American Cruise LinesAmerican Cruise Lines brings their award-winning comfort and luxury accommodations to The Great Lakes in 2026 and 2027. Be one of the first to experience their brand new ship, The American Patriot. The American Patriot brings small ship luxury experiences to the great lakes with lounges, dining, and spacious staterooms all with an emphasis on exploring the Great Lakes and what they have to offer. American Cruise Lines bring their new ship to scenic ports like Mackinac Island, Holland, and Sault Ste. Marie. They offer multiple cruise options with each journey focusing on exploring coastal towns, the natural wonder of the areas, and luxury relaxation on the Great Lakes!
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American Cruise Lines: Pros & Cons
Pros
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Cons
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What to Know Before You Book
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American Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes voyages are ideal for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation. The ships carry 130 guests, meaning itineraries sell out quickly and bookings are limited. Being new to the Great Lakes, with limited rooms, make these cruises very exclusive where they sell out quickly.
American Cruise Lines also offers an all inclusive experience making it stand out as one of the few all inclusive vacations in the U.S. This means that food, drinks, excursions, wi-fi, on-board entertainment, and even pre-cruise hotel stays with transportation to the ship are included in the cost! This assures you can plan for how much money you will spend and leaves behind the concern of hidden expenses . Like most Great Lakes cruises, sailings operate seasonally during the warmer months, with durations ranging from 8 to 14 days. |
Is This Cruise Line Right for You?
American Cruise Lines is best for travelers who value comfort and relaxation over wild adventures. Those who love America's charm and educational experiences over extravagance. It appeals especially to:
- Mature travelers or couples seeking a relaxing quiet vacation.
- Guests who prefer an educational U.S.-based vacation with cultural cuisine.
- First-time cruisers looking for a small-ship introduction.
- Those who enjoy history, nature, and seeing what America has to offer.
Cruise Industry Awards & Rankings
American Cruise Lines has been repeatedly recognized by Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and Cruise Critic for its commitment to U.S. cruising and small-ship innovation. Its newly offered Great Lakes voyages makes it the first entirely U.S.-flagged cruise experience in the region, a milestone in river and coastal cruising.
What Customers Love About American Cruise Line: Reviews & Ratings
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“We really enjoyed being on a ship with only 180 people — no crowds to deal with."
- Guest review on CruiseCritic “The food was delicious and the crew could not have been more helpful.” - Verified reviewer on Trustpilot “We are in our late 40s and enjoyed this trip a lot. We had a lot of history, excursions, and the crew was absolutely amazing! The food was superb in my opinion.” - Yelp Reviewer “The staff was amazing, friendly and very helpful. The ship was spacious and clean, and my stateroom was big and beautiful, the bed was so comfortable and the balcony was great.” - Verified reviewer on Trustpilot “From beautiful scenery to fabulous food to friendly staff — sailing with American Cruise Lines can’t be beat.” - Guest review on CruiseCritic |
Average American Cruise Lines Price
American Cruise Lines Great Lakes sailings typically range from $7,000 to $13,000 per person, depending on itinerary length and stateroom chosen. Prices are for an all-inclusive experience covering the cruise, excursions, hotel stay, and onboard amenities. The all-inclusive experience makes American Cruise Lines stand out, as there are few all-inclusive experiences still offered in the U.S.
American Cruise Lines Deals
For a limited time, receive Free Airfare on select Great Lakes cruises from American Cruise Lines.
What to Expect on Board
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Expect a modern, newly built ship that offers lots of value and luxury accommodations.
Key Features:
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American Cruise Lines Service
American Cruise Lines offers personalized service and an all-inclusive trip!
You can expect to experience consistent hospitality with staff members knowing your name, surprising you with things, and celebrating events and special occasions with you. Staff members will be available at all times, and will work with you to arrange special requests and assist with accommodations.
American Cruise Lines’ holds up to 130 passengers and has 50 staff members on board allowing staff members to be very attentive to guests and provide top notch service.
You can expect to experience consistent hospitality with staff members knowing your name, surprising you with things, and celebrating events and special occasions with you. Staff members will be available at all times, and will work with you to arrange special requests and assist with accommodations.
American Cruise Lines’ holds up to 130 passengers and has 50 staff members on board allowing staff members to be very attentive to guests and provide top notch service.
American Cruise Lines Inclusions
Every Great Lakes cruise includes:
- Pre-cruise hotel night and transportation to ship
- Specious Stateroom with a balcony
- Guided shore excursions
- On-board entertainment
- Personalized Service
- All meals, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Wi-Fi, gratuities, and port fees/taxes
American Cruise Lines' Immersive Itineraries
Courtesy of American Cruise Lines
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American Cruise Lines offers super immersive itineraries for those who love to dive into the culture and learn about all ports! They will share the educational aspects of the areas onboard with interactive lectures and enrichment opportunities, serve traditional cuisine, and provide guided excursions while at ports. This cruise experience lets you jump into the culture and feel as if you are truly a part of it. If you are a fan of nature, education, and history, you will really enjoy the immersive itineraries that American Cruises Lines offer.
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Common Cruise Departure Ports & Ports of Call
Departure Ports:
Top Ports of Call:
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Cleveland, Ohio
Top Ports of Call:
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Holland, Michigan
- Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
- Detroit, Michigan
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Muskegon and Door County Coast
Top Destinations on American Cruise Lines
- Mackinac Island
- Niagara Falls
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Holland, Michigan
- Milwaukee
FAQs
When do American Cruise Lines sail the Great Lakes?
American Cruise Lines cruise the great lakes during the region's warmest and most scenic months mainly May, June, July, and August.
Do I need a passport?
No, with American Cruise Lines’ Great Lakes Cruises no passport is needed for your trip as it does all stay within the U.S.
Do Alcoholic drinks cost extra?
No, food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are included in the all-inclusive experience.
Are excursions included?
Yes, daily guided excursions are included in every all-inclusive cruise offered by American Cruise Lines great lakes cruises.
When was the American Patriot Built?
The American Patriot was built in 2025, offering a very modern experience.
How can I book?
Contact our Great Lakes Cruises experts to learn more about 2026 and 2027 sailings. They can provide more details into the itinerary, the all-inclusive experience, the dates available, and the price points for each itinerary.
Ready to Set Sail?
Book your unforgettable journey through America’s Great Lakes with American Cruise Lines and be one of the first to experience their new ship, new itineraries, and all-inclusive experience.
Engage an Expert today to start planning your Great Lakes cruise for 2026 or 2027.
Engage an Expert today to start planning your Great Lakes cruise for 2026 or 2027.
