American Cruise Lines is good for:
- Those that want to explore the United States
- If you want peaceful time on a cruise
American Cruise Lines might not be good for:
- Guests travelling with children
American Cruise Lines definitely honors its name.
This is a river cruise line that focuses exclusively on the United States. They operate dozens of ships across various classes and sail to stunning destinations such as the Mississippi River, New England, Alaska, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers, among others. They take pride in being 100% American – from their itineraries to the flags on their ships and the dedicated crew members onboard. In every sense, they truly are the American Cruise Lines (ACL), and a fantastic choice for those looking to explore the many corners and hidden gems of America.
Before we dive in, remember that you can always reach out to us by clicking the Request a Quote button. We’re here to help with anything related to American Cruise Lines, whether you have questions about itineraries, stateroom options, or what’s included in your fare. Getting in touch with us is completely free, and when you book your trip through one of our expert travel advisors, you never pay anything extra.
American Cruise Lines’ ships are designed to accommodate just 90 to 180 guests, offering an intimate and relaxed cruising experience. These vessels are intentionally compact, built to navigate the narrow rivers and remote corners of the United States with ease. Most ships feature a single main restaurant, along with an outdoor area perfect for light snacks and coffee. In addition, the majority of staterooms include a private balcony, offering guests a front-row seat to the (beautiful) passing scenery.
The fleet is divided into six distinct classes, though they share a cohesive design language. You can expect each ship to feel cozy, peaceful, and ideal for a mature crowd, primarily guests aged 50 and above. And yes, they are all-inclusive.
As with many river cruise lines, American Cruise Lines offers a generous array of amenities included in your fare. This encompasses gratuities, port charges, all meals, beverages, Wi‑Fi, and typically at least one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call. Many of their itineraries also include a pre-cruise hotel stay in the embarkation city, along with transportation to the ship.
Keep in mind that American Cruise Lines is best suited for those who wish to explore the rich history and scenic beauty of the United States while enjoying a peaceful, laid-back experience. Onboard entertainment is modest, typically consisting of educational lectures and occasional live performances, a far cry from the high-energy offerings found on larger ocean cruises.
If you’re looking for something intimate, quiet, and enriching, you’ll likely feel right at home. However, American Cruise Lines may not be the best fit for families traveling with children, as there are no dedicated kids’ programs or activities. The overall atmosphere caters primarily to adults, especially those aged 50 and above.
A cruise with American Cruise Lines typically starts at around $3,000 and increases depending on the itinerary and duration. Most voyages last at least six days, with some extended river cruises spanning 19 to 23 days. River cruises are generally more expensive than ocean cruises, as they operate smaller vessels with fewer guests - but in return, they offer a more intimate and personalized experience. You'll visit unique ports of call that larger ships simply can't reach, and the all-inclusive nature of the cruise adds even more value and convenience to your journey.
American Cruise Lines Reviews
The Good
U.S.A! U.S.A!: When it comes to exploring the United States, American Cruise Lines is a standout choice. Though relatively new - having launched in 1991 - the line has quickly grown its fleet of small ships, all dedicated exclusively to sailing American waters. From the Mississippi River to New England, Florida, Alaska, and just about every picturesque corner with a navigable river, their itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the nation’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Many voyages even include visits to National Parks, and each cruise features onboard experts who offer engaging lectures about the destinations you’ll explore. America isn’t just in their name, it’s in their blood as well.
Unique Itineraries: American Cruise Lines truly are the masters of exploring the United States, and their itineraries reflect this expertise. They offer cruises to Alaska’s stunning National Parks, voyages through Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks, and even an American Revolution Cruise that visits historic sites such as the Chesapeake Bay and Yorktown, complete with onboard lectures and complimentary shore excursions. In total, they visit 35 states, which is definitely a lot.
Intimate and Peaceful: These ships feel like a floating retreat across America. Designed for just 90 to 180 guests, nothing ever feels crowded or rushed. There are no long lines, and the crew is consistently courteous and attentive. It's the perfect setting to reconnect with nature, enjoy a glass of wine without any fuss, and fully immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the United States.
