Onboard Enrichment
One of the benefits of small ship cruising is the ability to carefully build an extensive onboard enrichment program that seamlessly complements every region we visit.
Regionally Inspired Experts and Entertainers
Carefully selected onboard experts with knowledge and passion for American history, ecology, and culture bring each region to life. Their informal presentations, open discussions, and activities are available throughout each day to add context to your journey, and they will attend shore excursions to give our guests behind-the-scenes insight into some of America’s most treasured destinations.
Nightly entertainment ranges from interactive lectures to live musical performances. Resident entertainers provide light music in the afternoon, while local musicians join us in the evening to perform music born along America’s legendary rivers and waterways.
A variety of onboard activities are scheduled, depending on the itinerary - Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Fitness, Trivia, and more.
Onboard Experts & Historians
American Cruise Lines carefully selects industry experts to join us on each of our cruises. Their informal presentations, open discussions, and activities bring local history, nature and culture to life through their knowledge and passion for American heritage. These specialists, naturalists, and historians also attend shore excursions to give our guests behind the scenes insight into some of America’s most treasured destinations.
Mississippi River
As we cruise this legendary river, our experts will provide you with a deeper understanding of river history, culture, and lore. Learn about the Civil War as you walk the grounds on which it took place. Take part in discussions about the river’s role in the development of American music and discover how steamboats played a major part in America’s western expansion.
Columbia & Snake Rivers
Our onboard experts share tales of characters who helped shape the history of America along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, from Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery to Sacajawea and the legendary John Colter. Learn about the stunning eruption of Mount St. Helens and the leveling of the Columbia River as you transit its many lock and dam systems.
New England
Indulge in the rich maritime history and cultural treasures of New England, with the help of our onboard experts. Through engaging presentations onboard and ashore, learn about early exploration and the history of America’s birthplace from the first settlers to the present. Discover the plentiful marine wildlife, the amazing Maine lobster industry, and the region’s unique ecology and geology.
Southeast U.S.
From Baltimore to Jacksonville, topics of our onboard experts include a blend of natural and human history. Learn about the underlying geology of the area, coastal culture and ecology, native wildlife, and maritime heritage, including the history of pirates. Discover why many destinations along the way were once winter retreats for America’s wealthiest families.
Alaska
Alaska holds some of the greatest scenery and wildlife on the planet. Seasoned Alaskan travelers, our onboard experts share their knowledge of the area in an entertaining and fun way. While cruising, discover fascinating facts on the region's flora, fauna, geology, and wildlife as well as the history of the native people.
Puget Sound
Our onboard naturalists and historians bring meaning and relevance to each destination. Learn about the unique marine life and the incredible ecosystem of Washington's temperate rainforest, as well as the native art and culture of the region. As we cruise, listen to our onboard expert describe the native wildlife including whales, eagles, and seals from the sun deck.
Onboard Music & Entertainment
Let American Cruise Lines guide you through the origins and rich traditions of music on America’s legendary rivers and waterways. These shores are home to many celebrated styles of music including Country, Jazz, Blues, and Rock 'n’ Roll. On board and ashore, enjoy music inspired by each unique region and learn its impact on the development of music in America.
Onshore Excursions
100% American. Every port of call is in the U.S., every crewmember is American, and the story we tell along the way is about America. Each day is an opportunity to explore a new destination close to home.