About American Cruise Lines
“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
American Cruise Lines has explored America for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972 by shipbuilder Charles A. Robertson and his wife, Carol, the company grew from the ground up into the leading U.S. small-ship cruise line, and it remains proudly all-American: every ship is built in the USA, flagged in the USA, and crewed by Americans, and every port of call is a U.S. port. Each vessel begins life at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, where the line's own designers plan every detail of construction.
Along the coasts, the fleet is remarkably varied. Nimble Coastal Cats, along with Patriot, Independence, and Constellation Class ships, trace the harbors of New England, the sea islands of the Southeast, Chesapeake Bay, Florida, Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, Alaska's Inside Passage, and now the Great Lakes, always staying close to shore. Carrying just 90 to 180 guests, each ship offers some of the largest staterooms in the industry, from 250 to 1,500 square feet, most with private balconies.
The experience is quietly all-inclusive: fine regional dining, complimentary beverages, shore excursions, a pre-cruise hotel stay, and gratuities are all part of the fare. With more than 50 itineraries across 40 states, this is a natural fit for travelers who want to see America up close, in genuine comfort, without ever needing a passport.
Save on American Cruise Lines with Pavlus Travel
Pavlus Travel has been helping travelers save on the world's best cruise lines since 1994. Book American Cruise Lines 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 inside and out, from first quote to final port.
- Exclusive Pavlus savings on every American Cruise Lines 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 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 Experience
100% Made in America
Every ship is designed and built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, U.S.-flagged, crewed entirely by Americans, and sails exclusively domestic itineraries.
The Newest Fleet in the U.S.
More than 25 modern small ships and riverboats, with new vessels joining nearly every year, form the newest small-ship fleet in the country.
Industry-Leading Staterooms
Staterooms range from 250 to 1,500 square feet, the largest in the industry, most with private balconies and unobstructed views of the passing coastline.
Truly All-Inclusive Fares
Meals, all beverages, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities, port fees, and a pre-cruise hotel night are included, so the wallet stays put.
Personalized Small-Ship Service
With no more than 180 guests aboard, the all-American crew learns your name and preferences, creating a warm, club-like atmosphere.
Onboard Enrichment
Dedicated onboard experts, engaging local guides, and nightly live entertainment connect each day's cruising to the history and culture ashore.
What's Included with American Cruise Lines
- All meals, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, available 24/7
- Daily complimentary evening cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and top-shelf liquor
- At least one Featured shore excursion in every port of call
- Onboard enrichment programs and nightly live entertainment
- Complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay in the embarkation port, with luggage service and transfers to the ship
- Wi-Fi
- All onboard gratuities
- Port charges and fees
The American Cruise Lines Fleet (34 ships sailing bookable itineraries)
American Anthem 
American Constellation 
American Constitution 
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 Patriot 
American Pioneer 
American Pride 
American Ranger 
American Serenade 
American Song 
American Spirit 
American Splendor 
American Star 
American Symphony 
American West Civil War Cruise Great American Fall Foliage Great United States Cruise Multiple Ships Multiship Experience Revolutionary War Cruise Where American Cruise Lines 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 and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.