“The United States is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world,” said Alexa Paolella, public relations manager for American Cruise Lines. “Our geography is so varied and offers the most beautiful rivers, bays, lakes and coastlines anywhere in the world—perfect for exploration by small ships and riverboats. So, it is very important to have world-class new small ships available for folks who would like to explore a little closer to home.” This philosophy is reflected in the company’s continued growth into new regions and waterways across the country. 

Charting a Course to the Great Lakes 

Now, the company is charting a new course with the introduction of Great Lakes itineraries, extending its all-American footprint to one of the country’s most scenic regions. While several international cruise operators already sail the Great Lakes, their itineraries typically include both U.S. and Canadian ports, requiring passengers to carry passports and clear customs between countries. 

American Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes itineraries feature exclusively U.S. ports, reflecting the rising demand for domestic cruising. This fully domestic approach not only simplifies travel for guests but also allows the company to dock in locations where internationally flagged ships cannot.  

The new Great Lakes cruises have already generated strong interest among travelers. 

“The initial response has been great,” Paolella said. “This was not a total surprise since many of our existing guests have been asking for an all-domestic cruise on the Great Lakes for years. We also have many repeat guests, Eagle Society members who cruise with us again and again. … and many of them are already booking the three new Great Lakes itineraries we are offering for 2026.”  

The Eagle Society is American Cruise Line’s loyalty program, offering many benefits and early access to new itineraries.  

The American Patriot
Launching in May, the Great Lakes cruises will operate aboard American Patriot, a small ship offering an intimate and personalized experience with a capacity of 130 guests. Built in the United States in 2025, the vessel combines the comforts and amenities of a larger ship with the accessibility of a small-ship format. Guests can enjoy spacious gathering spaces, tranquil suites, fitness centers, open seating dining and private balconies that offer breathtaking scenic views. 

The American Patriot will operate three distinct itineraries: two nine-day voyages and a signature 14-day cruise. Passengers will visit iconic destinations such as Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands, Green Bay, Mackinac Island and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Each itinerary offers on-shore excursions led by local guides and accompanied by American Cruise Lines’ team members. Excursions may include visits to museums, wineries, historic sites and local landmarks, providing travelers a fully immersive experience of America’s heartland.  

On-board experts will also share the Great Lakes region’s maritime history, from legendary shipwrecks to the shipping routes that helped build the Midwest. Guests can also learn about the region’s freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. 

Strengthening Local Economies 

Beyond enhancing travel opportunities for passengers, American Cruise Lines’ expansion into new waterways brings measurable economic benefits to the communities it visits. The company collaborates with local ports and waterfront communities to create new docking opportunities, providing travelers with access to towns and regions that might otherwise be overlooked. These investments help stimulate spending in small businesses, museums, transportation services, restaurants and cultural attractions, giving local economies a boost while showcasing the unique character of each destination.

Paolella said American Cruise Lines’ partnerships with cities and ports on the U.S. inland and coastal waterways have been beneficial.  

“From new dock projects in Natchez, Mississippi, and Kenner, Louisiana, to projects along other U.S. rivers, like the Columbia and Snake, where American [Cruise Lines] recently opened Idaho’s first cruise dock, the positive impacts of our local partnerships are meaningful, especially in smaller communities, wonderful towns that might otherwise be missed,” she said. “Each new project expands the potential for extraordinary river cruise experiences, while improving waterfront access for local residents and delivering ongoing economic benefits for years to come.”  

The company also encourages new ports of call to join its network as demand continues to rise. Paolella advises interested marina owners and waterfront communities to take a proactive role in establishing contact. “Reach out to our operations team and more specifically to our director of port development and construction,” she said. “American Cruise Lines is always adding new ports and stops in cool locations around the country, expanding and creating new itineraries and adding to existing ones.”