American Cruise Lines Recent Press Releases
American Cruise Lines on the Mighty Mississippi: Biggest Season Yet Opens March 2023
Guilford, CT—March 1, 2023—American Cruise Lines has just begun the biggest season ever on the Mississippi River. This year, the company is introducing brand new American Serenade, the 6th in the Line’s acclaimed American RiverboatTM series; a new 8-Day Tennessee Rivers itinerary between Nashville and Chattanooga, TN; and a host of new shore excursions with many more active and adventurous options, including one-of-a-kind opportunities like VIP access to a taping of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW®. March through December 2023, American will operate 5 new riverboats and over 11 itineraries exploring the Mighty River and its tributaries from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans, Louisiana— delivering the most exceptional experiences available on the nation’s most iconic waterway.
On April 20th, brand new American Serenade will make its Mississippi debut sailing from New Orleans to Memphis along a special 8-Day Christening Cruise. American Serenade will be accompanied on the Mississippi this season by sister ships American Melody and American Symphony, as well as 2 classic paddlewheelers, American Heritage and American Splendor, both completely renovated in 2022. Only American Cruise Lines offers guests the unique ability to customize their Mississippi River cruise experience—offering the choice between new classic paddlewheelers or new modern riverboats.
Beginning in June, American’s guests will be able to explore more of the Mississippi, cruising famous tributaries including the Tennessee River. Along the company’s new 8-Day Tennessee Rivers itinerary guests will sail between Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee, stopping in: Decatur, AL; Florence, AL; Savannah, TN; Paducah, TN; and cruising Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. In addition to the Tennessee River, the company continues to offer adventures along other less traveled Mississippi tributaries. Along American’s 8-Day Music Cities cruises, guests explore portions of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers between Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, stopping in: Clarksville, TN; Dover, TN; Paducah, KY; and cruising Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. In addition to new riverboats and new itineraries, American Cruise Lines continues to operate the longest U.S. River cruise, their 22-Day Complete Mississippi River cruise which explores 10 states and nearly the full length of the river in a single journey. Dates for this amazing cruise are offered on American Symphony in June, and aboard brand- new American Serenade in August 2023; both sailings include all the company’s fantastic pre-cruise options.
Also new for the 2023 Mississippi Season, American has added a plethora of new shore excursions, as well as new enrichment—focusing on culinary opportunities on board and on shore, as well as many more active shore experiences. This year, more adventurous guests can enjoy new experiences like the Lee County Agritourism Experience, the Mark Twain Cave Exploration & Wine Tasting, or the Natchez Trails to Tamales Experience, and many more new options in ports up and down the River.
All American’s 2023 Mississippi River cruises include 1-Night Complimentary Hotel Stays in every departure port, plus longer extended pre-cruise packages, including a special 2-night Graceland Package in Memphis, a 2-Night Grand Ole Opry Package in Nashville, and luxury Four Seasons Hotel Pre-Cruise Packages in select departure cities. American’s Mississippi River cruises also continue to offer 100% private shoreside transportation, aboard new luxury Cruise Coaches, which follow the riverboats from port-to-port. All cruises offer Flat-Rate Domestic Airfare, and select dates offer Complimentary Airfare.
At the end of 2023, the wonderful season will culminate with American’s festive Holiday Cruises—from Thanksgiving Cruises to Christmas and New Year’s Cruises, the merriment on the River never ends.
New Mississippi River cruise schedules through 2024 are available on the company’s website. Please visit https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/mississippi-river-cruises to explore the possibilities.
About American Cruise Lines:
American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small ship cruising in the U.S.A. American continues to launch the newest U.S. built ships for Cruising Close to Home®. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. In 2023, American will operate 17 ships, each accommodating just 90-180 passengers, which cruise more than 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states. American offers Flat-Rate Domestic Airfare for all its U.S. cruises and Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays in cities across the country.
