.
Hyde Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home and library and the Vanderbilt Mansion.
Kingston
New York’s first state capital, with a historic stockade district.
Catskill and Hudson
Thomas Cole’s home and Frederic Church’s Olana, linked by a walkway across the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do overnight Hudson River cruises start?
In 2026 they ran between New York City and Albany in either direction, with a hotel night in Manhattan before the fall sailings. For 2027 the line has said the cruises will run round trip from Albany and include a stop in New York City.
What ship sails the Hudson?
American Cruise Lines uses its small modern ships and riverboats. Its newest, American Ranger, carries 130 guests in balcony staterooms and was christened at Catskill on the Hudson in September 2026.
Are excursions included?
American Cruise Lines includes guided excursions in port. Ask which sites are on your departure, since the program changes between summer and fall and from year to year.
Who It Suits
An overnight Hudson cruise suits travelers who want a full vacation without a long flight, those interested in American history and art, and anyone who prefers a small ship to a big resort ship. It is less suited to travelers wanting nightlife or a pool deck. For a luxury view of the same American lines, see our sister site Deluxe River Cruising.
Check Overnight Hudson River Cruise Dates
Departures are limited. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check summer and fall dates for you, free.
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