The Largest River and Small-Ship U.S. Cruise Line Has All-New Itineraries and Vessels

Including the largest paddlewheel river cruise ship in the USA! American Cruise Lines has a unique approach to cruising: U.S. itineraries only, on river ships and with a river-cruise approach to coastal cruising using an innovative fleet of small ships of their own design.

 

The appetite for cruising on American rivers and in domestic waters on coastal routes just keeps growing, and American Cruise Lines’ fleet has tripled in just a few years. It’s now the largest in the country – and in the top three river cruise lines in the world!

 

American has now announced the 5^th and 6^th new small ships in their 12-ship “Project Blue Fleet” coming in 2025. That will bring the cruise line up to 21 small ships sailing in 35 states: along both coasts and all the major American rivers between them.  

 

 

The 2 new, 125-guest sister ships will be built in the company’s Maryland shipyard and following their launches, will cruise itineraries up and down the East Coast, including American Cruise Lines’ all-new 15-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruises, beginning in 2025. This new longer Florida itinerary follows the popular 2024 launch of American’s 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which are offered on several of the Line’s first four Project Blue ships, 100-passenger “Coastal Cats.”

 

The two new ships will feature 5 decks and 56 staterooms, and are designed with a more traditional bow construction and slightly deeper draft with full stabilization, enhancing coastwise capabilities for smooth sailing.

 

Inside, elegant interior design and spacious 100% private balcony accommodations will offer a range of large standard staterooms, suites, and singles. The ships’ 4th decks are ground-breaking for ships of this size: all-suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet.

 

Both new ships will feature an expansive Main Lounge and Restaurant, offering guests water views from every seat. The top deck will feature sitting, dining, and fitness areas including a 360-degree Skywalk walking track, an indoor Sky Lounge, outside Sun Deck, and casual café. The new ships also offer a Bow Terrace and Horizon Lounge, as well as indoor fitness center.

 

 

Earlier this year, American Cruise Lines revealed it had purchased 4 river cruise ships from now-defunct American Queen Voyages. As a result, American Cruise Lines owns the American Queen, the largest-ever paddlewheel cruise ship in the U.S.

 

The company says it will soon announce more details about the future plans for the American Queen as well as the other three river cruise ships it has acquired. American Cruise Lines already owns one of its own Mississippi paddlewheelers. 

 

American has launched the only cruises sailing from Washington, DC – the first in 65 years. The first 2024 American Revolution cruise departed from The Wharf on March 26^th 2024. The American Revolution sailings will continue exploring Chesapeake Bay on many dates through Spring and again in fall 2024.

 

The longest river cruise in U.S. history departs in August, 2024. American Cruise Lines’ first-ever 61-Day Great United States cruise is sold out for 2024 and more dates have been added for 2025 & 2026.

 

American introduced an array of new and exclusive National Parks cruises for 2024.Two cruise in Alaska, visiting Denali and Kenai Fords National Parks; one cruises the Tennessee River, visiting Smoky Mountains National Park; and the popular National Parks & Legendary Rivers cruises sail the Columbia & Snake Rivers and visit 3 National parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier.

 

A brand-new 35-Day Civil War Battlefields cruise also departs for first time in May 2024. The 35-Day cruise in sold out for 2024, and American Cruise Lines has added more dates for 2025 and beyond.