American Cruise Lines News Coverage

Standing on shore, spectators looked as though they doubted whether the beautiful American Melody could dock in such a tiny place. The Mississippi River was low. Rocks lined the water’s edge. No dock built here.

But the American Melody neatly maneuvered next to the shore. Opened its unusual bow and lowered a platform for passengers to easily walk to shore.

Amazing! No wonder people often line up to watch the riverboat dock at many of its destinations along America’s waterways.

Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines offers itineraries across the U.S. for single seniors who prefer to travel closer to home – making it one of the best river cruise lines. The line's current fleet of 21 ships accommodates between 90 and 180 guests, traversing waterways in 35 states. The U.S.-based itineraries are focused on American history and culture, featuring resident historians and knowledgeable guides.

American Cruise Lines offers single cabins with no supplement on every ship in the fleet, and most have a private balcony. These staterooms are generous in size; Single Balcony cabins on the American Heritage paddlewheeler measure 230 square feet. This ship sails along the Mississippi River and has a total of 18 solo staterooms. If you're sailing the Great Rivers of Florida or the Southeast Sea Islands cruises, you'll find spacious 280-square-foot Single Balcony staterooms on American Eagle (one of the line's 100-guest Coastal Cats).

American Cruise Lines (ACL) revealed the first details of its upcoming riverboat, which will be named the American Anthem.

The 180-guest ship is scheduled to enter service in the Pacific Northwest in early 2027. As part of ACL’s series of modern riverboats, the Anthem will offer multiple dining venues, as well as a multi-story glass atrium and a fitness center.

The 6,000-ton vessel will also feature a fresh and modern look, which, according to the company, was designed to embody the expectations of today’s travelers.

Currently under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, the ship will cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers starting on April 2, 2027.

The American Glory recently marked its first year of service for American Cruise Lines (ACL) after welcoming its first guests on Nov. 28, 2023.

The U.S.-flagged vessel was built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland as part of the company’s “Coastal Cats” class.

Five different river cruise ships operated by American Cruise Lines sail the Mississippi River offering 12+ itineraries all year-round. There can be no better way to sail the Mighty Mississippi and its tributaries. The company’s Mississippi five ship offerings, range from 8 to 51 days. They include an array of authentic experiences in 10 states from New Orleans in Louisiana to St. Paul in Minnesota.

Punta Gorda is reaping the tourism and economic benefits of having American Cruise Lines dock here as part of its itinerary on the cruise line’s Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises — which have been so successful that the cruise line is more than doubling the number of cruises in 2025.