American Cruise Lines News Coverage

US history comes to life on a cultural cruise down the Chesapeake river. Just don’t mention the French…

Looking directly at me with a cheeky wink, our guide John says, “Don’t criticise the French; without them we’d be talking perfect English.” We’re in the State House in Annapolis, where four Marylanders signed the Declaration of Independence back in 1776, breaking all ties with the Mother Country.

This was the document that kicked off the American War of Independence (aka the American Revolution in the US), which went on for almost 20 years. It was the first war for 700 years that the British lost and John is thrilled to have someone on his tour from the losing side to rib. I quickly realise I’m going to have to get used to this because I’m not just the only Brit on the tour, but the only one on this American Cruise Lines’ voyage on the Chesapeake that has, you guessed it, an American Revolution theme.

American-made ships sail the waterways of the U.S. On board, guests will find a blend of luxury and heritage design features as well as personalized service. You’re bound to add to your knowledge of the nation’s history, especially since local guides lead many of the shoreside excursions.

Standing on shore, spectators looked as though they doubted whether the beautiful American Melody could dock in such a tiny place. The Mississippi River was low. Rocks lined the water’s edge. No dock built here.

But the American Melody neatly maneuvered next to the shore. Opened its unusual bow and lowered a platform for passengers to easily walk to shore.

Amazing! No wonder people often line up to watch the riverboat dock at many of its destinations along America’s waterways.

Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines offers itineraries across the U.S. for single seniors who prefer to travel closer to home – making it one of the best river cruise lines. The line's current fleet of 21 ships accommodates between 90 and 180 guests, traversing waterways in 35 states. The U.S.-based itineraries are focused on American history and culture, featuring resident historians and knowledgeable guides.

American Cruise Lines offers single cabins with no supplement on every ship in the fleet, and most have a private balcony. These staterooms are generous in size; Single Balcony cabins on the American Heritage paddlewheeler measure 230 square feet. This ship sails along the Mississippi River and has a total of 18 solo staterooms. If you're sailing the Great Rivers of Florida or the Southeast Sea Islands cruises, you'll find spacious 280-square-foot Single Balcony staterooms on American Eagle (one of the line's 100-guest Coastal Cats).

American Cruise Lines (ACL) revealed the first details of its upcoming riverboat, which will be named the American Anthem.

The 180-guest ship is scheduled to enter service in the Pacific Northwest in early 2027. As part of ACL’s series of modern riverboats, the Anthem will offer multiple dining venues, as well as a multi-story glass atrium and a fitness center.

The 6,000-ton vessel will also feature a fresh and modern look, which, according to the company, was designed to embody the expectations of today’s travelers.

Currently under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, the ship will cruise the Columbia and Snake Rivers starting on April 2, 2027.

The American Glory recently marked its first year of service for American Cruise Lines (ACL) after welcoming its first guests on Nov. 28, 2023.

The U.S.-flagged vessel was built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland as part of the company’s “Coastal Cats” class.