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 Cruise Line Guide: Ships, Inclusions & FAQs

About American Cruise Lines

“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

American Cruise Lines has explored America for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972 by shipbuilder Charles A. Robertson and his wife, Carol, the company grew from the ground up into the leading U.S. small-ship cruise line, and it remains proudly all-American: every ship is built in the USA, flagged in the USA, and crewed by Americans, and every port of call is a U.S. port. Each vessel begins life at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, where the line's own designers plan every detail of construction.

Along the coasts, the fleet is remarkably varied. Nimble Coastal Cats, along with Patriot, Independence, and Constellation Class ships, trace the harbors of New England, the sea islands of the Southeast, Chesapeake Bay, Florida, Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, Alaska's Inside Passage, and now the Great Lakes, always staying close to shore. Carrying just 90 to 180 guests, each ship offers some of the largest staterooms in the industry, from 250 to 1,500 square feet, most with private balconies.

The experience is quietly all-inclusive: fine regional dining, complimentary beverages, shore excursions, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and gratuities are all part of the fare. With more than 50 itineraries across 40 states, this is a natural fit for travelers who want to see America up close, in genuine comfort, without ever needing a passport.

New & notable: American Cruise Lines sails into 2026 with three new ships and 11 new itineraries, including its first all-U.S. Great Lakes cruises aboard American Patriot, and christened American Maverick in Newport in 2026. More new builds are on the way, with American Ranger arriving in 2026 and additional ships announced through 2028.

Save on American Cruise Lines with Pavlus Travel

Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book American Cruise Lines 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 inside and out, from first quote to final port.

Exclusive Pavlus savings on every American Cruise Lines 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 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 Experience

100% Made in America

Every ship is designed and built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, U.S.-flagged, crewed entirely by Americans, and sails exclusively domestic itineraries.

The Newest Fleet in the U.S.

More than 25 modern small ships and riverboats, with new vessels joining nearly every year, form the newest small-ship fleet in the country.

Industry-Leading Staterooms

Staterooms range from 250 to 1,500 square feet, the largest in the industry, most with private balconies and unobstructed views of the passing coastline.

Truly All-Inclusive Fares

Meals, all beverages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities, port fees, and a pre-cruise hotel night are included, so the wallet stays put.

Personalized Small-Ship Service

With no more than 180 guests aboard, the all-American crew learns your name and preferences, creating a warm, club-like atmosphere.

Onboard Enrichment

Dedicated onboard experts, engaging local guides, and nightly live entertainment connect each day's cruising to the history and culture ashore.

What's Included with American Cruise Lines

All meals, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, available 24/7
Daily complimentary evening cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and top-shelf liquor
At least one Featured shore excursion in every port of call
Onboard enrichment programs and nightly live entertainment
Complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay in the embarkation port, with luggage service and transfers to the ship
Wi-Fi
All onboard gratuities
Port charges and fees

The American Cruise Lines Fleet (34 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

American Anthem

American Constellation

American Constitution

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 Patriot

American Pioneer

American Pride

American Ranger

American Serenade

American Song

American Spirit

American Splendor

American Star

American Symphony

American West Civil War Cruise Great American Fall Foliage Great United States Cruise Multiple Ships Multiship Experience Revolutionary War Cruise

Where American Cruise Lines Sails

Columbia & Snake Rivers 573 Mississippi 388 New England 290 Southeast 175 Puget Sound & San Juan Islands 163 Florida Gulf Coast & Keys 153 Alaska 100 Southeast Sea Islands 90 Maine Coast & Harbors 48 National Parks & Legendary Rivers 48 Great Smoky Mountains 36 Hudson River Fall Foliage 34 Northwest National Parks 33 American Revolution 30 Tennessee Rivers 27 Alaskan Explorer 23

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 and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

About American Cruise Lines: Luxury small-ship, U.S.-flag coastal cruising