American Cruise Lines operates more than twenty vessels across several distinct classes, yet what truly sets them apart is their shared design philosophy. Each ship is intentionally built to accommodate a small number of guests - typically between 90 and 180 - creating an atmosphere that is elegant and intimate.
The primary differences between ships lie in the regions they serve. For instance, a vessel navigating the chilly waters of Alaska will naturally differ from one sailing toward the sunny shores of Key West. Regardless of the route, none of the ships feature casinos or even swimming pools. Instead, the onboard experience centers around live music, lectures, and lots and lots of drinks.
With so many ships and destinations to choose from, finding the perfect fit for you and your family can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Simply click the Request a Quote button to get in touch! There’s no cost to contact us, and you’ll never pay more by booking your American Cruise Lines vacation through us. In fact, we can often secure special offers or added perks just for you.
American Cruise Lines Ships
These are their ship classes:
- Patriot Class
- Coastal Cats
- Paddlewheelers
- Constellation Class Ships
- Independence Class
- American Riverboats
All of American Cruise Lines’ vessels feature spacious staterooms, and the company proudly claims to offer the largest accommodations among all river cruise lines. That claim holds up, since even entry-level staterooms on their oldest ships average around 250 square feet. To put that into perspective, a standard interior cabin on a typical ocean cruise ship often measures just 170 square feet.
Nearly all of their staterooms include private balconies or, at the very least, large picture windows offering scenic views, comparable to an oceanview cabin on a mainstream cruise. Notably, there are no interior staterooms across the entire American Cruise Lines fleet.
Patriot Class
The Patriot Class is the newest addition to ACL’s fleet, having launched in 2025 with additional ships scheduled for 2026. It offers deeper‑draft coastal capability paired with luxurious suite accommodations. These vessels sail on New England and Southeast USA cruises and can accommodate up to 130 guests.
Ships in class
- American Ranger
- American Maverick
- American Pioneer
- American Patriot
Key features
- Brand New Ships having launched in 2025, with some planned for 2026
- Uniquely shaped bow designed
- Luxurious grand suites with huge living areas
- Expanded Sky Lounge
- Bow terrace observation deck for up‑close wildlife and shoreline viewing
- Fitness center and elevator access to all decks
Coastal Cats
Serving New England and Southeast USA, the Coastal Cats class combines shallow‑draft design with contemporary comforts for the perfect coastal exploration experience. These ships can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Ships in class
- American Legend
- American Liberty
- American Eagle
- American Glory
Key features
- Shallow draft enabling access to unique ports
- Modern interior design with lots of open public spaces
- Bow observation area and sun deck with walking track
- Fitness center
- Elevator access to each deck
Paddlewheelers
Evoking the nostalgia of classic American river travel, ACL’s Paddlewheelers operate on the Mississippi and Columbia & Snake Rivers. These ships can accommodate up to 180 guests.
Ships in class
- American Splendor
- American Heritage
- American Pride
- American West
Key features
- Classic paddlewheel aesthetic integrated with modern shipbuilding
- Glass‑enclosed main restaurant
- Open‑seating dining policy encouraging sociable mealtimes
- Three distinct guest lounges plus a cozy study enclave
- Fitness center and elevator access to all indicated decks
Constellation Class Coastal Ships
Operating along Alaska’s Inside Passage and Pacific Northwest cruises, these vessels blend traditional coastal ship design with great panoramic views. These ships can accommodate up to 170 guests.
Ships in class
- American Constitution
- American Constellation
Key features
- Traditional bow optimized for Alaska cruises
- Main‑deck restaurant offering 270‑degree views of glaciers and wildlife
- Sun deck featuring shaded lounge areas
- Entertainment and reading lounges plus fitness center
- Elevator access to all passenger decks
Independence Class Coastal Ships
A trio of ultra‑intimate vessels, the Independence Class serves New England, Southeast US and Puget Sound routes with very small and cozy ships. These ships accommodate up to 90 guests.
Ships in class
- American Independence
- American Star
- American Spirit
Key features
- Main‑deck restaurant offering great views
- Sun deck with partially shaded lounge
- Entertainment and reading lounges
- Fitness center
American Riverboats
Available on Mississippi River and Columbia & Snake River itineraries, the American Riverboat series represents ACL’s flagship river‑cruise experience. These ships can accommodate up to 180 guests.
Ships in class
- American Encore
- American Serenade
- American Symphony
- American Melody
- American Jazz
- American Harmony
- American Song
- American Anthem
Key features
- The classic American Cruise Lines experience
- Multiple dining venues that showcase regional flavors
- Sophisticated modern décor accented by a multi‑story glass atrium
- Outdoor walking track and fully equipped fitness center
- Unique bow ramp for easy shore access and elevator service to all passenger decks
American Cruise Lines Destinations
American Cruise Lines operates exclusively within the United States. The company proudly identifies as a 100% American-owned and operated line, featuring an all-American crew and sailing on nearly every major river in the country. If you're considering a river cruise in the USA, American Cruise Lines is an outstanding choice, as this is their true area of expertise. Their cruises range from 6 Days all the way to 16 and 23-Days cruises.
There are all the destinations visited by American Cruise Lines:
- Mississippi River
- Columbia & Snake River
- New England
- Southeast USA
- Alaska
- Puget Sound
- National Parks
Mississippi River Cruises
- Great for: History fans, music lovers, and anyone who wants a true taste of the South and Midwest.