Great rooms: American Cruise Lines prides itself on offering some of the largest staterooms at sea, and the numbers speak for themselves. Their staterooms range from 250 to 650 square feet, which is generous by cruise industry standards. Even more impressive are the spacious bathrooms, designed to feel more like those in a fine hotel, and the vast majority of rooms feature private balconies. To put this into perspective, an interior cabin on a typical ocean cruise usually measures around 160 to 180 square feet.
All-Inclusive: One of the key advantages of sailing with American Cruise Lines is the all-inclusive fare, which adds ease and value to your journey. Your fare covers gratuities, all meals, beverages, Wi‑Fi, and at least one shore excursion in most ports of call. In many cases, you won’t need to spend a single extra dollar, whether you're enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or a cold beer in the afternoon, it’s all included.
The Bad
Not for Children: American Cruise Lines welcomes children aged 10 and older, however, the experience may not be that great for younger travelers. The ships offer very limited entertainment options for kids, and lectures on famous American sites may not capture their interest. Additionally, there is no dedicated Kids Club, and the majority of guests onboard tend to be 50 years and older. If you are considering cruising with young children, other cruise lines may provide a more family-friendly experience.
Price: River cruises tend to be costly, and American Cruise Lines is no exception. While the line’s exclusive focus on the United States and access to unique destinations set it apart, many guests feel that the starting price of around $3,000 may be somewhat steep. For comparison, an 8-day European river cruise with Viking Cruises typically begins at approximately $2,000.
How Much is a Cruise on American Cruise Lines?
A river cruise with American Cruise Lines typically starts at around $3,000 per guest. While that price is higher than your average ocean cruise, it reflects a premium, all-inclusive experience that visits unique and often hard-to-reach destinations across the United States.
Here are a few sample starting prices for select itineraries:
- 6-Day Highlights of the Columbia River Cruise: $3,100
- 9-Day Tennessee Rivers Cruise: $3,500
- 8-Day Historic Mississippi River Cruise: $3,600
- 8-Day Great Rivers of Florida Cruise: $5,000
- 9-Day Southeast Alaska Cruise: $6,100
What is included in your American Cruise Lines fare?
Good news, a lot is included in your American Cruise Lines fare. ACL is indeed an All-inclusive river cruise line, meaning that you basically don’t need to pay for anything when you are inside your cruise.
Here is what’s included:
- Your stateroom
- All gratuities
- All meals and beverages, including alcoholic drinks
- Wi-Fi
- Live music performances and enrichment lectures
- One complimentary shore excursion in select ports
- Pre-cruise hotel stay on embarkation day (available on select itineraries)
American Cruise Lines Fleet and Destinations
American Cruise Lines operates the newest fleet of river and coastal ships in the United States, with each vessel accommodating just 90 to 180 guests. The line offers six distinct ship styles, including the Patriot Class, Coastal Cats, Classic Paddlewheelers, Constellation and Independence Class ships.
American Cruise Lines has a fleet of 25 ships that cruise along nearly every major river in the United States. While the ships fall into different classes, they all follow a similar design approach focused on comfort and simplicity. Each one includes a main restaurant, a lounge, and an outdoor café where you can grab snacks throughout the day. Most ships offer staterooms with private balconies, larger suites, and a small fitness center.
Entertainment on board is low-key, with daily lectures and occasional live performances, usually a few singers or small bands. You won’t find casinos or swimming pools on these ships, as the focus is more on relaxation and exploring the destinations.
American Cruise Lines Destinations
As the name suggests, American Cruise Lines is all about exploring the United States. Their ships sail along many of the country’s most iconic rivers and even include visits to National Parks. Some itineraries are themed, such as cruises focused on historical sites from the American Revolution, complete with expert guides and onboard lectures.
Destinations include:
- The Mississippi River
- Alaska
- The Columbia & Snake Rivers
- New England
- The Southeastern United States
- Puget Sound
- Select U.S. National Parks
American Cruise Line Home Ports
American Cruise Line is present all over the USA. Here are some of their main ports of call:
- Albany, NY
- Baltimore, MD
- Bangor, ME
- Boston, MA
- Fernandina Beach, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Memphis, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- New York, NY
- Portland, ME
- Providence
- Seattle, WA
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Washington DC, DC
Is American Cruise Lines for You?
A question we often hear is whether a particular cruise line is the right fit for a specific type of traveler. In the case of American Cruise Lines, it’s an ideal choice for those who love exploring historical sites, discovering iconic U.S. landmarks, and prioritizing meaningful destinations and peaceful moments over flashy entertainment.
