About American Cruise Lines River Cruises
“American Cruise Lines specializes in a unique style of small ship cruising along the inland waterways and rivers of the United States. Fascinating itineraries include the Pacific Northwest, Maine, New England Islands, Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, the Historic South & Golden Isles, Florida, and the Mississippi River. With no more than 120 guests onboard, passengers experience each port of call, up close and personal, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers and the exemplary service that is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines.” — American Cruise Lines River Cruises
No company knows America's rivers like American Cruise Lines. On the Mississippi alone, the line offers 16 itineraries, from an 8-day Highlights of the Mississippi round-trip out of New Orleans to a 23-day voyage covering the river's complete length between New Orleans and St. Paul, with storied calls at Memphis, Natchez, Hannibal, and more. Guests choose between the nostalgic charm of traditional paddlewheelers and the contemporary elegance of modern American Riverboats, the newest vessels on the river, carrying just 180 guests.
The river map reaches far beyond the Heartland. In the Pacific Northwest, eight riverboats and paddlewheelers follow the Lewis and Clark trail on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, cruising from desert plains to forested mountains. The line also sails the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, and Arkansas Rivers, and introduced Hudson River summer and fall foliage cruises that are the only ones of their kind. Themed departures celebrate everything from Mark Twain to fall foliage and the nation's 250th anniversary.
Every fare is all-inclusive: meals with beer, wine, and spirits, a pre-cruise hotel night, at least one excursion in every port, cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and port fees. Onboard historians and riverlorians bring each bend of the river to life, making these cruises ideal for travelers who want American history delivered with genuine, unhurried comfort.
Save on American Cruise Lines River Cruises with Pavlus Travel
Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book American Cruise Lines River Cruises through Pavlus and our exclusive discounts stack on top of the line's own current promotions — then our Lowest Price Guarantee keeps it that way. You never pay a service or planning fee, and you work one-on-one with a dedicated advisor who knows American Cruise Lines River Cruises inside and out, from first quote to final port.
- Exclusive Pavlus savings on every American Cruise Lines River Cruises sailing
- Lowest Price Guarantee — matched or beaten
- Never any service or planning fees
- A dedicated personal travel advisor, not a call center
- 30+ years of negotiated cruise-line relationships
Get Your American Cruise Lines River Cruises Quote
Our advisors quote the real bottom-line price — exclusive savings included — in minutes, with zero obligation.
Call 1-800-528-9300 Browse Sailings & Get a QuoteThe American Cruise Lines River Cruises Experience
The Mississippi, 16 Ways
From an 8-day New Orleans round-trip to the 23-day Complete Mississippi River Cruise, the line offers 16 itineraries across America's most iconic river.
Paddlewheelers & Modern Riverboats
Choose classic paddlewheel nostalgia or the newest riverboats on the river; paddlewheeler guests earn recognition in the Steamboat Society of America.
Columbia & Snake Rivers
Eight ships trace the Lewis and Clark trail through the Pacific Northwest, with vineyard country, dramatic gorges, and river locks along the way.
One-of-a-Kind Hudson Cruises
Summer Classic and Fall Foliage itineraries on the Hudson River are the only river cruises of their kind, announced as exclusives by the line.
All-Inclusive from Hotel to Homeport
A pre-cruise hotel stay, all meals and drinks, daily excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and port fees are wrapped into every river fare.
Onboard River Experts
Resident historians, regional experts, and live entertainers connect every port call to the music, history, and culture of the river.
What's Included with American Cruise Lines River Cruises
- All meals and beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits
- Complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay with luggage service and transportation to the ship
- At least one shore excursion in every port
- Signature evening cocktail hour
- Onboard entertainment and enrichment programs
- Wi-Fi
- All gratuities
- Port charges and fees
The American Cruise Lines River Cruises Fleet (25 ships sailing bookable itineraries)
American Anthem 
American Eagle 
American Encore 
American Glory 
American Grace 
American Harmony 
American Heritage 
American Independence 
American Jazz 
American Legend 
American Liberty 
American Mariner 
American Maverick 
American Melody 
American Navigator 
American Pride 
American Ranger 
American Serenade 
American Song 
American Splendor 
American Star 
American Symphony 
American West Civil War Cruise Great United States Cruise Where American Cruise Lines River Cruises Sails
Good to Know Before You Book
Gratuities & tipping
Gratuities are not included in the cruise fare on American Cruise Lines, but tipping is neither required nor expected. If you wish to express special thanks for excellent service, you may tip directly to individual crew members.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation By Guest
| Days Before Cruise Embarkation Date | Standard Cancellation Terms | Cancel For Any Reason Protection Plan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Protection | Deluxe Protection | ||
| Up to 91 Days | 100% money-back refund | 100% money-back refund | 100% money-back refund |
| Between 90 and 46 Days | 50% money-back refund | 80% money-back refund | 90% money-back refund |
| Between 45 and 10 Days | 0% | 80% money-back refund | 90% money-back refund |
| 9 Days or Less and Up until the Start of Your Cruise | 0% | 70% in Cruise Credits | 80% in Cruise Credits |
All cancellations will incur a non-refundable $250.00 per person Cancellation Administrative Charge.
*The Plan is a cancellation fee waiver offered by American Cruise Lines. This is not insurance.
** All refunds will incur $250.00 per person charge.
*** You receive Deluxe Protection when you purchase the Plan within 14 days of initial payment for your cruise package. Plans purchased 15 days or later receives Basic Protection only and are not eligible for Deluxe Protection.
Smoking on board
Traveling with minors
Pregnancy policy
Policies are provided by American Cruise Lines River Cruises and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.