American Cruise Lines Expands Fleet and U.S. Itineraries
American Cruise Lines bills itself as America’s largest cruise line with the newest fleet in the U.S., and recent growth underscores that claim. Based in Guilford, Connecticut, the company now operates 21 vessels on more than 50 distinct itineraries, calling at 125 ports across 35 states in 2025. Among this year’s offerings is a 51‑day “Great United States” river cruise—the longest domestic voyage of its kind—demonstrating ACL’s ambition to introduce travelers to every corner of the nation’s waterways.
The line first ventured onto the Mississippi River system in 2012 with the Queen of the Mississippi, a vessel styled after classic paddlewheelers. Six years later, ACL launched the American Song, inaugurating a modern class of riverboats featuring multi‑story glass atriums and private balconies for every stateroom. Since then, ACL has broadened its scope to include the Hudson, Columbia‑Snake, Potomac and Florida rivers, continually adding new itineraries that showcase America’s inland and coastal beauty.
ACL’s fleet spans six distinct ship classes, each accommodating fewer than 200 guests. The smallest vessels carry just 90 passengers, while the largest host up to 180. All ships are U.S. flagged and constructed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, reflecting the company’s commitment to American craftsmanship and domestic economic support. “We see a lot of potential in the market, and we want to build into the demand and modernize the U.S. cruise industry,” said President and CEO Charles B. Robertson, who assumed leadership from his father, ACL founder Charles A. Robertson, in 2020.
One of ACL’s biggest challenges is educating potential cruisers about domestic river travel. “When you say river cruises people think of Europe, and maybe only think of Europe,” Robertson explained. By highlighting America’s own rivers and varied landscapes, ACL aims to shift consumer perception and draw mature, affluent Baby Boomer travelers who have often explored overseas and are now eager to discover their own backyard.
Every element of the ACL experience emphasizes its American origins. Every itinerary sails exclusively within U.S. waters, every crewmember is American, and every ship leverages domestic suppliers. The all‑inclusive cruise package covers gratuities, port fees, Wi‑Fi, selected cocktails, wine, beer and most shore excursions. Some voyages include hotel stays and airfare on select dates, making planning simpler for guests.
ACL also distinguishes itself by what it does not offer: no casinos, no swimming pools, no prepaid beverage packages and no inside staterooms. This approach appeals to travelers seeking a spacious, luxurious small‑ship experience without the bustle of mega‑liners. The all‑American crew fosters a congenial, casual atmosphere where personal interactions and cultural enrichment are prioritized over formal white‑glove service.
Regional cuisine underscores the domestic focus, with menus featuring American classics and locally sourced specialties—from surf‑and‑turf across the rivers to Cajun redfish on the Mississippi. Evening entertainment centers on Americana, with resident experts and local performers engaging guests in stories, music and traditions tied to each region.
Looking ahead, ACL plans to sustain its growth by building at least three new ships per year. This summer will see the debut of the Patriot class, designed to exceed evolving environmental standards and guest expectations for modern amenities. “We need to watch what our global competitors are doing and make sure we’re better than that,” Robertson concluded, signaling ACL’s commitment to leading the revitalization of American river cruising.
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