Keep in mind that these ships don’t offer a wide range of onboard activities - there are no swimming pools, for example - and the focus is largely on lectures and destination-focused programming designed to deepen your connection to the places you visit.
American Cruise Lines tends to attract couples in their 50s and older, as well as retirees looking to relax with a beer in hand, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a stress-free outdoor experience. If you love the idea of exploring America’s rivers on an all-inclusive cruise focused on relaxation, and scenic discovery, this might be the perfect fit for you.
That said, American Cruise Lines may not be the best choice for young adults or families with children. There’s no kids club onboard, and younger travelers may find the experience a bit too quiet or slow-paced. Most guests are 50 years or older, and the onboard activities, such as lectures and live music, are geared toward that demographic. However, if you have a passion for American history and culture, there’s no shortage of enriching experiences waiting for you with ACL.
Activities Onboard American Cruise Lines
Activities onboard American Cruise Lines revolve around enriching your understanding of the destinations you will visit. Guests can enjoy complimentary lectures, informal meet-and-greets, and cocktail parties centered around the journey’s theme. Evenings often feature intimate live performances by local musicians, creating an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, just as American Cruise Lines intends.
For instance, on Mississippi River cruises, experts onboard provide fascinating talks about the Civil War. You can also participate in discussions on the river’s influence on American music and learn how steamboats played a vital role in the nation’s westward expansion. Depending on the itinerary, onboard activities include art classes, cooking demonstrations, trivia, and more.
What you won’t find onboard American Cruise Lines ships are large-scale entertainment options. There are no theaters, big production shows, casinos, or even swimming pools. However, some ships do feature a cozy lounge stocked with board games and books, perfect for quiet moments between excursions.
Are Shore Excursions Free on American Cruise Lines?
Yes and no.
American Cruise Lines offers three types of shore excursions: Featured, Premium, and Signature.
Featured excursions are included in your cruise fare, with at least one complimentary excursion available in each port of call on itineraries along the Mississippi River, Columbia & Snake Rivers, and in Alaska.
Premium excursions are optional add-ons that typically range from $10 to $99 per person. These may include enhanced tours or unique local experiences.
Signature excursions are exclusive, small-group experiences that come at a higher cost, usually $100 or more. These can include flightseeing tours, private fishing charters, kayaking adventures, or farm-to-table culinary outings designed for just a handful of guests.
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.
American Cruise Lines Additional Info
Gratuities
Gratuities are already included in your base fare. Tipping is optional.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is included in your base cruise fare.
Dress Code
Casual resort attire is recommended both onboard and while ashore. For dinner, men may opt for a collared shirt and slacks, with the addition of a sport coat or sweater if desired. Women can wear a dress or a stylish top paired with slacks or a skirt. In the evening, American Cruise Lines encourages guests to dress as they would for a nice dinner out, maintaining a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
Laundry
American Cruise Lines offers complimentary self-service laundry facilities on most of their ships. These facilities typically include washers, dryers, detergent, and dryer sheets, all available for guests to use at no extra cost. However, there is no send-out laundry or dry cleaning service provided.
Carry-on Drink Policy
Guests sailing with American Cruise Lines are welcome to bring their own beverages on board without any restrictions or corkage fees.
American Cruise Lines Loyalty Club
American Cruise Lines offers a loyalty program called the Eagle Society, available to guests after completing their first cruise. Membership comes with a variety of exclusive perks designed to reward returning travelers. Benefits include:
- Complimentary standard shore excursions: After completing three cruises, members receive free standard excursions on every future sailing.
- Special onboard gifts: Enjoy thoughtful gifts during your cruise as a thank-you for your continued loyalty.
- Complimentary cruise: Sail ten times with American Cruise Lines, and your eleventh cruise is free.
- Exclusive invitations: Access special Eagle Society sailings and invitation-only cruises.
- Personalized amenities: Members receive custom Eagle Society luggage tags and name tags.
- Member-only promotions: Enjoy exclusive savings and offers available only to Eagle Society members.
- Hometown VIP Access: Receive invitations for private dinners on board when a ship is docked near your home.
- Guest visitation and dining privileges: Members may invite friends and family aboard to tour the ship or join them for a meal.
Book your dream vacation with American Cruise Lines!
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