- Price: usually starts at $3,500 per guest.
- Duration: From 8 to 23 Days.
The Mississippi River is one of ACL’s most popular routes, and for good reason. From New Orleans to Minnesota, you’ll find beautiful river towns, rich history, delicious food, and you will also hear some amazing stories.
Popular itineraries
- Lower Mississippi: Cruise between Memphis and New Orleans with stops full of Southern charm.
- Upper Mississippi: Head north from St. Louis or St. Paul for small towns, scenic bluffs, and Americana vibes.
- Complete Mississippi River Cruise: A full-length adventure from top to bottom in 23 days.
What to expect?
- Jazz performances in New Orleans
- Visits to Civil War sites and historic plantations
- Mark Twain-style storytelling and local lectures
- Plenty of BBQ, gumbo, and comfort food
Columbia & Snake Rivers (Pacific Northwest)
- Great for: Nature lovers and fans of American exploration history
- Price: usually starts at $3,500 per guest.
- Duration: From 6 to 16 Days.
Cruise through Oregon and Washington along rivers that Lewis and Clark once explored. You’ll see beautiful landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and even a few vineyards along the way.
Popular itineraries
- Columbia & Snake Rivers: Roundtrip from Portland with great mix of scenery and history
- Northwest Pioneers Cruise: With an added focus on early American settlement
What to expect?
- Wine tastings in local vineyards
- Tours of Mount St. Helens and Multnomah Falls
- River locks, canyons, and dramatic cliffs
- Lectures about the Oregon Trail and local history
New England Cruises
- Great for: Nature lovers, seafood fans, and those who enjoy small harbor towns
- Price: usually starts at $5,000 per guest.
- Duration: From 8 to 16 Days.
New England is packed with coastal beauty, colonial history, and postcard-perfect towns. ACL offers several cruises in this region, especially popular in the fall when the leaves change color.
Popular itineraries
- New England Islands: Visit Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and more
- Maine Coast & Harbors: Lighthouses, lobsters, and stunning coastline
- Cape Codder Cruise: Explore Cape Cod and nearby coastal spots
What to expect?
- Whale watching tours
- Visits to historic lighthouses and quaint towns
- Lobster bakes on deck and fresh seafood
- Beautiful autumn scenery (especially in October)
Southeast USA
- Great for: History lovers, warm weather travelers, and fans of Southern hospitality
- Price: usually starts at $4,000 per guest.
- Duration: From 8 to 16 Days.
Sail along the Southeast coast and explore charming cities like Charleston, Savannah, and St. Augustine. These cruises are all about history, architecture, and for those that want to relax.
Popular itineraries
- Historic South & Golden Isles: Between Charleston and Amelia Island
- Charleston to Savannah: A short and sweet cruise packed with Southern charm
- Great Rivers of Florida: For a more relaxed, nature-focused experience
What to expect?
- Plantation tours and lots of gardens
- Gullah culture and storytelling
- Coastal wildlife and birdwatching
- Strolling through oak-lined streets and historic districts
Alaska Cruises
- Great for: Adventure seekers, fans of chilly weather, and anyone who loves the great outdoors
- Price: usually starts at $6,000 per guest.
- Duration: From 9 to 19 Days.
Alaska is breathtaking, and ACL’s smaller ships let you get closer to the action than the big cruise lines. You’ll visit remote villages, glaciers, and national parks with ease.
Popular itineraries
- Southeast Alaska: A journey between Juneau and Ketchikan
- Alaskan Explorer: More time and more in-depth exploration taking more days
What to expect?
- Whale watching and seal spotting
- Kayaking, hiking, and nature tours
- Glaciers, fjords, and mountain views
- Cultural visits with Native Alaskan communities
Puget Sound
- Great for: Wildlife spotting, and a very relaxed cruise experience.
- Price: usually starts at $4,700 per guest.
- Duration: 8 Days.
Cruise through the calm waters around Seattle and the San Juan Islands. It’s a quiet, beautiful part of the country full of nature and coastal charm.
Popular itinerary
- Puget Sound & San Juan Islands: Roundtrip from Seattle, and usually the only itinerary available.
What to expect?
- Orcas, bald eagles, and beautiful views
- Walks through small, artsy island towns
- Farm-to-table meals with Northwest flair
- A slower-paced cruise, perfect for helping you recharge
Why book American Cruise Lines with us?
We are not just cruise specialists, we are river cruise specialists. River cruising is growing fast and shows no signs of slowing down. That is why we have spent years researching and booking river cruises for our clients, including trips with American Cruise Lines.
We have also worked with well-known names like Viking and A-Rosa, and we are one of the few websites that already feature a guide for Celebrity Cruises and their upcoming river cruise offerings. When it comes to planning, finding the best value, and supporting you before, during, and after your journey, we are here to help. We can assist with choosing the right itinerary, explain the all-inclusive packages, and even share our own insights about places like the Mississippi River and Alaska.
In short, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Just click the Request a Quote button to get in touch. There is no fee to contact us, and booking your cruise through us never costs anything extra. You get expert service and personal attention without paying a cent more! All that is left for you to do is relax and enjoy your river cruise experience.
