American Cruise Lines Announces New 2026 Ships, Itineraries, and Offers
American Cruise Lines has detailed 11 new itineraries and three new small ships that will span some of the United States’ scenic waterways in 2026. The new ships and itineraries will add to American’s itineraries already announced for its 21 ships in operation.
The line notes that its 2026 portfolio now spans more than 50 itineraries across more than 35 states. The new ships are part of its fleet expansion of 30 small ships by 2028 and signals a new shipbuilding revival for U.S. cruising.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest will see two new ships American Encore and American Ranger. Encore launches in May and will cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers through late November 2026. The ship will offer seven- to 11-day itineraries that include the Columbia River Gorge, Washington wine country, and stretches of the Lewis and Clark trail.
American Ranger will launch in September with a new 15-day Northwest National Parks Cruise. On these coastal cruises, American pairs guided exploration in Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks with eight days aboard in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Ports include Port Townsend, Friday Harbor, Anacortes, Poulsbo, and Victoria.
Though the two ships are cruising the same region, they differ in size and design. American Ranger is a Patriot Class ship and is sister ship to the recently launched, 130-passenger American Pioneer. On the other hand, American Encore is American Riverboat Class and designed for inland river cruising. Encore has a capacity of 180 passengers and features the company’s patented opening bow for shore access. Both vessels feature all-balcony accommodations, including single-occupancy staterooms available without a supplement, according to American.
New England
Also Patriot Class, American Maverick will launch in June 2026 and begin its inaugural season in New England. The ship will operate three coastal itineraries through September.
Maverick’s program includes a nine-day Maine Coast cruise between Portland and Bangor, a 12-day New England cruise roundtrip from Boston, and a nine-day New England Islands cruise roundtrip from Providence. Port calls include Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Rockland or Camden, Bar Harbor, Gloucester, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Block Island, and Bristol.
Florida Gulf Coast
In October, American Maverick will shift south for its maiden Florida season. The ship will operate a nine-day itinerary between Tampa and St. Petersburg that visits Marco Island, Key West, and Punta Gorda.
The Gulf Coast will also see the return of American Symphony on an expanded seasonal program. The ship will operate a new eight-day Gulf Coast Cruise between New Orleans and Pensacola. Passengers visit Mobile, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport/Ship Island.
For the near term, American is offering free domestic airfare and savings of up to $1,600 on several spring 2026 Florida Gulf Coast and Keys cruises. The offer includes departures aboard American Patriot, American Pioneer, and American Legend.
Southern Rivers & Appalachian Region
American is also adding two new itineraries across the Southern and Appalachian region. Classic Paddlewheeler American Heritage offers an 11-day Great Smoky Mountains Cruise, which follows the Tennessee River. The cruise includes a guided exploration in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and visits Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga, Decatur, and Huntsville.
The nine-day Arkansas River Cruise, aboard American Serenade, links Memphis and Tulsa with stops in Catoosa, Muskogee, Fort Smith/Van Buren, and Little Rock.
Great Lakes
Just inaugurated on Independence Day 2025, American Patriot will cruise The Great Lakes in her second year. Patriot will cruise three new itineraries: a nine-day Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise, a nine-day Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula itinerary, and a 14-day American Great Lakes voyage through Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan. These itineraries run from May through August and highlights a mix of freshwater coastlines, maritime history, and small towns.
At press time, American is offering free domestic airfare and up to $1,500 savings on four Lake Michigan cruises in the summer aboard Patriot.
Extended & Themed Cruises
For more extensive experiences, American is offering four itineraries that range from 32 to 55 days. These extended cruise and tours all range in different regions aboard three American ships and riverboats, and include guided land tours and inter-ship transfers.
Travelers can choose among a 32-day Revolutionary War Cruise from Albany to Washington, D.C., from the Hudson River to the Chesapeake. The 36-day Civil War Battlefields Cruise runs from New Orleans to Gettysburg.
Two longer cross-country programs round out the lineup. A 52-day Great United States Cruise runs from Portland, Oregon, to Boston, and the 55-day Great American Fall Foliage Cruise travels from Juneau to Washington, D.C.
