American Cruise Lines Expands Coast to Coast Journeys for 2026, Introducing New Ships, New Routes, and Deeper National Parks Exploration

Published on December 2, 2025

American Cruise Lines is preparing to deliver the most ambitious year in its five-decade history, announcing a sweeping expansion of domestic itineraries and the introduction of three new small ships for 2026. The year will mark a milestone for both the company and the nation as it honors America’s 250th birthday with an unparalleled collection of coast-to-coast journeys, immersive national parks expeditions, and extended cruises that open the door to nearly every corner of the United States.

Across 2026, the company will operate more than 11 new U.S. itineraries and sail aboard the world’s only 100 percent U.S.-flagged fleet of small cruise ships and modern riverboats. From the Alaska Inside Passage to the Florida Keys and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, guests will visit almost 200 American ports, celebrating the country’s landscapes, heritage, and culture through enriching onshore and onboard experiences.

A Strengthened Commitment to American Waterways

With 50 years of experience curating U.S. travel, American Cruise Lines has built its 2026 collection on a foundation of comfort, convenience, and comprehensive inclusions. Each itinerary features complimentary excursions in every port, a pre-cruise hotel stay, fine cuisine, daily cocktails, enrichment programming, private shore transportation, Starlink Wi-Fi, gratuities, and all port fees. The company’s focus on domestic travel allows guests to explore America’s storied rivers, legendary coastlines, and protected waterways without crossing a single international border.

Expanding Access to America’s National Parks

One of the cornerstones of the 2026 portfolio is the expansion of National Parks cruise programs, offering travelers a rare chance to combine multi-day guided land adventures with small-ship exploration. These itineraries highlight some of the country’s most iconic natural treasures, weaving together mountains, forests, coastlines, and historic communities.

Among the new offerings is the 15-Day Northwest National Parks Cruise, a journey that begins with seven days of guided exploration through Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks before transitioning into eight days sailing through the Pacific Northwest’s scenic waterways, including Friday Harbor, the San Juan Islands, and Puget Sound.

Another major introduction is the 11-Day Great Smoky Mountains Cruise, which navigates the Tennessee River through the Appalachian Mountains and includes immersive discovery inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along with cultural stops in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Complementing these new programs are returning favorites such as the 16-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers, the 19-Day Grand Alaska National Parks, and the 16-Day Alaska National Parks, each blending cruise and land exploration across multiple national parks including Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Denali, and Kenai Fjords.

New Voyages Across the Mississippi Basin and Southeast U.S.

American Cruise Lines is expanding deeper into the Mississippi River system with new itineraries that explore its tributaries and southern waterways. The 9-Day Arkansas River Cruise brings guests through lesser-known but historically rich regions from Memphis to Tulsa, visiting communities such as Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Muskogee.

A new 9-Day Gulf Coast Cruise connects New Orleans and Pensacola, linking the cultural and culinary traditions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Guests will explore coastal towns, barrier islands, maritime history, and stretches of the Lower Mississippi River.

All-New Fully Domestic Great Lakes Cruises

In 2026, American Cruise Lines will become the only company offering entirely U.S.-based Great Lakes cruises, operating solely between American ports. Three new itineraries will sail from May to August, unveiling some of the region’s most intriguing natural and cultural landmarks.

The 9-Day Great Lakes & Thousand Islands itinerary connects Syracuse and Buffalo, exploring Lake Ontario, the Thousand Islands region, and Lake Erie. Meanwhile, the 9-Day Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula voyage offers a round-trip escape from Milwaukee, showcasing lighthouses, rugged shorelines, and the wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The signature 14-Day American Great Lakes cruise stretches 800 miles across Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan, establishing a new benchmark for long-form cruising in the region.

Next-Generation Ships Set for 2026 Arrival

To support its expanded program, American Cruise Lines will introduce three new small ships in 2026, further modernizing its fleet.

American Encore, a new modern American Riverboat, will debut on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in May 2026. With 180 guests and 100 percent private balcony accommodations—including singles available without supplement—the ship offers spacious lounges, a top-deck lounge and walking track, multiple dining venues, a chart room, fitness center, laundry facilities, and elevators to all decks.

Joining the fleet later in the year are American Maverick and American Ranger, the third and fourth vessels in the company’s Patriot Class. These small coastal ships, each hosting just 130 guests, bring private balconies to every stateroom and offer amenities rarely found on vessels of their size, including multiple lounges, a main dining room with panoramic views, a casual café, fitness facilities, and a top-deck lounge.

Nation-Spanning Extended Cruises Redefining American Exploration

For travelers seeking the most comprehensive U.S. cruise experiences ever offered, American Cruise Lines’ 2026 Extended Cruises feature multi-week journeys across dozens of states, historic waterways, and national parks.

The 52-Day Great United States Cruise will journey from Portland to Boston aboard three small ships, crossing 18 states and culminating in Boston’s 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4. The itinerary features three national parks—Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton—and a Fourth of July stay at the Four Seasons Hotel overlooking Boston Harbor’s fireworks.

The 36-Day Civil War Battlefields Cruise traces pivotal locations from New Orleans to Gettysburg, interpreting the major events of the conflict through guided tours and immersive storytelling across 12 states.

The 55-Day Great American Fall Foliage Cruise spans the entire country from Juneau to Washington, D.C., sailing the Alaska Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and the Potomac River—marking one of the rare instances in more than 70 years that a cruise ship docks in the nation’s capital.

Rounding out the collection is the 32-Day Revolutionary War Cruise, sailing from Albany to Washington, D.C. during peak fall foliage and operated aboard three of the newest cruise ships in America: American Legend, American Patriot, and American Pioneer.

A Historic Year Ahead

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, American Cruise Lines is preparing to deliver an unprecedented year of travel that captures the breadth and spirit of the country through waterways, landscapes, and stories that have shaped its identity. With new ships, new destinations, and deeper national park integration than ever before, 2026 stands to become a defining chapter in the company’s commitment to showcasing the best of America through authentic, all-domestic exploration.