American Cruise Lines
Discover America's Rivers, Coasts & Waterways in Modern Luxury
Experience the best of American river and coastal cruising with the nation's largest domestic cruise line. From the mighty Mississippi to New England's historic shores, explore America's heartland and coastlines aboard modern, state-of-the-art riverboats and small coastal ships designed specifically for U.S. waterways.
Why Sail with American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers an unparalleled domestic cruising experience that combines modern luxury with authentic American exploration. Here's what sets them apart:
Projects
All-American Experience
100% U.S. Heritage & Expertise
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Exclusively U.S.-flagged fleet with American crew members who know the regions intimately
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The only cruise line focused entirely on U.S. rivers, waterways, and coastal regions
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Itineraries designed to showcase American history, culture, and natural beauty
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Support American tourism and local communities in every port
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Expert American historians and naturalists provide authentic regional insights
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Partnerships with local museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions
Modern, Purpose-Built Ships
The Newest Fleet in America
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Vessels built within the last decade with cutting-edge design
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Ships specifically engineered for U.S. waterways with optimal viewing capabilities
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Spacious staterooms with private balconies on most ships (many over 300 sq ft)
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Modern amenities including elevators on all ships, multiple lounges, and elegant dining rooms
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Shallow draft design allows access to ports larger ships cannot reach
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Four-story glass atriums on Modern Riverboat series for panoramic views
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Revolutionary catamaran design on newest coastal ships for superior stability
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Environmentally conscious construction with advanced waste management systems
Intimate & Personalized Service
Small Ship Luxury with Attentive Care
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Small ship experience with typically 100-190 guests (never overcrowded)
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Exceptional staff-to-guest ratio ensuring personalized, attentive service
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Crew members learn your name and preferences
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Complimentary cocktail hour with premium spirits and hors d'oeuvres daily
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Personalized excursions with small groups and local expert guides
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Open bridge policy on many ships - visit the captain and crew
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Flexible dining with no assigned seating or rigid schedules
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Special occasion celebrations arranged by attentive staff
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Concierge service for special requests and arrangements
Exceptional Inclusive Value
Worry-Free Cruising with No Hidden Costs
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All meals included featuring regional American cuisine and local specialties
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Complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner
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All onboard entertainment and enrichment programs included
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Most shore excursions included in every port (not optional add-ons)
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Prepaid gratuities for shipboard staff
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Complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh-baked treats available all day
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Welcome and farewell receptions
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Fitness center access
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Onboard experts and historians at no additional charge
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Port charges and fees included in advertised pricing
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No nickel-and-diming - transparent pricing from the start
Enrichment & Cultural Immersion
Expert Cruise Directors and local historians on every voyage
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Themed cruises including music heritage, Civil War history, Lewis & Clark, and cultural focuses
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Complimentary entertainment featuring local and regional performers
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Educational lectures and presentations about upcoming ports and regions
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Author talks, cooking demonstrations, and craft workshops
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Partnerships with Smithsonian Journeys and other educational institutions
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Regional wine and bourbon tastings with expert sommeliers
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Naturalists and ornithologists on select itineraries
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Pre-port briefings to maximize your shore experience
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Onboard libraries with regional books and resources
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Documentary screenings related to destinations
Unmatched Destination Access
Go Where Others Cannot
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Small ship size allows docking in the heart of historic towns and cities
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Overnight stays in select ports for extended exploration
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Early arrival and late departure times maximize port time
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Access to hidden gems and smaller communities bypassed by larger vessels
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Walking distance to main attractions from most docks
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Exclusive access to private estates, plantations, and historic homes
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Behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses and cultural sites
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Meet local artisans, historians, and community members
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Authentic regional dining experiences ashore
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Less time at sea, more time exploring America's treasures
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Carefully curated itineraries that tell the story of each region
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Seasonal routes that showcase fall foliage, spring blooms, and holiday traditions
Mississippi River & Heartland
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New Orleans to Memphis
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Antebellum homes and Civil War history
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Southern culture and cuisine
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Oak Alley, Natchez, Vicksburg
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St. Louis to St. Paul
