U.S. Cruise Destinations by Small Ship
Most Extensive Selection of Destinations
Our fleet of new small ships takes you to the best destinations across the country. With our breadth of itinerary options, find the perfect cruise for you.
Alaska Cruises
Cruising Alaska features towering glaciers and wild beauty, including Glacier Bay’s pristine landscapes, Petersburg’s small town allure, Skagway’s Gold Rush history, and the shimmering fjords of Endicott Arm. Each stop delivers unforgettable scenery and adventure along the Inside Passage.
New England Cruises
New England cruising blends coastal charm and maritime history. Explore Bar Harbor’s rugged beauty, Provincetown’s vibrant arts scene, Newport’s grand mansions, and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Savor the freshest seafood, from classic clam chowder to Maine’s world-famous lobster.
Southeast U.S. Cruises
The Southeast from Chesapeake Bay to the Intracoastal Waterway and Florida’s Gulf Coast offers rich history and scenic splendor along its shores. Explore the treasures of Annapolis, Charleston, and Savannah. Discover St. Augustine’s timeless appeal and Key West’s vibrant, tropical energy.
Great Lakes Cruises
Set sail along the picturesque Great Lakes. Experience Mackinac Island’s history, Detroit’s revitalized waterfront, Toledo’s cultural stops, Milwaukee’s brewing heritage, and the towering dunes of Michigan’s shoreline. The Thousand Islands region reveals a sparkling maze of rivers, islands, and historic castles.
Puget Sound Cruises
Discover the stunning waterways of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Visit the inviting Friday Harbor, scenic Port Angeles, and historic Victoria, BC. Travelers can explore Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks, enjoying lush forests, wildlife, and breathtaking Pacific Northwest vistas at every turn.
National Parks
Discover America’s most precious natural treasures on our incredible National Parks itineraries. Experience the national parks of Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming, Maine, Tennessee, and Florida on our Land & Cruise packages. Explore dramatic landscapes, from mountains to meadows, glaciers to waterfalls, and to lakes and streams.
More Destinations to Explore
American Cruise Lines visits more U.S. destinations than any other line, exploring the nation’s most scenic waterways. Cruise Florida’s sun-drenched coast or the historic Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, experience the sublime comfort of our ship and the gracious hospitality of our crew.
Florida Cruises
Experience Florida cruising from the historic streets of Amelia Island and St. Augustine to the sunny shores of Marco Island. Drift through the tropical beauty of Key Biscayne and Key West, and witness the thrill of Cape Canaveral, all while enjoying stunning coastal scenery and vibrant local culture.
Chesapeake Bay Cruises
Cruising Chesapeake Bay blends history, culture, and scenic waterways. Explore Washington, D.C.’s landmarks, Norfolk’s naval heritage, and colonial treasures in Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg. Discover Annapolis’ charming waterfront and Philadelphia’s historic sites, all while enjoying peaceful river views and the bay’s natural beauty.
Learn About Our 50+ U.S. Cruise Itineraries.
Why Small Ship Cruising
Small ship cruising offers a more personal, enriching, and seamless way to explore. With just 90 to 180 guests, the experience feels intimate, allowing crew and onboard experts to truly get to know you. Spacious staterooms, far larger than industry norms, add exceptional comfort. Traveling close to shore, small ships navigate narrow channels and dock in the heart of charming ports, giving you smooth sailing and rare access to places larger ships can’t reach.
Each voyage features dedicated experts who deepen your understanding of every destination through engaging talks and meaningful storytelling. Evenings bring world-class performances and presentations that enhance your journey.
A Personalized Experience
Our small ships welcome just 100 to 170 guests, creating a highly personalized cruising experience. The onboard experts also become well acquainted with guests and can cater to individual tastes and requests
Adding to this sense of comfort and connection, our staterooms are the most spacious in the industry, averaging more than 300 square feet, with suites on our newest vessels exceeding 600 square feet, dramatically larger than the typical 180-square-foot rooms found on most small ships.
Cultural Enrichment
Each voyage is accompanied by a dedicated historian or subject-matter expert who enriches your experience from the moment you step aboard. They lead thought-provoking conversations, offer insightful port previews, and share recommendations tailored to what interests you most. Throughout the journey, they weave together the stories of each destination, giving deeper meaning to the places you explore.
As day turns into night, the ship comes alive with a variety of entertainment. Afternoon hours feature gentle musical performances from our resident entertainers, creating a relaxed ambiance. In the evenings, distinguished guest artists join the ship to deliver exceptional, world-class shows—alongside engaging talks and special presentations that make each night uniquely memorable.
A Smooth Journey
Unlike traditional ocean cruising, small ship voyages offer a remarkably smooth and close-to-shore experience, with scenic coastlines, charming harbors, and wildlife-rich waterways always within view.
Our small ships can navigate narrow channels and dock directly in the heart of ports that larger vessels simply can’t reach, allowing for up-close exploration of character-filled towns, vibrant coastal cities, and hidden gems often missed by big-ship itineraries.
Step Aboard Our Small Ships
Take a virtual stroll through our ships—explore staterooms, lounges, restaurants, and our most popular spots on board.
Why Our Guests Love “Cruising Close to Home”
THE AMERICAN CURRENT Learn More About Our Small Ship Cruises
Our blogs about small ship cruising showcase top coastal destinations, immersive excursions, and standout regional experiences. Discover insider packing tips, insights into local culture, and fascinating trivia to help you prepare for an unforgettable small-ship adventure.
America’s Most Awarded U.S. Small Ship Cruise Line
