American Cruise Lines Announces New Northwest National Parks Cruises

American Cruise Lines (ACL) has introduced a new 15 day-itinerary option to its portfolio of Northwest National Parks cruises. The tour will operate roundtrip from Tacoma, Washington and include seven days of guided park explorations followed by eight days of cruising. The line’s website lists 15 departures of these new Northwest National Parks cruises in September 2026 and from July through September 2027.

The 170-passenger ship American Constellation on a pristine Puget Sound. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line. — The 170-passenger ship *American Constellation* on a pristine Puget Sound. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line.

Fares are fully inclusive and cover hotels, dining, cocktails, entertainment, and guided park tours led by dedicated guides. Highlights include Reflection Lake and Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park, the Hoh Rainforest and Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, and Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park. The itinerary also features Hurricane Ridge, Deception Pass State Park, and the capital city of Olympia.

Passengers will travel aboard the 170-passenger American Constitution and American Constellation for the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise portion. Activities include whale watching, kayaking, hiking, wine tastings, and a visit to Victoria, British Columbia’s Butchart Gardens. The small ships are also schedule to call at Anacortes, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, and Poulsbo, Washington.

The 350-sq.-ft., Deluxe Balcony stateroom with twin-bed configuration aboard American Constitution. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line. — The 350-sq.-ft., Deluxe Balcony stateroom with twin-beds configuration aboard *American Constitution*. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line.

This itinerary adds to the company’s collection of 11- to 19-day National Parks itineraries, including National Parks & Legendary Rivers, Great Smoky Mountains Cruise, and several Alaska programs combining Denali, Glacier Bay, and Kenai Fjords National Parks.

The main restaurant aboard American Constitution offers elegant, panoramic dining. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line. — The main restaurant aboard *American Constitution* offers elegant, panoramic dining. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line.

The Chesapeake Lounge aboard American Constitution offers panoramic views and a relaxed setting for socializing and scenic cruising. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line. — The main restaurant aboard *American Constitution* offers elegant, panoramic dining. Image courtesy of American Cruise Line.

ACL says they offer more than 50 itineraries across nearly 40 U.S. states aboard 28 small ships and riverboats.

A Growing Domestic Market

American Cruise Lines’ latest expansion reflects the growing appeal of U.S. river and coastal cruising. This niche is defined by small ships, regional storytelling, and strong interest in American heritage and nature-based travel.

The segment has seen steady momentum since the pandemic, driven by travelers looking for slower, more experiential ways to explore closer to home. Unlike large ocean vessels, these ships typically carry fewer than 200 passengers and sail entirely under the U.S. flag. This distinction allows them to operate exclusively between domestic U.S. ports.

ACL remains the clear leader in this sector. Several other operators share the domestic small-ship space including Viking, UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises (a sister brand to ACL), and Victory Cruise Line. Together, they represent a boutique but steadily growing segment of the wider cruise industry.