Media Contact: Alexa Paolella Public Relations Manager Tel: (203) 453-6800 Email: Media@AmericanCruiseLines.com
American Cruise Lines Alaska Season is Underway 1 st Ship to Dock in Haines in 622 Days!
Guilford, CT—June 28, 2021—American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that their 2021 Alaska season is underway and their small ship cruises will continue to explore throughout Southeast Alaska all summer long. On June 12th , American Constellation was the first cruise ship to dock in Haines in 622 days (since September 29, 2019). To celebrate the town’s 1 st docking in almost 2 years, American’s guests were warmly welcomed on shore by Mayor Douglass Olerud, the Chilkat Dancers, and many members of the Haines community.
“We are thrilled to be back in Haines and appreciate the wonderful reception we received from the community. We have worked diligently throughout Southeast Alaska to coordinate with each port to ensure the safe resumption of domestic cruising,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We look forward to 12 dockings in Haines this year and many more in the coming years, as the popularity of experiencing Alaska’s majesty aboard small, new U.S. ships continues to grow.”
Once the welcome festivities concluded, American’s guests immediately began several guided smallgroup tours of Haines. Shore excursions included kayaking on Chilkoot Lake and rafting in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, historical walking tours of Haines, an exploration of the Haines Sheldon Museum, as well as visits to local shops, restaurants, and other cultural sites.
American Cruise Lines has been exploring Alaska since 2010 aboard small U.S. built ships which follow 100% domestic itineraries ranging from 8 to 15 days in length. This year, the Line also added a brand new 11-Day Alaskan Explorer cruise to their offerings in Alaska. Each summer, June through September, America’s small ships operate between Seattle and Juneau, roundtrip from Juneau, and between Ketchikan and Juneau. American’s new 11-Day Alaskan Explorer cruise sails the Inside Passage, Clarence Strait, Tracy Arm, and Glacier Bay, and includes visits to Mendenhall Glacier, LeConte Glacier, and Chilkoot Lake.
Throughout the summer, American’s cruises will continue to discover Southeast Alaska’s unique cultures, scenic glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. Specializing in personalized experiences, American’s uniquely curated cruises explore the Inside Passage, Frederick Sound, Glacier Bay, and Tracy Arm and visit Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Petersburg, Ketchikan, Haines, and Wrangell among other picturesque sites throughout the Southeast region. All cruises include a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night in Juneau, and the newest Alaskan Explorer itinerary offers a complimentary hotel stay at the iconic Cape Fox Lodge for departures from Ketchikan.
In every Alaskan port of call, American has well-established relationships with local vendors, experts, and guides as well as cultural institutions, national parks, and wildlife conservationists. Both on board and on shore, the Line provides entertainment, specialized enrichment packages, and personalized service. Guided shore excursions are offered at every port in Alaska and include: private fishing charters, Tlingit cultural experiences, wildlife kayaking excursions, glacier flight-seeing adventures, active hikes, and casual walking tours.
2021 cruises are aboard American Constellation, one of the Line’s newest, fully stabilized 175-passenger coastal ships. It offers smooth small ship cruising, the most spacious staterooms in the industry, of which nearly 100% feature a private balcony for amazing up-close views of Alaska’s breathtaking natural beauty.
About American Cruise Lines: American Cruise Lines was the first cruise line to resume cruising in the U.S.A. earlier this year on March 13th, 2021. The Line offers the finest river cruising and coastal cruising in the country. Year after year, American continues to launch the newest small ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home.™ On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard the most sophisticated fleet of modern riverboats and small cruise ships in the country. American operates 13 ships, all accommodating just 100-190 passengers, which cruise more than 35 itineraries in over 30 states.
American Extends Cruise with Comfort Plan and Protects Travel Advisor Commissions
Guilford, CT—May 12, 2020—American Cruise Lines announced today that it has extended its popular Cruise with Comfort program and will continue to protect 100% of travel advisor commissions on all Cruise with Comfort bookings. The program will now include all cruises departing through October 31st, 2020 and may be applied to both new and existing bookings. American implemented Cruise with Comfort earlier this year to provide flexibility to both guests and travel advisors, as they navigate the difficult travel decisions surrounding COVID-19.
