American Cruise Lines

Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™

American Cruise Lines’ cruises are the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the beauty and history of America at their own pace on a truly unique and unforgettable journey. As the largest, most awarded cruise line in the U.S., American Cruise Lines has led the way for over 50 years, with more than 35 expertly crafted itineraries ranging from 5 to 22 days in length. Visiting the Pacific Northwest, San Francisco, the Puget Sound, Alaska, New England, the Southeast and the Florida Keys, and the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Columbia, and Snake Rivers,

American Cruise Lines River Cruises and Ocean Cruises offer unparalleled, breathtaking views of picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant cities. Their fleet of American-built, flagged, and crewed riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of-the-art navigation, and safety equipment, with elevator service to all decks. Cruising on their world-class riverboats and ships, you’ll enjoy comfortable lounges and large observation decks, along with attentive and gracious service, that provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share your interest in American heritage.Overall, the decor of the American Cruise Lines’ ships and boats is sophisticated and inviting, with a focus on comfort and charm. Their ships and boats are tastefully designed, featuring classic and elegant appointments often described as traditional American style. The interiors have warm wood accents, brass fixtures, and comfortable furnishings. Many common areas are spacious and open, providing a welcoming atmosphere for passengers to relax and socialize. Additionally, the ships and boats often feature artwork and decorations that celebrate the local culture and history of the regions they sail in.

Cruising In Comfort with Exceptional, Personalized Service.

American Cruise Lines’ staterooms, most at more than 220 square feet, are by far the largest in their class – the majority of which have spacious private balconies and feature a roomy private hotel-like bath. In addition, they are well-furnished, with plush bedding and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. American Cruise Lines River Cruises and Ocean Cruises are largely all-inclusive, offering guests almost everything they need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. Their ships and boats are small, with only 90-180 passengers, so guests can enjoy a more intimate experience, delivering culture, history, enlightenment, and enrichment, without the distractions of buffets, casinos, and wave pools. Their crew members take pride in treating their guests with the utmost care and attention – knowing their guests by name and understanding their preferences. ngredients. Fresh foods are brought aboard daily, some from the farms and vineyards you’ll visit along the way. Their culinary program is one more way that they connect your onboard experience to the destinations you’ll visit. American Cruise Lines’ cruises offer open, unassigned seating at every meal, the atmosphere is informal, and the dress is resort casual. Guests enjoy complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service, and a complimentary cocktail hour with a full bar is hosted each evening before dinner.

American Cruise Lines River Cruises and Ocean Cruises offer over 400 comprehensive, guided shore excursions and tours that bring out the distinct flavor and unique culture of the regions visited. Each adventure is meticulously planned and supported by personal guides who are well-versed in the area’s history, so guests can fully appreciate the significance of each port-of-call. American Cruise Lines invites carefully-selected naturalists, historians, and musicians onboard for enrichment programs, including informal lectures, open discussions, concerts, and activities that bring local history, nature, and culture to life.Small group excursions range from museums, historic landmarks, and culturally enriching sites to more active excursions such as hiking, kayaking, and bicycling. With American Cruise Lines, it’s about simple sophistication. As you travel to the most extraordinary destinations across the United States, you’ll enjoy an elevated cruise experience through personalized exploration, well-designed enrichment programs on board and ashore, and all the comforts that come with cruising on the newest fleet in the country. If an American Cruise Lines River Cruise or Ocean Cruise seems like the perfect cruise for you, contact our American Cruise Lines’ expert travel advisors today to book your next extraordinary cruise adventure!

What’s Included In Your Cruise Package?

Your extraordinary cruise adventure comes with many included amenities from the cruise line. In addition, Extraordinary Adventures offers our clients extra complimentary benefits as well as popular upgrades to create a seamless door-to-door experience – all the more reason to select Extraordinary Adventures as your travel agency!

