American Announces Northwest National Parks Cruises for 2026 Expanding Portfolio of Exclusive Parks Cruises Around the Country
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Guilford, CT—October 20, 2025—American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce brand new 15-Day Northwest National Parks cruises operating roundtrip from Tacoma, Washington in September 2026. This bucket-list itinerary explores the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular parks and ports, featuring 7-days of guided exploration through Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks followed by 8-days cruising throughout Puget Sound, Friday Harbor, and the San Juan Islands. American’s Northwest National Parks cruise is the newest addition to the company’s expanding portfolio of U.S. National Parks cruises.
Guests on this new journey will seamlessly experience the best of the Pacific Northwest—by land and by sea. Parks explorations will be led by dedicated Adventure Guides, while the cruise portion will take place aboard American’s modernprivate-balcony ships, American Constitution and American Constellation, each accommodating 170-guests. Fares are fully inclusive, covering everything from onboard dining, cocktails, and entertainment to hotels, guided tours, and transportation in the National Parks.
2026 Northwest National Parks cruise adventures will begin by showcasing the natural wonders of Mount Rainier National Park. Highlights will include visits to Paradise and Reflection Lake, renowned for their panoramic vistas highlighting snow-capped Mount Rainer. Guests will also enjoy visits to Inspiration Point, Myrtle and Narada Falls, as well as experiences from bird watching at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge to a ride on Mount Rainier’s Scenic Railroad.
In Olympic National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three distinct ecosystems) guests will enjoy scenic views of Lake Crescent, explore the park’s Hoh Rainforest, and travel to Ruby Beach, overlooking the area’s Pacific coastal landscape. While exploring the Olympic Peninsula’s many treasures, guests will also tour the capital city of Olympia, Washington, and enjoy a stay at the Olympic Lodge.
In North Cascades National Park, often called the “American Alps,” guests will discover dramatic peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, thundering waterfalls, and over 300 glaciers. They will have the opportunity to take unforgettable hikes like The Trail of the Cedars or The Ladder Creek Falls. Guests will also enjoy views of Gorge Creek Falls and the park’s crown jewel, Diablo Lake, from Diablo Lake Vista Point.
In addition to the three main parks, the itinerary also includes an excursion to Hurricane Ridge and a visit to Deception Pass State Park, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Deception Pass Bridge linking Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands.
The cruise portion of this extraordinary itinerary also begins in Tacoma, Washington. Guests will enjoy private balcony accommodations aboard American’s new small ships as they cruise Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The 8-day cruise will showcase the Pacific Northwest’s natural coastal beauty, including its islands and abundant wildlife—think whale-watching from your stateroom—plus, so much more. Port highlights include Tacoma, Anacortes, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, and Poulsbo, WA. Shoreside excursions feature Jet Boat rides, walking tours, hiking, kayaking, marine wildlife expeditions, wine tastings and vineyard visits, seaplane rides, and an opportunity to experience the world-renowned Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia.
The 15-Day Northwest National Parks cruise is just the latest itinerary in the company’s growing array of exclusive U.S. National Parks cruises. American introduced their first National Parks itinerary in 2023 and year after year, the Line continues to develop new adventures for cruising U.S. rivers, protected waterways, and National Parks all over the country. Please see the full list of American’s National Parks itineraries below.
American’s U.S. National Parks Cruise Itineraries:
BRAND NEW: 15-Day Northwest National Parks: operates roundtrip from Tacoma, Washington and begins with 7-Days of guided exploration in Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks, followed by 8-Days of cruising throughout Puget Sound, Friday Harbor, and the San Juan Islands.
16-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers: includes 9-Day cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers and 7-Days of guided exploration in 3 National Parks—Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. Available from Jackson, WY or Portland, OR.
11-Day Great Smoky Mountains Cruise: features an exploration along the Tennessee River and 4 Days of guided discovery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while cruising. Available from Knoxville, TN or Huntsville, AL.
19-Day Grand Alaska National Parks: includes 12-Day Alaska cruise and 7-Days of guided exploration in Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks; and cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, and Frederick Sound. Available from Fairbanks, AK to Juneau, AK.
16-Day Alaska National Parks: includes 9-Day Alaska cruise and 7-Days of guided exploration in Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks; and cruising in Glacier Bay National Park. Available from Fairbanks, AK to Juneau, AK.
About American Cruise Lines:
American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A., with 28 small ships and 50+ domestic itineraries on the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and protected waterways around the country, from Alaska to Florida. The company has a 50-year history of introducing award-winning small ships that sail exclusively in the United States. Today, American has the only 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world. Operating in 35+ states year-round, American’s 2026 itineraries include bucket-list National Parks cruises and Extended Cruises honoring the country’s 250th birthday.
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Media Kit with fleet and itinerary overview: View American’s Media Kit
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