What is American Cruise Lines?

American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. river and small-ship cruise line, sailing exclusively in American waters aboard what the line describes as the largest — and only 100% U.S.-flagged — fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships in the world. Ships are American-built, American-flagged, and crewed by Americans. The line traces its roots to the early 1970s and is headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut. Its fleet of modern riverboats, paddlewheelers, and coastal ships carries roughly 90 to 180 guests — small enough to reach river towns, island harbors, and national-park gateways that ocean ships cannot approach. Pavlus currently has more than 2,400 American Cruise Lines departures loaded across 2026–2029, on 28 ships. If you have a region and a month in mind, we can almost certainly find a sailing that fits.

Is American Cruise Lines a river line or an ocean line?

Both — which is why you will find it in two places on our site. American Cruise Lines runs riverboats and paddlewheelers on the Mississippi, Columbia, Snake, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Hudson, and Potomac, and it runs coastal small ships in New England, the Southeast, Alaska, Puget Sound, the Great Lakes, and Florida. Same line, same inclusive fare structure, same American character — only the waterway changes. Your Pavlus Travel Planner can compare a river itinerary against a coastal one side by side.

Why does it matter that the ships are U.S.-flagged?

It has real practical consequences for the traveler: No foreign port required. Under the Passenger Vessel Services Act, only U.S.-flagged ships may carry passengers directly between U.S. ports. Foreign-flagged ships must work a foreign call into the itinerary; American Cruise Lines does not, so the routing is built around what is worth seeing rather than around a legal requirement. An American crew. Everyone aboard speaks English as a first language, and the service culture, tipping norms, and onboard currency are all familiar. Domestic simplicity. On purely U.S. itineraries there is no customs queue, no currency exchange, and generally no passport requirement.

How does American Cruise Lines compare to Viking, AmaWaterways, or Pearl Seas?

They solve different problems: Viking and AmaWaterways are primarily European river specialists. If you want the Danube or the Rhine, that is their territory. Viking also runs Mississippi sailings, and that is the one place the two lines compete head-to-head. Pearl Seas Cruises operates a single 210-guest ship on Great Lakes, New England, and Canadian Maritime routes. It is a good match if that ship’s specific itineraries line up with your dates. American Cruise Lines has by far the widest American coverage — roughly two dozen distinct U.S. regions and the deepest calendar — so it usually wins on itinerary choice and on departure dates that actually work for you. Call 800-528-9300 and we will price the same weeks across all of them.

Who typically sails with American Cruise Lines?

The core audience is American travelers, generally 55 and up, who want an unhurried, comfortable way to see their own country — often people who have already done Europe and are turning their attention home. Couples make up the majority, solo travelers are common and well provided for, and repeat-guest rates are high. It appeals particularly to travelers who would rather not fly internationally, deal with passports and currency, or navigate a 3,000-passenger ship. It is not a line built for young children or for nightlife.

American Cruise Lines River Cruises Cruise Line Guide: Ships, Inclusions & FAQs

About American Cruise Lines River Cruises

“American Cruise Lines specializes in a unique style of small ship cruising along the inland waterways and rivers of the United States. Fascinating itineraries include the Pacific Northwest, Maine, New England Islands, Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, the Historic South & Golden Isles, Florida, and the Mississippi River. With no more than 120 guests onboard, passengers experience each port of call, up close and personal, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers and the exemplary service that is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines.” — American Cruise Lines River Cruises

No company knows America's rivers like American Cruise Lines. On the Mississippi alone, the line offers 16 itineraries, from an 8-day Highlights of the Mississippi round-trip out of New Orleans to a 23-day voyage covering the river's complete length between New Orleans and St. Paul, with storied calls at Memphis, Natchez, Hannibal, and more. Guests choose between the nostalgic charm of traditional paddlewheelers and the contemporary elegance of modern American Riverboats, the newest vessels on the river, carrying just 180 guests.

The river map reaches far beyond the Heartland. In the Pacific Northwest, eight riverboats and paddlewheelers follow the Lewis and Clark trail on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, cruising from desert plains to forested mountains. The line also sails the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, and Arkansas Rivers, and introduced Hudson River summer and fall foliage cruises that are the only ones of their kind. Themed departures celebrate everything from Mark Twain to fall foliage and the nation's 250th anniversary.

Every fare is all-inclusive: meals with beer, wine, and spirits, a pre-cruise hotel night, at least one excursion in every port, cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and port fees. Onboard historians and riverlorians bring each bend of the river to life, making these cruises ideal for travelers who want American history delivered with genuine, unhurried comfort.

