Founded in 1972 by shipbuilder Charles Robertson and his wife Carol, American Cruise Lines now runs the biggest small-ship cruise fleet in the US – there are 21 vessels, including riverboats, paddlewheelers and coastal catamarans, with many more on the way.
Every ship is built in Maryland, flies the stars and stripes, and employs only American crew. Carrying between 90 and 180 passengers, the vessels are small enough to explore rivers, bays and harbours in over 35 states from Alaska to Florida. More than 50 itineraries, ranging from six to 55 days, offer 400-plus shore excursions using branded private coaches.
The line is halfway through its ambitious Project Blue series, which began in 2022 and will see 12 new ocean-going craft join the fleet, which will sail coastal waterways just like river cruises. Riverboats are bright and spacious and have five or six decks – much taller than their European counterparts – as well as a gangway at the bow rather than from the side.
All vessels are fitted with Rolls-Royce stabilisers to ensure smooth cruising. An open-seated main dining room serves an all-American menu with seasonal and regional dishes. Most ships also offer a small café. Fares include pre-cruise hotel stays and everything on board, including Wi-Fi, tips and alcohol. Some shore excursions are also covered.
1. Where does American Cruise Lines sail?
The fleet is split between 10 river vessels and 11 small ships, which sail both rivers and coastal waterways – combining the two means American Cruise Lines can offer itineraries that last weeks rather than days.
On the Mississippi in the South and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, six riverboats and four six-deck paddlewheelers carry between 110 and 180 passengers. Some vessels also ply the Mississippi tributaries of the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Arkansas rivers. Sea-going craft cruise along the East, West and Gulf coasts. New 100-passenger catamarans also sail the Hudson from New York, as well as lesser-known rivers such as the St Johns and Tolomato in Florida.
In the North West, small ships cross Puget Sound and visit the San Juan Islands, 60 miles off the coast. One non-US shore excursion is to the beautiful Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. West Coast ships also head to Alaska with one itinerary between Seattle and Juneau exploring the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay. Other cruises sail from Juneau all summer.
Over in New England, voyages include a round trip from Boston that takes in stops such as Martha’s Vineyard, Portland and Bar Harbor. Further south, cruises explore destinations including Chesapeake Bay, Charleston and South Carolina. Florida offers river cruises as well as itineraries sailing the Gulf coast and Keys.
In 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the line is offering five extended trips, including a 52-day Great United States cruise that covers 18 states on three small ships. A 36-day Civil War voyage will sail the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers, with visits to battlefields including Shiloh, Vicksburg, Antietam and Gettysburg.
There will also be a 32-day Revolutionary War cruise along the Hudson and sections of the East Coast, with stops in New York, Boston, Newport, Plymouth and Philadelphia.
2. Who does American Cruise Lines appeal to?
Like many river and small-ship lines, American mainly attracts the over-60s, although some new itineraries are drawing more family groups of young adults sailing with older parents. The clientele is also overwhelmingly domestic, meaning Brits are often a very small – but welcome – ratio of passengers.
The wide range of itineraries means many tastes are catered to. Memphis, the home of the blues (and Elvis Presley), and the country music capital of Nashville are linked by one nine-night river cruise. New Orleans is also a popular destination.
History lovers will enjoy following the exploits of 19th-century explorers Lewis and Clark on the Columbia and Snake rivers, while photographers will be thrilled to capture the autumn colours of the North East, especially along the Hudson. Wildlife spotters will find plenty to see in places such as Alaska, Chesapeake Bay, and the South East’s Gold Coast.
The small sizes of the ships, daily cocktail hour, and open-seated dining encourage socialising with fellow guests. The entertainment can be anything from local musicians to guest speakers. All cabins are outward-facing and most have private balconies, so sometimes the best way to spend the evening is sitting with a drink and a good book just watching the world go by.
3. American Cruise Lines’ fleet
American riverboats (180 passengers)
These musical-themed modern riverboats are American Song (2018), Harmony (2019), Jazz and Melody (2021), Symphony (2022) and Serenade (2023).
They will be joined by American Encore in 2026, Anthem in 2027 and Grace in 2028. As well as lounges and a dining room, all have a four-storey atrium, with a grand staircase spiralling up the centre and a chart room to follow the ship’s journey. A session in the small fitness room is a great way to start the day.
Sails on: Mississippi (Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Arkansas rivers), and the Columbia and Snake
Classic paddlewheelers (110-180 passengers)
With their tall black smokestacks and red wheels ever-turning, these updated classic riverboats are far removed from the dark and cramped predecessors that used to sail the rivers.
Don’t worry about soot or noise as the funnels are just for show, while the working paddle-wheels are assisted by modern engines, yet both features are nostalgic of a bygone age. First in the series was American West in 1995, followed by Pride in 2012, Heritage in 2015 and Splendor in 2016. All interiors were renovated in 2022.
Sails on: Mississippi (including the Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee and Arkansas rivers), and the Columbia and Snake
Independence class (90 passengers)
The longest-serving – and smallest – class of coastal ships began with American Spirit in 2005, followed by Star in 2007 and Independence in 2010. Their size means they can travel through the narrow rivers and shallow bays of the Eastern Seaboard, though they also sail on the West Coast. The main-deck restaurant has a 270-degree outlook so diners can enjoy panoramic views as they eat.
Sails on: East and West Coast
Constellation class (170 passengers)
American Constellation in 2017 was followed by American Constitution a year later. Both are designed to navigate the inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest, docking at ports that larger ships cannot reach. Among other features, the Sky Lounge hosts a daily cocktail hour, and local acts perform in the Cascade Lounge every evening.
Sails on: West Coast (Pacific Northwest and Alaska)
Coastal Cats class (100 passengers)
The first ships in the Project Blue expansion were American Eagle and Glory, built in 2023 and followed by Liberty and Legend the following year. A bow terrace on the catamarans is a favourite spot for a morning coffee outside the forward lounge. Two grand suites have separate living and dining areas, while an adventure deck provides an activity platform.
Sails on: East Coast (including Hudson River, New England, Chesapeake Bay, the South East and Florida)
Patriot Class (130 passengers)
The latest coastal class began in 2025 with American Patriot and Pioneer, to be followed in 2026 by Maverick and Ranger. In total, the Patriot class will be the final eight ships of Project Blue. Built with a traditional bow shape and deeper draught, the new ships will all sail along the Eastern Seaboard.
The 130 passengers travel in 69 all-balcony cabins across five decks. Public spaces include the Chesapeake Lounge for evening entertainment, the Horizon Lounge and the panoramic Sky Lounge. The top deck also includes a Sky Walk track that wraps around the perimeter of the ship.
Sails on: East Coast (including New England, Chesapeake Bay and Florida)
4. Accessibility
All ships have lifts to every passenger deck as well as accessible cabins.
5. Loyalty scheme
American Cruise Lines has an Eagle Society, which passengers can join on their second cruise. Perks include discounts, offers, exclusive cruises and gifts, as well as complimentary cruises and excursions.
About our expert
Dave Monk
A journalist for all of his career, Dave has sailed more than 100 voyages on 43 cruise lines – ranging from four-person boats to the biggest passenger ships in the world.