Frequently Asked Questions
This section was designed to answer some of the frequently asked questions concerning small ship cruising with American Cruise Lines. Just click on one of the questions below to find an answer. If you do not find the answer you are looking for below or if you need more details, please do not hesitate to contact us at 800-460-4518.
General
Why small-ship cruising with American Cruise Lines?
With no more than 185 guests on board, and designed to provide smooth travel through protected waterways, sheltered harbors and magnificent rivers, American Cruise Lines’ ships offer a perspective larger ships cannot. Your U.S.-flagged ship will provide you not only with comfort and convenience, but also the utmost in safety, complying with all new safety regulations – which older ships do not – and bring you to the best of America, up close to places of natural beauty, cultural and historical interest. And, with all departure ports in the U.S., you leave your passport (and worries) at home. With a smaller amount of guests onboard, we never overwhelm the local communities visited. A refreshingly relaxing atmosphere prevails onboard. This intimate ambiance is perfect for both congenial camaraderie and quiet relaxation. Friendly, professional all-American crew members offer an extraordinary quality of gracious hospitality and personalized attention to discerning guests. No matter which itinerary you choose with American Cruise Lines, you’ll experience the beauty, brilliance and thrill of cruising on a small ship.
How do I book a cruise?
American Cruise Lines cruise specialists are available to take your call seven days a week at 800-460-4518:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 8:30pm EST
Saturday: 8:00am - 7:00pm EST
Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm EST
You may also contact your travel agent or make a reservation through our website by clicking here. It is recommended that reservations are made as far in advance as possible to ensure the availability of the cruise and stateroom choice.
What is included in fare?
American Cruise Lines’ per person fare includes passage, dining service, snacks, complimentary cocktail parties, entertainment on board the ship, onboard gratuities, as well as port charges and fees. Fares do not include shore tours (unless otherwise noted).
Is there a dress requirement?
Casual resort attire is recommended both on the ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sport shirt and slacks, with sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater and slacks, or dress appropriate. American Cruise Lines also recommends you bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, light rain wear, and a jacket for cool evenings.
What accommodations are available for solo travelers?
American Cruise Lines welcomes solo travelers and features a select number of single occupancy staterooms available on its ships. One person occupying a double stateroom will be charged 150% or 175% of the double occupancy rate depending on the type of stateroom chosen.
Is there an elevator on board?
Yes, all American Cruise Lines’ ships have elevator service to all decks.
Can you accommodate special diet requests?
American Cruise Lines will work to cater any dietary needs. Please tell your cruise specialist approximately two weeks prior to your cruise so that we may plan accordingly. Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection.
Is there cellular service onboard?
Cell phones can be utilized onboard but service is not always available and can be spotty depending on weather and location and can also vary depending on your service provider.
What is the smoking policy?
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the ships. Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited in staterooms and on private balconies.
How many guests does the ship accommodate?
American Cruise Lines’ ships are small and intimate and only carry between 90 and 180 guests.
How old is the ship?
American Cruise Lines is proud to feature the newest fleet in the industry and boasts an average ship age of only four years, with the exception of American West which was built in 1995 and renovated in 2011 by American Cruise Lines. All ships are equipped with the latest in technology and safety features and meet all current environmental regulations.
Pre-Cruise
What are your packing recommendations?
American Cruise Lines recommends you pack comfortable resort attire and the following:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Light rain wear
- Jacket for cool evenings
- Camera
- Photo identification
Is there a limit on how much luggage I can bring?
American Cruise Lines places no restrictions on luggage. However, it is recommended that you bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed.
Does American Cruise Lines have special rates at certain hotels?
American Cruise Lines works with leading hotels at all departure points and offers American Cruise Lines guests a special discounted rate and complimentary parking at select hotels for the duration of the cruise. Specific recommended hotels are listed in your pre-cruise booklet and vary depending on itinerary.
What airport should I plan to fly into?
All departure ports are located near major airports. Please reference your pre-cruise booklet for a list of airports recommended for travel to your particular cruise departure point.
Does American Cruise Lines provide transportation services to and from the airport, hotel and ship?
American Cruise Lines provides airport-to-hotel transfers in Clarkston, WA, Spokane, WA, and to The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, TN (airport-to-hotel or airport-to-ship transfers are not currently provided in most other cities). If a Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay is part of your itinerary, you will be transferred to the ship the morning of your embarkation. At the end of each cruise, you will have a complimentary ship-to-airport transfer. Please check with the Excursions Director on board for schedules and more details.
Embarkation, Debarkation & Visitors
When should I plan to arrive for boarding?
Cruises typically depart at 2:00 p.m. or earlier if all guests have arrived. Guests may board between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. It is recommended that guests arrive no later than 12:30 p.m.
How is luggage handled?
At boarding, crew members will be available to transfer your luggage to your stateroom. If you have cruised with us before, please remove your old luggage tags.
How early can I disembark the ship?
Cruises sometimes return the evening before the last day of the cruise, and guests, on most cruises, may stay onboard until 8:30 a.m. Breakfast is served on the last day of every cruise.
What is the visitor policy?
Guests are welcome to have visitors onboard. Please notify your Hotel Manager should you be expecting a visitor so proper accommodations can be prepared. Should you know about a visitor(s) prior to your cruise, please notify your cruise specialist.
On Board
What amenities are available onboard and in staterooms?
American Cruise Lines’ staterooms, most at more than 220 square feet, are by far the largest in their class. The majority of staterooms have spacious private balconies and feature a roomy private hotel-like bath and a large, opening picture window, allowing you spectacular up-close views of landscape, ports, and sea. Each stateroom is tastefully designed with your comfort and convenience in mind and includes the following amenities:
Twin or King-sized bed
Twice-daily stateroom service
Remote-controlled satellite TV w/ DVD player
Individual climate control system
Writing desk & stationery
Hair dryer
Spacious closet and four-drawer dresser and dual night tables
What public areas are featured on board?
American Cruise Lines features various oversized lounges aboard each of its ships including Internet stations and a well-stocked library. An assortment of decks are available to guests including a lounge deck and observation deck. Binoculars, guides and additional reading materials are available throughout the ships.
What is the electrical voltage on board?
American Cruise Lines ships have 110-Volt outlets.
What is dining like aboard your ships?
American Cruise Lines offers open seating at every meal in the glass-enclosed Dining Salon on the Main Deck. The atmosphere is informal – seating is unassigned and dress is resort casual. Each table offers an incredible outside view and meals are cooked to order, making dining a great time to share your experiences with companions and build new friendships. Your masterfully skilled chef creates delectable feasts for each meal (menus announced well in advance). Carefully selected fresh seafood, meats and produce are often purchased in the regions we visit, allowing your chef to highlight the cuisine with local flavor. American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening before dinner. Glasses, ice, mixers, coffee and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests your Hotel Manager will assist you.
Is there fitness equipment on board?
Yes, American Cruise Lines features new state-of-the-art fitness equipment in a designated exercise area aboard every ship. For exact details on the equipment available on your ship, please call your cruise specialist.
What shore excursions are offered and how do I sign up?
We have taken steps to make the sign-up process as simple as possible. Guests receive a link to a personalized online cruise portal 90 days prior to embarkation date. There, guests can access valuable documents and information about their cruise. 60 days prior to embarkation, guests may pre-reserve their shore excursions in their personalized online cruise portal.
What can be expected for onboard entertainment?
Local experts, guest speakers, authors, historians and entertainers will join you aboard and on shore to further enhance your cruising experience.
