American Cruise Lines News Coverage

American Cruise Lines offers more than 50 U.S.–based itineraries ranging from seven to 55 days. Guests don’t need a passport to sail on any of its 90- to 180-passenger ships, since the entire fleet is flagged in the U.S. Its domestic itineraries include river cruises on the Mississippi, the Columbia and the Snake, and the Hudson rivers. The line also offers coastal voyages, combined land-and-cruise National Parks itineraries, extended cruises, holiday and themed sailings.

American Cruise Lines will sail a new 16-day roundtrip itinerary on the Columbia and Snake Rivers on its new river cruise ship, American Anthem, when it launches in 2027.

The ‘Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise’ programme will begin sailing from Portland, Oregon, in May 2027. The cruise begins with an included pre-cruise hotel stay in Portland. Guests will then be transferred to Stevenson, Washington, for sailing west on the Columbia River to Astoria, Oregon, before turning east to the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers near Richland, Washington. The ship will then visit Clarkston and Hells Canyon in Washington before concluding in Stevenson, Washington. 

The 15-night "Grand New England Cruise" offered from mid-May to late September by American Cruise Lines is a perennial favorite — and for good reason.

With its celebrated lobster rolls, clam bakes, tall-masted schooners, colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene, coastal New England is a revered summer playground. You may have visited with your family as a kid or enjoyed a romantic getaway to Newport or Nantucket as an adult. But what if your dream is to see it all — 15 coastal New England ports in four states — in one vacation, without having to drive, change hotels, or book local tours? 

Nearly 100 passengers, crew, company executives and government officials and company partners gathered on the top deck of American Pioneer on Monday as American Cruise Lines christened its newest vessel while docked at Mallory Square. The celebration marked the company’s third ship to enter service along Florida’s coasts, underscoring a growing partnership between the cruise line and the island community.

Founded in 1972 by shipbuilder Charles Robertson and his wife Carol, American Cruise Lines now runs the biggest small-ship cruise fleet in the US – there are 21 vessels (sailing this year), including riverboats, paddlewheelers and coastal catamarans, with many more on the way.

Every ship is built in Maryland, flies the stars and stripes, and employs only American crew. Carrying between 90 and 180 passengers, the vessels are small enough to explore rivers, bays and harbours in over 35 states from Alaska to Florida. More than 50 itineraries, ranging from six to 55 days, offer 400-plus shore excursions using branded private coaches.

You don't need to fly to Europe for a river cruise, with new ships and routes creating even more options right here in the United States. Some of the most scenic itineraries traverse the Mississippi, Hudson, Columbia, and Snake Rivers, showcasing natural, cultural, and historical attractions along the way. Passengers can visit wineries in Washington, taste Creole cuisine in New Orleans, or learn about the Siege of Vicksburg right where it happened.