American Cruise Lines celebrated the christening of its new river cruise ship, American Encore, in Lewiston, Idaho, on May 12. The maiden voyage of the 9-day cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers departed from Stevenson, Washington, on May 6, and also included an overnight hotel stay in Portland, Oregon, on May 5.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represented East Washington and the Snake River in the U.S. Congress for 20 years, was named godmother of the American Encore. Rodgers was joined on the ship's upper deck during the traditional blessing and bottle-breaking ceremony by cruise ship guests, travel agents, company executives, crew members, and local officials from Lewiston, Idaho, and Clarkston, Washington.
During the event, speeches and remarks were given by Andrea Mickelson, captain of the American Encore; Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines; Kristin Meira, the company's director of government relations; Joe Anderson, Lewiston Port Commissioner; Lewiston Mayor Dan Johnson; and Steven McGee, president of Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the shipyard where all of American Cruise Lines' smaller ships are built. The celebration also included a special flight, patriotic music performed by The Victory Belles, a tour of the ship, and a reception in the American Encore's impressive Sky Lounge.
During the event, Robertson emphasized to the attendees that "this is our sixth ship on the river and the flagship of our firm commitment to raising the level of the sector on a global scale.".
Following this ship will come its sister ships American Anthem in 2027 and American Grace in 2028.
The celebrations also served to highlight the new pier recently constructed through a collaboration between the company and the Port of Lewiston. This new berth provides additional space for American Cruise Lines' growing fleet and its itineraries in the region, allowing multiple ships to be in Lewiston and Clarkston simultaneously. It also facilitates access to numerous shore excursions for passengers and improves waterfront access for the local community year-round. The cruise line's expansion of operations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers is significantly boosting tourism in the region and generating a substantial economic impact on local communities.
American Cruise Lines has also rapidly expanded its operations across the country over the past decade, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where it operates a fleet of small ships on coastal itineraries around Puget Sound and Alaska.
American Encore has five decks and can accommodate 180 guests, all in cabins with private balconies. The ship is distinguished by its spectacular four-story glass-enclosed atrium located in the center of the vessel and also features the new Signature Suite accommodation category. At 140 square meters, the Signature Suite on American Encore is the world's largest river suite and offers a wraparound balcony, panoramic views, separate bedroom and living areas, as well as a hotel-sized bathroom with a soaking tub and heated floors.
Other onboard amenities include an elegant main restaurant and a casual cafe, several indoor and outdoor lounges, a panoramic lounge on the upper deck and an outdoor walking track, a large gym, free laundry facilities, and elevators to all passenger decks.
American Encore is the newest and most sophisticated ship in the company's renowned series of modern American riverboats, first introduced to the market in 2018 with the American Song. The ship will continue to operate the popular 9-day cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers through early November 2026. Itineraries for 2027 and 2028 are now open for booking
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