Encore Completes Sea Trials; Repositioning to Pacific NW
American Cruise Lines announced that its newest riverboat, American Encore, has successfully completed sea trials and is now repositioning to the Pacific Northwest for her debut.
Following trials at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, the vessel departed on a multi-week voyage to the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The voyage will take the ship down the U.S. East Coast, through the Caribbean, and across the Panama Canal before arriving in Washington state.
American Encore is commanded by Captain Andrew Gillilan and is expected to begin service on May 5. According to American, Encore’s first season is already sold out.
Eighth for Snake and Columbia
Encore will cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Her itineraries will range from nine to 16 days, including voyages with guided visits to national parks such as Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton.
American Encore is part of the line’s modern riverboat class, with vessels in this series accommodating up to 180 passengers. According to company materials, these ships are designed with outward-facing staterooms and private balconies, along with updated navigation and engineering systems.
The ship will also feature the line’s new Signature Suite, the largest accommodation in the line’s fleet. The more than 1,000-square-foot suite features separate living areas, expansive private balconies, and upgraded finishes throughout.
Encore will bring the total to eight American riverboats operating on the Columbia and Snake rivers, according to the company.
Fleet Expansion Continues
American Encore is the latest vessel in American Cruise Lines’ series of modern riverboats and part of the line’s ongoing expansion of its domestic fleet.
The company has introduced 20 new ships over the past decade and now operates a fleet of 28 river and coastal ships across U.S. waterways. Its portfolio includes more than 50 itineraries across 35 states, positioning the line as the largest river cruise operator in the United States.
American also recently announced American Anthem, its next new ship, will also cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2027.
