American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines is a premier U.S.-based cruise operator specializing in small-ship and river cruises exclusively within the United States. Established in 1973 and headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut, the company has grown to become the largest river and small-ship cruise line in the nation, operating a fleet of 27 modern, U.S.-flagged vessels.

The company's diverse itineraries span the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida, the Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, and the Western Seaboard, including Alaska and Puget Sound. Additionally, it offers cruises along the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers, as well as the Columbia-Snake river system.

American craftsmanship and service are hallmarks of the company. All ships are designed and built in the U.S., with steel sourced from American manufacturers and engines from companies like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Cummins. The vessels are registered in the U.S. and crewed by an all-American staff to ensure an authentic American experience.

Fleet and Ship Classes

• Modern American Riverboats: Featuring private balcony accommodations and contemporary amenities, these ships navigate major rivers such as the Mississippi and Columbia-Snake systems.
• Patriot Class Coastal Ships: Designed for coastal cruising in regions like New England and the Southeast, these ships offer spacious staterooms and expansive open decks.
• Coastal Cats: Part of the Project Blue series, focusing on U.S. coastal and river cruising.
• Paddlewheelers: Classic riverboats that provide a nostalgic cruising experience along historic waterways.

Itineraries

• Mississippi River Cruises: Explore historic towns, Civil War sites, and plantations in the South.
• New England Cruises: Navigate picturesque coastlines of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, highlighting quaint harbors and maritime history.
• Columbia and Snake Rivers Cruises: Scenic views of the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia River Gorge and Mount St. Helens.
• Alaska Cruises: Intimate experiences in Alaska's Inside Passage with wildlife and stunning landscapes.
• Puget Sound Cruises: Explore Washington State waters, including the San Juan Islands, with a focus on local culture and natural beauty.

In 2025, American Cruise Lines introduced the Gulf Coast cruise, departing from New Orleans and visiting destinations such as Ship Island, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Mobile, and Pensacola. This new itinerary offers a unique maritime way to explore the Gulf Coast.

Locations

The company operates offices in several U.S. cities, including:

• Cincinnati, OH, US
• Chattanooga, TN, USA
• Portland, ME, USA
• Nashville, TN, USA
• New Orleans, LA, US
• Fort Lauderdale, FL, US
• Baton Rouge, LA, USA
• Lexington, SC, USA
• Providence, RI, USA
• Norfolk, VA, USA
• Evansville, IN, USA
• Sioux Falls, SD, USA
• Louisville, KY, USA
• Edmond, OK, US
• Washington, DC, USA
• Missoula, MT, USA
• Savannah, GA, USA
• Portland, OR, USA

American Cruise Lines is dedicated to providing an authentic and immersive American cruising experience, combining modern amenities with rich cultural and historical exploration across the United States.