American Cruise Lines
The onboard ambience reflects the regions through which you sail, with an attentive, all-American crew looking out for you at all times
With a fleet ranging from authentic paddle steamers to a new class of state-of-the-art river ships, American Cruise Lines operates along waterways all over the USA.
From the mighty Mississippi to the Hudson and the rivers of the Pacific Northwest, you will discover the stories of Lewis and Clarke, delve deep into Southern culture and learn of important historic events like the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Along with this, there is also the opportunity to explore coastal areas such as Chesapeake and Penobscot Bay, Florida and lots more besides..
The ships that sail these itineraries are specifically built to handle these waters but still offer the small ship experience that everybody looks for in a river cruise.
The first of ACL’s new breed of revolutionary river vessels, American Song, was launched in 2018 with the the most recent being American Melody in August 2021. Catering for 184 guests in spacious surroundings, they boast a four-storey glass-enclosed atrium and larger-than-average staterooms. It then continued with the introduction of coastal cats in the line’s innovative Project Blue series of vessels.
American Legend became the latest vessel to join the burgeoning American Cruise Lines fleet in November 2024
The onboard ambience of the ACL fleet reflects the regions through which you sail, with an attentive, all-American crew looking out for you at all times. So-called Riverlorians will also give you the low down on the history surrounding the rivers.
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Wine and beer are complimentary at mealtimes and a special cocktail hour is organised every day so that you can reconnect with other guests to share stories of the day on shore. It is more a feast so be sure not to over-indulge as the soon-to-follow evening meal will be of American-size portions.
Cabins are some of the most spacious examples in the river cruise industry, providing a comfortable and well-designed private area. Some staterooms feature private balconies, while others offer a picture window that opens so you can let the fresh air in.
But take care cruising the Mississippi in the hot season. Open a window and it soaked with humidity in minutes, accompanied by the occasional creepy crawly.
Bathrooms are adequate in size without being ultra luxurious; air-conditioning, bathroom products, flat-screen TVs and DVD players are all among the standard amenities and there is twice-daily room service Single staterooms are also available on every ship to help those travelling solo avoid single supplements.
Large main dining rooms accommodates all guests in a single sitting, and the menu will usually reflects the part of the USA you are exploring.
Built in 2015, American Heritage, formerly Queen of the Mississippi, is an authentic paddlewheeler offering all the comforts of home ©seaviewcruises
Every ship has one or more lounge areas where guests can relax between ports, and the sun deck is the perfect spot to grab a seat when the weather is good. A library offers a peaceful retreat and you can watch the scenery roll by from the open-air exercise area.
Each sailing will feature selected excursions that are included in the cruise fare, but there are more than 160 different activities on offer across the entire program.
Expert guides will help to bring the various destinations to life and your onshore ventures could include visits to famous plantations, wildlife tours in South Carolina and jet boat rides in Hells Canyon, Washington.
Enrichment is furthered by the various musicians and historians who offer their insight and add to your understanding of traditional American culture.
