American Cruise Lines News Coverage

Opt for American Cruise Lines’ seven-night Historic Mississippi River Cruise if you really want to immerse yourself in the Deep South. The roundtrip begins in New Orleans, where you can experience the city’s French influences and Creole cuisine before embarking on the legendary waterway towards Baton Rouge – a haven of Creole and Cajun culture – and then onto Natchez, the oldest city on the river. You’ll travel through other towns on the Mississippi and some sailings are even on its American Heritage paddlewheeler, giving you a more genuine experience on the water.

American Cruise Lines is set to operate its largest-ever Mississippi River season in 2025, deploying five riverboats across more than 12 different itineraries that span 10 states from Louisiana to Minnesota. The season begins Feb. 21 onboard American Serenade, sailing a nine-day Lower Mississippi River Cruise between New Orleans and Memphis.

New for 2025 are several routes including a 12-Day Mississippi Explorer Cruise from Memphis to New Orleans and a 16-Day Grand Ohio River Cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis. The company is also introducing two extended voyages: a 51-Day Great United States Cruise and a 36-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise, which will cover either the entire Mississippi or major sections of it along with other U.S. waterways.

My brother Joe lives in Durango, Colorado. I live in Bloomington, Indiana. As the last two in a large family of nine, Joe and I try to get together every year. But it is not always easy.

We both have busy lives. Joe is a professional drummer. I am a journalist. So, suddenly, it can seem like a year has passed and our planned visits haven’t happened.

This year, however, we made reservations for a nine-day Mississippi River cruise on the new American Serenade from Memphis to New Orleans. Joe flew into Memphis from Colorado, and I flew in from Indiana. We met at The Guest House at Graceland for the two-day pre-cruise “Elvis Experience.”

Hidden gems, charming estates, evening entertainment, cocktail hours, and historian-told stories of Southern culture await you on an immersive cruise down the Lower Mississippi River!

Here's something that might surprise you: American Cruise Lines is emerging as one of the world's largest river cruise operators, even if it never goes near the industry's main battleground of Europe.

Using its affiliated shipyard in Salisbury, Md., American has been turning out new vessels for the better part of a decade. The brand's trademark red, white and blue funnels grace ships with names like American Glory and American Legend.

As the name implies, American operates exclusively in U.S. waters. No Europe, no Egypt, no Vietnam. Its ships are American flagged and American crewed, allowing it to legally go port-to-port in the U.S., unlike foreign-flagged vessels.

American Cruise Lines' Mississippi River Cruise offers seniors a unique glimpse into America’s heartland. This cruise is steeped in history and charm, taking travelers through quaint river towns and bustling cities. Seniors can enjoy excursions that highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage, including visits to antebellum homes and lively jazz performances. Onboard, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with comfortable accommodations and delicious regional cuisine. The cruise provides an intimate experience, with smaller ships and personalized service. This journey is ideal for those who wish to explore America’s historic waterways and enjoy a slower pace of travel.