American Cruise Lines
US-flag river + small-ship coastal cruising — Mississippi steamboats and beyond
Founded 1991 and Connecticut-based, American Cruise Lines is the only US-flagged operator of paddlewheel Mississippi steamboats and modern Coastal Ships sailing inland and along the US coasts. New-build modern fleet (most ships post-2018) covering the Mississippi system, Alaska Inside Passage, US Pacific Northwest, New England and Southeast.
Where American Cruise Lines sails from
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Find a American Cruise Lines voyage
Real itineraries, real prices — sourced live. Use the filter inside the widget for dates and length.
Why a American Cruise Lines voyage?
Six reasons we recommend this line to the right kind of traveller.
Mississippi paddlewheel steamboats
American Cruise Lines operates four modern paddlewheel riverboats on the Mississippi system (American Queen, American Empress, American Heritage, American Splendor). The mid-American river-cruise experience — Mark Twain country, Civil War history, Cajun cuisine, jazz heritage.
US Pacific Northwest + Alaska Inside Passage
Modern Coastal Ships sail Alaska's Inside Passage (Juneau, Glacier Bay, Sitka), the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, and Pacific California coastal routes. US-flagged means access to ports international ships can't use under Jones Act.
New build modern fleet
Most ships are 2018-2024 builds — modern cabins, large windows, well-curated common spaces. Newer than most US-domestic competition.
All-American crew and inclusive packages
US-flagged ships employ American crew. Pricing includes meals, drinks at lunch and dinner, daily excursions, gratuities. Easy for US travellers — and for international travellers wanting a domestic-US river experience.
Might not be for you if…
No cruise line is for everyone. Here's where American Cruise Lines might not fit. We'll point you elsewhere if so.
You want international itineraries
American Cruise Lines is US-domestic only. For European rivers, look at Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Scenic, Riviera. For international ocean, the major lines.
You want luxury inclusions
American Cruise Lines is premium but not luxury. For ultra-luxury US-river cruising, the alternative is — really, there isn't one. American Cruise Lines is the US river market.
You're flying from the UK on a budget
These voyages start at US ports — typically requiring UK-US flights + pre/post hotel nights. The all-in budget for a UK-departing American Cruise Lines trip is substantial; we can package the full holiday.
Meet the American Cruise Lines ships
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What you actually do all day
What's included in your fare
Every American Cruise Lines fare bakes these in.
All meals
Regional American cuisine — Cajun on Mississippi, Pacific Northwest seafood, etc.
Drinks at lunch and dinner
Wine, beer, soft drinks; spirits packages available
Daily shore excursions
Most are included; some signature experiences extra
Onboard entertainment
Local performers — jazz on Mississippi, regional folk on coast
Good to know
Quick answers about American Cruise Lines
Why US-flag and what's the Jones Act?
Mississippi paddlewheelers — are they authentic?
Is Alaska better with American Cruise Lines or a Princess/HAL Alaska cruise?
Ready to sail with American Cruise Lines?
A Travel Designer who knows American Cruise Lines will pick the right ship, the right itinerary, and the right cabin tier for you. No call centres.