American Launches First All U.S. Cruises on The Great Lakes – Three New Itineraries Sailing May-August 2026

Read plain text below or click here to view as a PDF with original photos.

Guilford, CT—September 25, 2025—Domestic U.S. Great Lakes cruises are now available. In response to guest demand, American Cruise Lines is proud to announce the debut of three Great Lakes itineraries for the 2026 cruise season. These brand-new cruises, sailing May through August 2026, will be operated aboard American Patriot, the newest small cruise ship in the country.

“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”

This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market. Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line.

American’s 2026 Great Lakes itineraries include a 9-Day cruise visiting the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, while an additional 9-Day itinerary highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and the wilderness of The Upper Peninsula. The Line’s signature 14-Day cruise, dubbed the American Great Lakes, travels 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, and Michigan).

All cruises offer an included hotel stay and some dates offer complimentary domestic airfare. Each itinerary is comprised of days filled with excursions in small towns, and time spent cruising the magnificent Lakes. All itineraries begin, end, and remain in the U.S., making a passport or international flight unnecessary for American travelers.

American Patriot is fully stabilized for smooth sailing and accommodates just 130 guests. The new ship features private balcony staterooms including Suites, and Singles available without Supplement, plus many amenities like spacious lounges including a top deck lounge and walking track, a main restaurant with views from every seat, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators to all decks.

American’s Great Lakes Itineraries: For a deeper dive into each new itinerary’s full details, please use the links provided to review them further on American Cruise Lines’ website.

*9-Day Great Lakes & Thousand Islands cruises operate between Syracuse and Buffalo, New York; exploring the Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie.

Highlights: Enjoy an included hotel stay in Syracuse, NY. Visit Boldt Castle along a sailing exploration of the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to view a Great Lakes shipwreck and the Rock Island Light House. Savor the region’s finest grapes at a Coyote Moon Winery tour and tasting. Explore the Susan B. Anthony House & Museum. Be awed by Niagara’s majesty and mist on an unforgettable excursion to the Falls.

Cruises are offered May 22nd, May 29th, June 5th, and August 27th, 2026 (with more dates offered in 2027).

*Map & Information updated from original release to reflect planned itinerary change.

9-Day Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula cruises sail round-trip from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, exploring Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Highlights: Take in the beautiful waterfront city of Milwaukee with extra time for local exploration during an included pre-cruise hotel stay. Tour a 19th century Company Town at the Fayette Historic Townsite. Discover Escanaba’s rich history, museums, church steeples, and charming local flavors, including authentic Swedish pastries. Visit the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, featuring over 70 historic locomotives and interactive exhibits. Take a trolley ride through picturesque Muskegon with stops along Lake Michigan’s stunning beach, visits to historic lighthouses, and an exploration at the USS Silverside Submarine Museum. Enjoy a special docent-led tour of the Harley- Davidson Museum, including extra time to enjoy the gift shop and restaurant.

Cruises are offered aboard American Patriot on: June 24th, July 1st, August 1st, and August 8th, 2026 (with more dates in 2027).

*14-Day American Great Lakes cruises operate between Buffalo, New York and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; exploring Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.

Highlights: Experience the grandeur of Niagara Falls in Buffalo and check out all the classic Hogs at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Discover the Motor City with visits to the Henry Ford Museum, The Detroit Institute of Art, Greenfield Village, and the Motown Museum. Explore a shipwreck in Alpena. Take a narrated tour along St. Marys River including a ride through the Soo Locks. Step back in time on Mackinac Island and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit the famous Grand Hotel. In Muskegon, take a Silver Lake Sand Dunes ride with a visit to a Michigan winery. Enjoy an afternoon of activities beachside on Lake Michigan, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing. Explore Meijer Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park. Discover quaint Holland and visit the only authentic working Dutch Windmill with lunch at Bowerman’s Blueberry Farms.

Cruises are offered aboard American Patriot on: June 12th, July 8th, July 20th, and August 15th, 2026 (with more dates in 2027).

*Map & Information updated from original release to reflect planned itinerary change.

American Cruise Lines foray into the Great Lakes will highlight 50 years of experience in developing and curating exceptional U.S. River cruises exploring domestic destinations and waterways. Each new itinerary offers included hotel stay, onboard enrichment, and daily guided excursions. Fares also include everything on board the ship from fine cuisine and cocktails to Wi-Fi and gratuities. American’s Great Lakes cruise guests will relish the unparalleled comfort and elegance of the newest small ship in the region and the convenience of cruising to and from only U.S. ports of call.

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.