American Cruise Lines confirms that 2026 promises to be its most extraordinary year ever, with 11 new U.S. itineraries and three new smaller ships. Operating year-round, the company will celebrate the country's 250th anniversary with its portfolio of domestic coast-to-coast itineraries, including new cruises on the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and the Gulf Coast.
The 2026 itineraries will also offer exceptional ways to celebrate the nation’s rich history, cultural diversity, and geographic wonders, with U.S. National Park Cruises and Extended Cruises that explore multiple regions of the country for up to 55 days. Next year, the world’s only 100% U.S.-flagged fleet—comprised of riverboats and small vessels—will visit nearly 200 ports as it cruises America’s iconic rivers and protected coastlines, from Alaska’s Inside Passage to the Florida Keys.
New US itineraries for 2026
American Cruise Lines' extensive 2026 itinerary lineup showcases its 50 years of experience developing and curating exceptional river cruises within the United States. All itineraries include one night's hotel accommodation and at least one complimentary excursion at each port. Fares include private shore transportation and all onboard amenities: fine dining, daily cocktails, cultural activities, and entertainment. All fares also include Starlink Wi-Fi, gratuities, and port taxes.
US National Park Itineraries – New 15-day Northwest National Parks Cruises and 11-day Great Smoky Mountains Cruises.
The new, exclusive National Parks cruises will feature 15-day itineraries through the Northwest National Parks, departing round-trip from Tacoma, Washington. Available in September 2026, these trips combine seven days of guided exploration in Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks, followed by an eight-day cruise through Puget Sound, Friday Harbor, and the San Juan Islands.
- 11-Day Great Smoky Mountains Cruise – Tennessee River Adventure through the Appalachian Mountains, with guided exploration of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, plus visits to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Departs from Knoxville (TN) or Huntsville (AL).
- 15 Days Northwest National Parks Tour – Round Trip from Tacoma (WA), with 7 days of guided exploration of Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades, followed by 8 days of cruising Puget Sound, Friday Harbor and the San Juan Islands.
- 16 Days – National Parks & Legendary Rivers – Includes 9 days of cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers and 7 days of guided exploration in Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. From Jackson (WY) or Portland (OR).
- 19 days – Grand Alaska National Parks – Includes a 12-day Alaska cruise and 7 days of guided exploration in Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, as well as sailing through Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage, and Frederick Sound. From Fairbanks (AK) to Juneau (AK).
- 16 days – Alaska National Parks – Includes a 9-day Alaska cruise and 7 days of guided exploration in Denali and Kenai Fjords, as well as sailing on Glacier Bay. From Fairbanks (AK) to Juneau (AK).
New itineraries along the Mississippi River, its tributaries and the southeastern United States.
The 2026 itineraries include unique routes along Mississippi tributaries, such as the new Arkansas River Cruise and the new Great Smoky Mountains Cruise (mentioned earlier). In addition, a new Gulf Coast Cruise is being introduced, sailing through this region and parts of the Lower Mississippi to or from New Orleans.
- 9-Day Gulf Coast Cruise – Between New Orleans (LA) and Pensacola (FL), visiting Mobile (AL); Biloxi (MS); Ocean Springs (MS); and Gulfport/Ship Island (MS). Available in March, November, and December 2026 (and again in 2027). Operated by American Symphony.
- 9-Day Arkansas River Cruise – Between Memphis (TN) and Tulsa (OK), visiting Catoosa (OK); Muskogee (OK); Fort Smith/Van Buren (AR); and Little Rock (AR). Sailing in November 2026 (and in May and November 2027), aboard the award-winning American Serenade.
New Great Lakes itineraries for 2026
American's three new Great Lakes itineraries are the only all-domestic ones in the region, sailing exclusively between U.S. ports. They will be available from May to August 2026.
- 9 days – Great Lakes and Thousand Islands – Between Syracuse and Buffalo (NY), exploring Thousand Islands, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
- 9 Days – Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula – Round trip from Milwaukee (WI), exploring Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
- 14 days – American Great Lakes – Between Buffalo (NY) and Milwaukee (WI), sailing on Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan.
The three new ships debuting in 2026
- New riverboat: American Encore.
It will begin sailing the Columbia and Snake Rivers in May 2026. Accommodating up to 180 guests, it features 100% private balcony cabins (including suites and single cabins at no extra charge). Amenities include numerous lounges, a panoramic restaurant, a casual café, a chart room, a fitness center, and elevators to all decks. - New Coastal Ships: American Maverick and American Ranger.
The third and fourth ships in the Patriot class will operate East Coast itineraries. Launching in June and September 2026. Capacity for 130 guests, 100% private balcony staterooms, and numerous amenities rarely found on smaller ships.
New Extended Cruises for 2026
- The Great United States Cruise 2026 – 52 days / 51 nights.
From Portland (OR) to Boston (MA). May 29 to July 19, 2026.
Explore 18 states on 3 ships, including guided tours of Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton. Celebrate the Fourth of July in Boston with a fireworks show. - Civil War Battlefields Cruise 2026 – 36 days / 35 nights.
From New Orleans (LA) to Gettysburg (PA). May 5 to June 9, 2026.
Exploration of 12 states and key Civil War battlefields. - Great American Fall Foliage Cruise 2026 – 55 days / 54 nights
From Juneau (AK) to Washington, DC From September 5 to October 29, 2026.
Includes sailing through Glacier Bay, the Inside Passage and arrival on the Potomac River, being the only cruises to visit Washington DC in more than 70 years. - Revolutionary War Cruise 2026 – 32 days / 31 nights
From Albany (NY) to Washington, DC From October 8 to November 8, 2026.
Includes cruising the Hudson River and the East Coast during peak autumn color.
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