Included in Every American Cruise Lines Cruise

  • Luxurious accommodations

  • Master Chef prepared menus

  • Beer and wine with meals

  • Complimentary cocktail hour

  • Guided shore excursions

  • Onboard enrichment with naturalists, historians, musicians, and more

  • Gratuities

Your Extraordinary Adventures Cruise Also Includes

  • Expert guidance choosing your itinerary, ship, and stateroom
  • Recommendations on shore excursions
  • Advice on cruise and travel policies and procedures
  • Emergency assistance while on your trip
  • Recommendations on travel insurance

Add Extraordinary Adventures White Glove Service to Receive

  • We arrange car service and transfers
  • We book flights*
  • We reserve hotel stays
  • Pre-cruise and post-cruise travel planning assistance

$250 Planning Fee per stateroom

Complimentary for guests who book this cruise line
*Terms and conditions apply

Frequently Asked Questions About American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S.-flagged cruise line, operating exclusively within the United States. Their small ships carry between 100-180 guests and are designed specifically for American waterways, allowing access to small ports and intimate destinations that larger ships cannot reach. All crew members are American, and the experience focuses on authentic American history, culture, and natural beauty.
American Cruise Lines offers itineraries throughout the United States, including the Mississippi River system (Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers), the Pacific Northwest (Columbia and Snake Rivers), Alaska’s Inside Passage, New England, the Southeast and Gulf Coast, and Puget Sound. Each region offers unique cultural and historical experiences with a focus on American heritage.
American Cruise Lines offers an inclusive experience with shore excursions included at every port, all onboard meals and room service, complimentary cocktail hour with premium spirits and wines, Wi-Fi throughout the ship, bicycles and kayaks for guest use, onboard enrichment programs, and all gratuities for onboard staff. The only additional costs are typically spa services and premium wines at dinner.
American Cruise Lines operates several ship classes, including modern riverboats, coastal cruisers, and authentic paddlewheel vessels. Their newest ships feature all-balcony staterooms, elevator access to all decks, a grand dining room, multiple lounges, fitness center, and an open-air top deck for scenic viewing. Ships are designed with stability and comfort in mind for river and coastal cruising.
No passport is required for American Cruise Lines voyages since all itineraries operate entirely within the United States. U.S. citizens only need a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. This makes American Cruise Lines an excellent choice for travelers who prefer hassle-free domestic travel without international documentation requirements.
Dining aboard American Cruise Lines features regionally-inspired American cuisine prepared fresh daily. Menus highlight local specialties from each region visited—Cajun flavors on Mississippi cruises, fresh seafood in New England, and Pacific Northwest cuisine on Columbia River sailings. Open seating allows flexibility, and the complimentary cocktail hour each evening features premium beverages and hors d’oeuvres.
Each cruise features expert-led enrichment programs tailored to the destination. These include onboard historians, naturalists, and local speakers who provide context about the regions visited. Evening entertainment often includes live music reflecting local traditions—jazz on the Mississippi, folk music in New England, and storytelling throughout. The focus is on authentic American culture and history.
Yes, American Cruise Lines ships are designed with accessibility in mind. Most vessels feature elevators serving all passenger decks, accessible staterooms, wide corridors, and gentle gangways. The small ship size means less walking distance, and the attentive American crew provides personalized assistance. Shore excursions are designed with various activity levels to accommodate different mobility needs.
The dress code aboard American Cruise Lines is country club casual throughout the voyage. During the day, comfortable resort wear is appropriate, and evenings call for smart casual attire—no formal nights or tuxedos required. This relaxed approach reflects the line’s focus on comfortable, authentic American travel experiences.
American Cruise Lines recommends booking 6-12 months in advance, particularly for popular sailings like fall foliage in New England, spring on the Mississippi, and Alaska departures. Their small ship capacity means cabins sell out quickly. Early booking also provides the best selection of stateroom categories and may qualify for early booking incentives.

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Start Your Extraordinary Family Adventure Now!

If you’re looking for a cruise agency that hoists the extra sail for your family, you’re looking for Extraordinary Adventures. We’re here to answer any questions and help you craft your next extraordinary family cruise adventure. Contact us now!