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American Cruise Lines

Access America's most iconic, historic cruise destinations on the fleet of small ships and paddlewheelers offered by American Cruise Lines. The modern fleet provides guests a personalized cruising experience, with luxurious staterooms that offer a front-row…

  • 20ships
  • 62cruises now
  • 1991founded

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The 100-passenger American Star sails the inter-coastal waterways of South Carolina and Georgia in winter and the New England coast during summer months.

At a glance

American Cruise Lines is a cruise line in the river category, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Connecticut. Cruiseable lists 20 ships in its fleet; the largest is American Jazz (190 guests) and the newest is American Pioneer (2025). It has 62 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $4,255. Its itineraries most often call at ports listed under New Orleans (20), Baltimore (8) and New York (5). It is rated 3.5 out of 5 by Cruiseable and 4 out of 5 by Frommer's.

Style
River
Headquarters
Connecticut
Founded
1991
Fleet
20 ships
Cruiseable
3.5 / 5
Frommer's
4 / 5

Our review

American Cruise Lines: Cruise close to home

Access America's most iconic, historic cruise destinations on the rapidly growing fleet of  small ships offered by American Cruise Lines. The modern fleet provides guests a personalized cruising experience, with large staterooms that offer a front-row seat to discovering the natural beauty, history and culture of the United States. Set sail to destinations from the Mississippi River to New England and Alaska. 

The Columbia and Snake River cruises navigate the legendary route pioneered by Lewis and Clark, traveling from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington. Guests will admire natural wonders such as the Columbia River Gorge and Mount St. Helens, as well as enjoy guided tours of historic Fort Clatsop and the iconic frontier town of Pendleton, Oregon. 

Guests can also explore the Mississippi River aboard an authentic riverboat cruise or one one of the line's purpose-built Modern Riverboat vessels. Visit the historic battlefields of the Civil War and discover the musical heritage of Memphis, St. Louis and New Orleans while cruising in relaxed comfort.

Cruising Puget Sound around Washington and Victoria, Canada is as much about the journey as it is about each destination. Guests will get to explore everything the region has to offer from the gardens of Victoria to whale watching on the sun deck. 

Head southeast to experience the unparalleled beauty, grand history and hospitable warmth of the region as you cruise between Charleston, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. Immerse yourself in history and culture in Charleston, tour Beaufort via carriage and soak in the incomparable grace of Savannah and Jekyll Island. 

New England cruises are equally as spectacular. Cruise passengers will spend eight days exploring the island gems of Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Block island. Here, you will discover the maritime history, friendly culture and renowned seafood of New England.

Paddlewheel makeover

The cruise line gave its four paddlewheelers a major makeover in early 2022. Its two Mississippi River paddlewheelers, American Splendor and American Heritage, and two Columbia and Snake River paddlewheelers, American Pride and American West, were redesigned with new color palettes, luxurious textiles and linens, new furniture and carpets and regionally inspired artwork and flourishes.

Where American Cruise Lines sails

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Sailing soon

Next American Cruise Lines departures

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  1. 15 Night East Coast Inland Passage and Land Tour 15 nights · American Glory · from Baltimore Next Nov 3, 2026 4 dates from $9,910
  2. 8 Night Southeast Sea Islands and Land Tour 8 nights · American Eagle · from Fernandina Beach Next Nov 7, 2026 21 dates from $5,990
  3. 7 Night Gulf Coast and Land Tour 7 nights · American Symphony · from Pensacola Next Nov 16, 2026 24 dates from $4,565
  4. 8 Night Southeast Sea Islands and Land Tour 8 nights · American Glory · from Fernandina Beach Next Nov 17, 2026 25 dates from $5,990
  5. 8 Night Lower Mississippi River and Land Tour 8 nights · American Melody · from Memphis Next Nov 20, 2026 25 dates from $5,275
  6. 8 Night Great Rivers of Florida and Land Tour 8 nights · American Eagle · from Jacksonville Next Nov 28, 2026 27 dates from $5,630

Showing the 6 soonest of 62 cruises.

Where they sail

Destinations American Cruise Lines calls at

Number of current American Cruise Lines cruises calling at each.

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