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American Cruise Lines is proud to announce its Celebrating 250 Years of America campaign. This year, the company will honor America’s Semiquincentennial on all 2026 sailings exploring the nation’s iconic rivers and domestic waterways in 35 states from Alaska to Florida. The campaign includes commemorative 250th recognition on board ships, enhanced enrichment programming, and special guest experiences, including celebratory events throughout the year.

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that new riverboat American Encore is on schedule for its May 2026 debut and inaugural season cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Designed to be the most spacious riverboat in the world, American Encore is a next-gen riverboat with world-class amenities including the largest staterooms, highest ceilings, largest gym, and most space-per-person in the global river cruise industry. The passenger density on board will be more reminiscent of a yacht than a typical river cruise ship.

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that 2025 was a record-breaking year for the company, winning 23 awards—cementing the company’s place as The Most Awarded U.S. Cruise Line—and furthering America’s prominence as the hottest destination for river cruising around the world.

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that 2026 promises to be the company’s most extraordinary year ever highlighting 11 new U.S. itineraries and 3 brand new small ships. Sailing year-round, the company will honor the country’s 250th birthday on its portfolio of domestic itineraries exploring coast-to-coast—including new cruises on the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and the Gulf Coast. American’s 2026 itineraries will also offer remarkable ways to celebrate the nation’s storied history, diverse cultures, and geographic blessings on bucket-list U.S. National Parks cruises and Extended Cruises that explore for up to 55-Days in multiple regions of the country.

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that the newest cruise ship in the country, American Pioneer, was christened in Key West, Florida on Monday, November 10th. American Pioneer is the 21st ship in the American Cruise Lines fleet. The inaugural cruise followed the company’s new 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys itinerary, which explores both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. American Pioneer was docked at Mallory Square for last week’s christening festivities. Key West is a regular 2-day stop on the new itinerary and offers 20 different shore excursions, including a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park. 

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce 10 new ships for the U.S. market beginning with American Pioneer debuting in Florida on October 31st. American Pioneer is the 2nd new Patriot Class ship the company has launched this year. The balance of the order will be delivered over the next 3 years, underscoring the company’s commitment to the development and modernization of the U.S. market. All American’s new boats will continue to sail domestically, operating itineraries across the Line’s growing portfolio, including the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast. The new ships will also accelerate American’s expansion into new niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and National Parks cruises.