Cruise with Comfort allows guests to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before the start of their cruise and receive Cruise Vouchers for 100% of amounts paid. The plan has been popular among guests for the peace of mind it creates, and has been extremely well received by travel advisors because it protects all commissions based on the original sailing date. If a guest cancels their cruise, even just one day before traveling, the travel advisor is compensated fully for their work.
Earlier this year American also rolled out its Travel Advisor Assurance Plan which contains some of the most guest and agent friendly policies in the river cruise industry. Under the Travel Advisor Assurance Plan, commissions that are affected by Cruise with Comfort or by suspended cruise operations will be 100% commission protected for Cruise Vouchers issued.
“Our travel advisor partners have appreciated our commission policy in particular, because it compensates them sooner than later for their efforts,” said Susan Shultz, Vice President of Trade Relations for American. “Plus, Cruise with Comfort has helped advisors sell, because it allows guests the ability to cancel their cruise up to 24-hours before the cruise begins and still retain the full value of their cruise.”
For more information and details on American’s Cruise with Comfort plan or Travel Advisor Assurance plan, please contact American Cruise Lines at: 800-894-8570, or visit our website www.AmericanCruiseLines.com.
About American Cruise Lines:
Year after year, American Cruise Lines continues to launch the newest small ships and curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home™. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard the most sophisticated fleet of modern riverboats and small cruise ships in the country. American operates 12 ships along more than 35 itineraries—offering the finest river cruising and coastal cruising in the U.S.A.
American Cruise Lines Travel Advisor Assurance Plan
Guilford, CT—March 24, 2020—American Cruise Lines has unveiled its full Travel Advisor Assurance Plan following the Line’s voluntary decision to suspend cruise operations through April 30th, 2020. The new plan contains some of the most guest and agent friendly policies in the river cruise industry. Most significantly, the plan includes assurance from American that it will protect Travel Advisor commissions for bookings impacted by COVID-19.
Earlier this month, American proactively rolled out flexible new options for guests and has now bundled them into one simple Travel Advisor Assurance Plan for agents.
Cruise with Comfort: This new option offers flexibility to guests for all new and existing bookings on cruises departing through August 31st, 2020. Guests that opt for this offer have the ability to cancel for any reason up to 24-hours prior to the start of their Cruise Package and to receive Cruise Vouchers equal to 100% of the amounts paid.
Suspended Cruise Options: Guests booked on any cruises that have been suspended by American will have the option to receive a full money-back refund or Cruise Vouchers equal to 125% of all amounts paid for their Cruise Package. American has been contacting guests and travel advisors directly about their options for cruises suspended due to COVID-19.
Commissions: Advisor commissions that could be affected by either Cruise with Comfort or suspended operations will be 100% commission protected for Cruise Vouchers issued. Commissions will be paid based on the original sailing date for any payments made toward commissionable items.
“Our travel advisor partners have appreciated our commission policy in particular, because it compensates them sooner than later for their efforts,” said Susan Shultz, VP of Trade Relations. “Plus, Cruise with Comfort has helped advisors sell, because it allows guests the ability to cancel their cruise up to 24-hours before the cruise begins.”
“Over the past year, we have worked consistently to offer the most competitive travel advisor programs in the industry,” said Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American. “These changes have been very well received because they give guests the confidence to book travel, and they give advisors prompt compensation for their efforts. They reinforce our strength as a company, our commitment to our guests, and our gratitude to our travel advisor partners.”
For more information and details on American Cruise Lines’ Advisor Assurance Plan, Cruise with Comfort option, or the most recent information on suspended cruises, please contact American Cruise Lines at: 800-894-8570, or visit our website.