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Mark Twain country
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Charming river towns
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Dubuque, La Crosse, Red Wing
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Louisville to Pittsburgh
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American frontier history
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Historic river cities
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Cincinnati, Madison, Marietta
Tennessee & Cumberland Rivers
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Nashville to Chattanooga
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Music and Civil War heritage
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Southern hospitality
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Clarksville, Savannah, Decatur
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Portland to Clarkston
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Lewis & Clark Trail
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Dramatic gorges and waterfalls
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Wine country and historic towns
Puget Sound & San Juan Islands
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Seattle explorations
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Island hopping adventures
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Pacific Northwest beauty
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Victoria, BC access
Alaska Inside Passage (Seasonal)
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Glaciers and wildlife
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Native Alaskan culture
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Pristine wilderness
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Juneau, Skagway, Sitka
Pacific Northwest & Alaska
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New York City to Albany
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Fall foliage cruises
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Historic mansions and estates
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West Point, Hyde Park, Hudson Valley
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Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket
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Coastal Maine villages
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Revolutionary War history
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Newport, Providence, Portland
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Baltimore to Norfolk
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Colonial America
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Charming waterfront towns
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Annapolis, St. Michaels, Yorktown
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Charleston to Jacksonville
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Southern coastal charm
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Barrier islands and historic ports
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Savannah, Beaufort, Amelia Island
New England & Eastern Seaboard
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Chicago explorations
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Charming lakeside towns
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Maritime heritage
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Mackinac Island, Door County
Multiple Great Lakes Itineraries
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Connecting waterways
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Diverse coastal communities
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Natural beauty and history
Great Lakes (Seasonal)
American Cruise Lines explores the most scenic and historically significant regions of the United States, offering immersive experiences in America's heartland, coasts, and waterways.
Destinations
The Fleet
American Cruise Lines operates the largest and newest fleet of U.S. riverboats and small coastal ships, with over 20 vessels designed specifically for American waterways.
Patriot Class (The Newest Coastal Standard)
Capacity: 130 guests
Launched: 2025-present
Features:
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Luxury Accommodations: Feature some of the largest suites in the fleet with expansive living areas.
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The Sky Lounge: A massive, panoramic top-deck lounge for 360° views.
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Bow Terrace: A unique observation deck at the very front for up-close wildlife and shoreline viewing.
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Avg. Stateroom Size: 310 sq. ft. (Standard Balcony)
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Balcony Feature: Every stateroom in this class features a private, walk-out balcony. Grand Suites feature expansive 35-foot long private terraces.
Ships in Class:
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American Patriot (2025)
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American Pioneer (2025)
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American Maverick (expected 2026)
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American Ranger (expected 2026)
Launched in 2025-2026, the Patriot Class features deeper-draft coastal capability, allowing for smooth sailing along the Atlantic Coast and even the Great Lakes. These ships blend the elegance of a private yacht with the stability of a larger vessel.
Coastal Cats
These innovative hybrid catamarans are designed specifically for "Project Blue," ACL’s initiative to explore more of the U.S. coast. Their shallow draft allows them to dock in tiny, historic harbors where larger ships cannot go.
Capacity: 100 guests
Launched: 2023-2024
Features:
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Stability: The catamaran hull provides a smooth, stable ride in coastal waters.
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Adventure-Ready: Features a unique activity/tender platform at the stern for easy water access.
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Modern Interiors: Contemporary, airy design with floor-to-ceiling glass throughout.
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Avg. Stateroom Size: 310 sq. ft. (Standard Balcony)
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Balcony Feature: These innovative "hybrid" ships utilize full-width staterooms to maximize balcony depth, ensuring a true "yacht-like" feel on the water.
Ships in Class:
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American Eagle (2023)
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American Glory (2023)
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American Liberty (2024)
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American Legend (2024)
Modern Riverboats
This class revolutionized American river cruising. They are the first truly modern ships on the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers, trading the "wedding cake" look of traditional paddlewheelers for a sleek, glass-filled aesthetic.
Capacity: 180 guests
Launched: 2018-Present
Features:
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The Atrium: A stunning four-story glass atrium that serves as the ship's social heart.
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Opening Bow: A unique "bow ramp" that allows the ship to beach and disembark guests directly onto shore in remote locations.
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All-Private Balconies: Every stateroom on these ships features a private, furnished balcony.
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Avg. Stateroom Size: 275 – 350 sq. ft. (Standard to Premium Balcony)
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Balcony Feature: Every stateroom features a private balcony. The Grand Suites (650 sq. ft.) boast wrap-around balconies that offer some of the best views on the Mississippi and Columbia Rivers.
