American Cruise Lines Expands River Itineraries, Fleet
American Cruises Lines (ACL) has announced plans to offer three new river itineraries, including the first-ever nine-day Arkansas River cruise between Tulsa, Okla., and Memphis, Tenn.
Other itineraries will include an 11-day Great Smoky Mountains cruise between Knoxville and Huntsville, Tenn., and an eight-day Gulf Coast cruise between Pensacola, Fla., and New Orleans.
The company announced January 13, that its newest river cruise vessel, American Encore, is on schedule for a May debut on the Snake and Columbia rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Two sisterships, the American Anthem and American Grace, are slated to begin operations along the Columbia and Snake rivers in 2027 and 2028, ACL said. Cruises on all three vessels are available to book now for cruises through the 2028 season.
The new cruise itineraries include sections of the Mississippi River, bringing the cruise line’s total offerings on the river system to 14 separate itineraries, plus additional themed and holiday cruises. The last decade has included extensive growth, introducing 16 new ships, ACL said.
“Many more riverboats are on the way in the next three years and will be well positioned to handle the increase in demand for Mississippi River cruising,” the company said in a news release.
The American Encore is designed as a “next-gen” riverboat with amenities that include the cruise line’s largest staterooms, highest ceilings, largest gym and most space per person in the global cruise industry, the company said.
“The passenger density on board will be more reminiscent of a yacht than a typical river cruise ship,” ACL said in announcing the new vessel.
The company said its river cruise boats are designed to excel in modern design and noise and vibration control, as well.
“This boat was not designed in a vacuum,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We compare ourselves to others around the world and ask, ‘How can we beat that?’ I think that we have objectively accomplished this mission with American Encore.”
The American Encore will feature five decks and accommodate 180 guests in private balcony accommodations. The boat also debuts ACL’s newest stateroom category, the signature suite, which it described as the largest riverboat suite in the world at more than 1,000 square feet, with a wrap-around balcony, panoramic views, separate living and sleeping spaces and a hotel-sized bathroom with soaking tub and heated floors.
The boat features a four-story glass atrium at its center. It also includes a grand dining room, casual café, multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, an outdoor walking track and a complimentary laundry room.
Featured image caption: The American Encore, American Cruise Lines’ newest vessel, is on schedule to launch in May, according to the company. It will cruise the Columbia and Snake rivers during the 2026 season. (Rendering courtesy of American Cruise Lines)