About American Cruise Lines:
Year after year, American Cruise Lines continues to launch the newest small ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home™. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard the most sophisticated fleet of modern riverboats and small cruise ships in the country. American operates 12 ships along more than 35 itineraries— offering the finest river cruising and coastal cruising in the U.S.A.
American Cruise Lines to Accelerate Expansion 3 New Riverboats to Debut in the Next 20 Months
GUILFORD, CT—February 26, 2020—American Cruise Lines announced today that it will launch two additional modern riverboats for the 2021 season. Construction is already underway on the new riverboats and will ramp up as American Jazz, the Line’s 3rd modern riverboat, is readied for its 2020 debut in New Orleans.
The two riverboats coming next year will be sister ships to the American Harmony and American Jazz, but will feature new design elements that appeal to today’s discerning travelers. Further design enhancements will be unveiled later this year.
“These new ships show our continued commitment to leading the Mississippi River cruise market,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “The American fleet is already unrivaled and the new riverboats will allow us to continue to roll out innovative amenities that enhance
guest experiences.” All three new ships are being built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD, an affiliate of American Cruise Lines.
“Chesapeake Shipbuilding is well-suited to increase production output,” said Steve McGee, President of Chesapeake Shipbuilding. “We have five hull fabrication buildings and more than 1,000 feet of deep water bulkhead to build and outfit multiple ships at the same time.”
American’s series of modern riverboats ushered in a new era of river cruising in the U.S. The Line introduced the country’s 1st modern riverboat in 2018, with the historic debut of the series flagship, American Song. The 2nd modern riverboat, American Harmony, was introduced in 2019 and the 3rd, American Jazz, begins cruising the Mississippi in 2020.
American Cruise Lines has introduced 5 new ships since 2017, including new coastal ships, and will have 14 ships cruising in 2021. By expanding both its river and coastal fleet, American is able to offer an unprecedented number of itineraries across the country.
American’s Modern Riverboats showcase gorgeous multi-story glass atriums and exciting contemporary design
About American Cruise Lines:
Year after year, American Cruise Lines continues to launch the newest small ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home™. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history and spirit of the United States aboard the most sophisticated fleet of riverboats and small cruise
ships in the country. American operates 12 ships along more than 35 itineraries—offering the finest river cruising and coastal cruising in the U.S.A.
American Sets Sales Records River Cruising is More Popular Than Ever in the U.S.A.
GUILFORD, CT—February 24, 2020—American Cruise Lines announced today the strongest start to Wave Season in the company’s history. Wave Season, the cruise industry term for first quarter sales, has surpassed company expectations, with records broken in nearly every category. Demand for small ship cruises across the U.S.A. has been on the rise for some time according to American.
The company attributes much of the recent growth to the introduction of its modern riverboat series. The new riverboats offer contemporary styling with an open airy design that brings the outside world in. “Our new riverboats provide the fresh atmosphere for U.S. River cruising that today’s travelers are seeking,” says Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of the Line. “The modern riverboats offer everything that American is already well known for, most importantly our small guest capacity, but they also add modern sophistication that appeals to a broader market of river cruise consumer.” Only American offers the finest U.S. river cruises aboard both paddlewheelers and new modern riverboats.
The record sales also come amid American’s new Cruise Close to Home™ advertising campaign which launched late last year. “The new campaign was designed to remind travelers that the finest river cruising experiences are available right here in the U.S.A. with an experienced all American company,” said Robertson. The Line estimates that 90% of Americans can drive to its cruises, skipping flights and additional travel hassles. American’s fleet of new small ships operate from February through December each year, departing from ports conveniently located across the country.
About American Cruise Lines:
Year after year, American Cruise Lines continues to launch the newest small ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home™. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history and spirit of the United States aboard the most sophisticated fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships in the country. American operates 13 ships along more than 35 itineraries—offering the finest river cruising and coastal cruising in the U.S.A.
