Sailing and hiking: You can visit three national parks on this new river cruise

If the United States national parks are on your travel bucket list, American Cruise Lines is giving travelers a way to check a few off their list.

The line's new National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary from Portland, Oregon, to Jackson, Wyoming, will begin next year. The 15-day trip will consist of eight days of sailing along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, followed by seven days on land.

“The Columbia and Snake Rivers are spectacular for river cruising and interest continues to grow for our cruises in the region every year," Charles B. Robertson, president & CEO of American Cruise Lines, told USA TODAY in an email.

He added, "Expanding our personalized cruise itineraries into the region’s national parks has always been in our sights.”

Cruise lines change COVID rules: Azamara and Silversea Cruises drop vaccine requirements following major lines

A trip with an eclipse (literally): Watch a solar eclipse from the sea on this Ponant cruise

Passengers will experience the region's geographic diversity, from prairies to dense forests and snow-capped mountains, Alexa Paolella, public relations manager for American Cruise Lines, said.

"I think it's really awe-inspiring and beautiful, and doing it on a cruise and then on a personally private guided tour through three of the parks, where everything is planned out for you, I think it's a very relaxing and comfortable way to do it," she said.

Here's what travelers can expect from the National Parks & Legendary Rivers.

When is the National Parks & Legendary Rivers cruise?

The cruise's first sailing is May 28, and American Cruise Lines will continue to sail the itinerary through September.

What can guests expect?

The cruise will leave from Hayden Island, Oregon, with early stops in Astoria, Oregon, and Kalama, Washington, according to the cruise line's website. At the Columbia River Gorge, guests can take in the scenery by kayak.

During a stop in Richland, Washington, guests can visit cultural sites like the REACH Museum and the nearby Sacajawea Interpretive Center, and see wildlife as they cruise along the Snake River, from mountain goats to pronghorns.

After disembarking in Clarkston, Washington, guests can kick off the journey's land portion with a jet boat tour through Hells Canyon. That will be followed by an overnight stay in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and visits to three national parks: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

An American Cruise Lines Adventure Guide will lead passengers through those park stops, in addition to local guides, before the trip concludes in Jackson, Wyoming.

Transatlantic cruises: Why they are 'the perfect antidote to today’s harried, constantly connected lifestyle'

Viking's new Mississippi River cruise ship: Sail 'right in the heart of the US'

There are three American Cruise Lines ships sailing the itinerary. American Song can accommodate up to 180 passengers, while American Jazz and American Harmony can accommodate 184, according to Paolella.  The ships have accessible cabins and most of the line's vessels' "lounges, sun decks, and dining salons are accessible by wheelchairs or other walking aid devices," according to its website.

Story continues below.

How much does the cruise cost?

A room with a private balcony - which all rooms on the ships sailing the itinerary have – on the cruise's May 28, 2023, sailing on American Song starts at $10,445 per person based on double occupancy, according to the line's website. The fare includes all meals, transportation to the parks, park entrance fees, hotel accommodations, and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: This river cruise takes guests to three national parks