American Celebrates First Arkansas River Cruise

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GUILFORD, CT—November 10, 2026, American Cruise Lines is proud to announce that the first Arkansas River cruise set sail yesterday. The new U.S. itinerary is being operated by American Serenade, one of American’s beautiful, modern Mississippi riverboats. The inaugural cruise is filled with many of American’s repeat guests, including Eagle Society members whose interest in new river cruise itineraries on the country’s waterways continues to grow stronger each year. American’s first two November 2026 departure dates for the new 9-Day Arkansas River cruises sold out almost as soon as they were announced in late 2025, and 2027 dates are already selling-out.

This unique cruise is totally exclusive to the Line and is one of the fastest-selling itineraries American has ever introduced. The company is well known in the industry for offering many exclusive domestic cruises that no other lines worldwide operate. This is largely due to American’s fleet, which remains the largest and only 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world.

American’s inaugural Arkansas River cruise began on November 8th, with an included hotel stay in Memphis, Tennessee. The 2nd sailing will begin on November 15th, with an included stay in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The majority of American’s 9-Day Arkansas River cruises will operate between Tulsa, OK and Little Rock, AR, offering stops in Muskogee, OK; Fort Smith/Van Buren, AR; Dardanelle, AR; and Little Rock, AR. (American will also offer a number of Arkansas River cruises between Memphis and Tulsa, which will also visit Little Rock).

“American is proud to continue leading the way for U.S. River cruising, opening up more and more of the country each year for authentic explorations along U.S. waterways. The response from our repeat guests and Eagle Society members to this itinerary was tremendous, demonstrating the genuine demand for worldclass river cruising in new destinations around the U.S.A.,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We also appreciate the warm welcome from ports along the river including Little Rock, Tulsa, Van Buren, Dardanelle, and Muskogee, and we look forward to exploring them with our guests.”

"We're thrilled to welcome American Cruise Lines to Little Rock for the first time on their new Arkansas River cruises, giving travelers a chance to experience our capital city on excursions with the people who know it best," said Gina Gemberling, President & CEO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Local guides offer a firsthand perspective on Little Rock's history, culture, and character, creating meaningful connections between visitors and our community. This river cruise is a great addition to our tourism product, and we're happy to have the opportunity to showcase our destination and all it has to offer."

The Arkansas River is one of America’s hidden gems, a lesser-known tributary of the Mississippi River that offers river cruise guests many historical and cultural experiences along with picturesque views of the Midwest’s splendor, from beautiful farmlands to forested bluffs and limestone cliffs. The new cruise promises a range of authentic American river cruise experiences. Cruise guests will enjoy various explorations around Little Rock, the state’s capital; Art Deco walking tours in Tulsa; a scenic train ride through the Boston Mountains; and musical fun in Muskogee, learning the origin of the song “Okie from Muskogee,” and how that lyric put the city on the map.

2026 sailings for American’s 9-Day Arkansas River cruises are already sold out but dates are offered again next year, with two departures in May 2027 and four more sailings in November. In 2028, the schedule of Arkansas River cruises more than triples, with departure dates in March, April, May, and October, November, and December. All American’s cruises through 2029 are currently available to view and book on the company’s website.

About American Cruise Lines:

American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A. with 30 small ships sailing the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the Great Lakes, and protected waterways all over the country. American’s award-winning fleet reflects the company’s 50-year history of offering domestic small ship cruises that explore exclusively in the United States. Today, it is the only fleet of 100% U.S.-flagged riverboats and small ships in the world. American offers 50+ domestic cruise itineraries across 40 states, operating year-round, including National Parks Cruises and Extended Cruises over 50 days in length.