American Cruise Lines News Coverage

Snaking 2,300 miles from Minnesota’s headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico, the mighty Mississippi River offers a slow‑gliding journey through the soul of America—where blues bars hum in Memphis, steamboat history lingers in Vicksburg, and the neon glow of New Orleans shimmers like a triumphant fanfare. Along the way, you’ll trace the country’s cultural heartbeat: from Elvis Presley’s Graceland to Civil Rights landmarks and glorious Antebellum mansions time has not forgotten. And with the 250th anniversary of American independence celebrated in 2026, there’s no better front‑row seat to experience the country’s living story than a U.S. river cruise—where you’ll unpack just once—while stitching together the country’s most iconic stories. So here is my guide to the ultimate American road trip, along the Lower Mississippi River, with the largest river cruise line in the U.S., American Cruise Lines.

American Cruise Lines welcomed American Maverick to its fleet, holding a christening ceremony during the ship’s nine-night inaugural sailing last week. The christening took place at Rhode Island’s Newport Harbor in front of employees, crew, passengers and community members. Maverick is the second cruise ship ACL has added this year, joining fleetmate American Encore, which debuted in May. The cruise line is the fastest-growing in the U.S., building ships at a rapid pace at its shipyard in Maryland. It plans to launch American Ranger, American Mariner and American Navigator within the next year. *(and 2027 riverboat, American Anthem)

As the name suggests, American Cruise Lines promises an all-American experience: from its domestic cuisine to its crew members to its U.S.-built ships. The line sails exclusively on the rivers and coastlines of the United States, visiting destinations along the Mississippi River, on the Hudson River, throughout New England, and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line also tours Alaska, the Southeast coast (including Florida), and the Puget Sound between Washington state and the Canadian border.

Like many native Californians, most of my vacations have been to Hawaii and Mexico plus a few road trips to Arizona. Vacationing on the East Coast really wasn’t a consideration, other than a Disney World trip when my son was a kid and a short cruise to the Bahamas. Still, I’ve always wanted to see New England with its iconic rugged coastlines, quaint villages, lighthouses and historic East Coast architecture. This year, my husband and I mixed it up and vacationed in Boston, Cape Cod and Rhode Island on an eight-day cruise with American Cruise Lines. We chose this small-ship luxury line because massive cruise ships with thousands of passengers, noise, germs, cheesy art auctions and a smoky casino are unappealing. We sought better ports, better service, quiet and a higher level of luxury. This cruise delivered all of this and more.

If you’re still looking for a close-to-home summer vacation, there’s one travel style you may not have considered—but that can make your trip not only affordable but easy. Cruise travel is having a moment this summer, many operators tell T+L, as bookings for domestic and Caribbean itineraries are strong. Bookings for trips that don’t leave the U.S. at all—while still offering blissful time on the water—are also up significantly, say operators including American Cruise Lines…

American Cruise Lines’ newest small ship, the American Maverick, entered service on June 11 with a 9-day inaugural New England cruise departing from Providence, Rhode Island. Christening festivities, featuring an official blessing and ceremonial bottle smash, took place in Newport.