New & notable: In 2026 the line christened American Encore, the first riverboat ever christened in the state of Idaho, and unveiled new 16-day Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises aboard a brand-new riverboat arriving in 2027. Extended 50-day-plus river voyages celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Save on American Cruise Lines River Cruises with Pavlus Travel

Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book American Cruise Lines River Cruises through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows American Cruise Lines River Cruises inside and out, from first quote to final port.

Exclusive Pavlus savings on every American Cruise Lines River Cruises sailing
Lowest Price Guarantee — matched or beaten
Never any service or planning fees
A dedicated personal travel advisor, not a call center
30+ years of negotiated cruise-line relationships

Exclusive Savings

Get Your American Cruise Lines River Cruises Quote

Our advisors quote the real bottom-line price — exclusive savings included — in minutes, with zero obligation.

Call 1-800-528-9300 Browse Sailings & Get a Quote

The American Cruise Lines River Cruises Experience

The Mississippi, 16 Ways

From an 8-day New Orleans round-trip to the 23-day Complete Mississippi River Cruise, the line offers 16 itineraries across America's most iconic river.

Paddlewheelers & Modern Riverboats

Choose classic paddlewheel nostalgia or the newest riverboats on the river; paddlewheeler guests earn recognition in the Steamboat Society of America.

Columbia & Snake Rivers

Eight ships trace the Lewis and Clark trail through the Pacific Northwest, with vineyard country, dramatic gorges, and river locks along the way.

One-of-a-Kind Hudson Cruises

Summer Classic and Fall Foliage itineraries on the Hudson River are the only river cruises of their kind, announced as exclusives by the line.

All-Inclusive from Hotel to Homeport

A pre-cruise hotel stay, all meals and drinks, daily excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and port fees are wrapped into every river fare.

Onboard River Experts

Resident historians, regional experts, and live entertainers connect every port call to the music, history, and culture of the river.

What's Included with American Cruise Lines River Cruises

All meals and beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits
Complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay with luggage service and transportation to the ship
At least one shore excursion in every port
Signature evening cocktail hour
Onboard entertainment and enrichment programs
Wi-Fi
All gratuities
Port charges and fees

The American Cruise Lines River Cruises Fleet (25 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

American Anthem

American Eagle

American Encore

American Glory

American Grace

American Harmony

American Heritage

American Independence

American Jazz

American Legend

American Liberty

American Mariner

American Maverick

American Melody

American Navigator

American Pride

American Ranger

American Serenade

American Song

American Splendor

American Star

American Symphony

American West Civil War Cruise Great United States Cruise

Where American Cruise Lines River Cruises Sails

Columbia & Snake Rivers 573 Mississippi 388 National Parks & Legendary Rivers 48 Hudson River Fall Foliage 34 Tennessee Rivers 27 Potomac River & Chesapeake Bay 20 Arkansas River 20 Ohio River 16 Hudson River Summer Classic 12 Grand Ohio River 4 Mississippi Explorer 2 Mississippi & Tennessee Rivers 2

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping

Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare on American Cruise Lines, but tipping is neither required nor expected. If you wish to express special thanks for excellent service, you may tip directly to individual crew members.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation By Guest

Cancellation fee schedule is below
Days Before Cruise Embarkation Date	Standard Cancellation Terms	Cancel For Any Reason Protection Plan
Days Before Cruise Embarkation Date	Standard Cancellation Terms	Basic Protection	Deluxe Protection
Up to 91 Days	100% money-back refund	100% money-back refund	100% money-back refund
Between 90 and 46 Days	50% money-back refund	80% money-back refund	90% money-back refund
Between 45 and 10 Days	0%	80% money-back refund	90% money-back refund
9 Days or Less and Up until the Start of Your Cruise	0%	70% in Cruise Credits	80% in Cruise Credits

All cancellations will incur a non-refundable $250.00 per person Cancellation Administrative Charge.

*The Plan is a cancellation fee waiver offered by American Cruise Lines. This is not insurance.

** All refunds will incur $250.00 per person charge.

*** You receive Deluxe Protection when you purchase the Plan within 14 days of initial payment for your cruise package. Plans purchased 15 days or later receives Basic Protection only and are not eligible for Deluxe Protection.

Last updated: March 10, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.

Smoking on board

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the ships. Please note that smoking is strictly prohibited in staterooms and on private balconies.

Traveling with minors

Children are allowed to sail aboard American Cruise Lines. Note, there is no planned entertainment or babysitting services available on board, no children's programs.

Pregnancy policy

Please consult with cruise line specialist regarding the Pregnancy policy and the requirements.

Policies are provided by American Cruise Lines River Cruises and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

About American Cruise Lines River Cruises: All-inclusive U.S. river cruising