American Cruise Lines Expands Fleet and Route Offerings for 2026: What’s New?

In 2026, American Cruise Lines (ACL) is set to expand its fleet and itineraries, introducing three new vessels and 11 new routes, marking a significant growth phase for the company. This year aims to cover nearly 200 U.S. ports while navigating through the country’s rivers and coastlines.

The new itineraries feature two cruises that focus on National Parks. The first is a 15-day Pacific Northwest voyage, which includes guided explorations of Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks, with additional sailings around Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and Friday Harbor. The second is an 11-day cruise along the Tennessee River in the Appalachian region, allowing guests to experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and visit towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

The schedule also enhances the routes over inland and coastal waterways, with new cruise options through the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Among these routes is a first-of-its-kind 9-day journey on the Arkansas River from Memphis to Tulsa, as well as a new Gulf Coast route connecting New Orleans, Louisiana, with Pensacola, Florida, among other destinations.

For the first time, ACL will offer fully domestic cruises on the Great Lakes, featuring a 9-day tour around the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, a 9-day itinerary covering Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, and a 14-day adventure over 800 miles through Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan.

The new vessels include the modern riverboat American Encore, which will start sailing the Columbia and Snake Rivers in May, hosting 180 passengers in all-balcony staterooms, including single-guest cabins. Additionally, the small coastal ships American Maverick and American Ranger, part of the company’s Patriot Class, will commence operations on East Coast itineraries later in the year, each capable of accommodating up to 130 guests.

For more information, visit American Cruise Lines.

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