Ships in Class:
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American Song (2018)
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American Harmony (2019)
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American Jazz (2020)
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American Melody (2021)
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American Symphony (2022)
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American Serenade (2023)
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American Encore (Expected 2026)
Classic Paddlewheelers
For guests seeking the nostalgia of the 19th-century "Mark Twain" era, these ships offer a traditional experience powered by modern, environmentally friendly hydraulic paddlewheels.
Capacity: 110-180 guests
Launched: 1995-2016 (All Refurbished in 2022)
Features:
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Nostalgic Design: Victorian-inspired décor, brass accents, and grand staircases.
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The Paddlewheel Lounge: Located at the stern, offering a direct view of the churning red paddlewheel.
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Regional Immersion: Often features onboard historians and "Riverlorians" to share local folklore.
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Avg. Stateroom Size: 304 sq. ft. (Standard Balcony)
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Balcony Feature: While maintaining a classic exterior, the 2022 refurbishment expanded the feel of these rooms, emphasizing wide sliding glass doors for easy balcony access.
Ships in Class:
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American West: Launched 1995 / Refurbished 2022
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American Pride: Launched 2012 / Refurbished 2022
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American Heritage: Launched 2015 / Refurbished 2022
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American Splendor: Launched 2016 / Refurbished 2022
Constellation Class (Coastal Ships)
Purpose-built for the rugged coastlines of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, these ships are designed for panoramic viewing and accessing narrow fjords like Glacier Bay.
Capacity: 170 guests
Launched: 2017-2018
Features:
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Observation Decks: Extensive outdoor space for spotting whales, eagles, and glaciers.
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All-American Crew: Provides a high-touch, personalized service level.
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Spacious Lounges: Multiple interior lounges with oversized windows for "inside-out" viewing.
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Avg. Stateroom Size: 350 sq. ft. (AAL/AAC Balcony)
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Balcony Feature: Known for having some of the widest balconies in the fleet, perfect for wildlife spotting and glacier viewing from the comfort of your room.
Ships in Class:
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American Constellation: Launched 2017
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American Constitution: Launched 2018
Independence Class (Ultra-Intimate)
The smallest ships in the fleet, the Independence Class provides a cozy, bed-and-breakfast feel. They are favorites for the sheltered waters of New England and the Chesapeake Bay.
Capacity: 90 guests
Launched: 2017-2018
Features:
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Intimacy: A smaller group size that fosters deep camaraderie among travelers.
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Harbor Access: Their tiny footprint allows them to dock in the heart of small maritime villages.
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Personalized Dining: Features regionally inspired cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood.
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Avg. Stateroom Size: 263 – 283 sq. ft. (Deluxe Balcony)
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Balcony Feature: Provides a very high stateroom-to-balcony ratio for ships of this size, ensuring that even the most intimate vessels offer private outdoor space.
Ships in Class:
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American Spirit: Launched 2005
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American Star: Launched 2007
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​American Independence: Launched 2010 / Refurbished 2023
Featured sailing deals
Ohio River Cruise
Maine Coast & Harbors Cruise
Northeast Harbors Cruise
American Heritage | Paddlewheeler
Jul 2, 2026 - Jun 10, 2026
9 Days / 8 Nights
One Way from Louisville, KY to Pittsburgh, PA
Deluxe Balcony - $10,620 (Double Occupancy)
Save $1,000
American Independence | Independence Class
Aug 3, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026
9 Days / 8 Nights
One Way from Portland, ME to Bangor, ME
Deluxe Balcony 2 - $11,730 (Double Occupancy)
Save $1,500
Sept 7, 2026 - Sept 15, 2026
9 Days / 8 Nights
One Way from New York, NY to Boston, MA
Complimentary Airfare Included
Premium Balcony - $15,510 (Double Occupancy)
Save $1,000
Ready to Discover America's Hidden Waterways?
Let Wavebound Travel's expert cruise planners craft your perfect American journey. We'll match you with the ideal itinerary, ship, and sailing date to create an unforgettable experience on the Mississippi, through New England's charming harbors, along the Columbia & Snake Rivers, or across the stunning Pacific Northwest.
Why Book with Wavebound Travel:
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Match you with the perfect itinerary and ship
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Secure the best stateroom for your needs
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Arrange pre and post-cruise accommodations
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Ensure you get the best value