Company History
Founded in 1973, this Connecticut‑based cruise line began with sightseeing excursions on the Connecticut River.
What is the Connecticut River?
This modern riverboat, introduced in 2018, was ACL’s first “modern American Riverboat.”
What is American Song?
ACL’s itineraries are 100 % domestic, meaning they visit only these ports of call.
What are U.S. ports?
ACL prides itself on offering this style of atmosphere—intimate and with personalized care.
What is small-ship, personalized cruising?
These newly introduced small ships can access shallow waters and small ports previously unavailable to larger vessels.
What are Coastal Cats?
This husband and wife founded American Cruise Lines, with him later serving as CEO until 2019.
Who are Charles A. Robertson and his wife Carolyn Robertson?
The small ship launched in June 2025, ACL’s newest and first in the Patriot Class, was christened in Newport, RI.
What is American Patriot?
This classic route sails from Memphis to New Orleans along the Mississippi River over nine days.
What is the Lower Mississippi River Cruise?
All crew members and hotel staff aboard ACL ships are citizens of this country.
What is the United States?
ACL uses this type of propulsion system—more efficient and environmentally friendly—on its modern riverboats.
What is diesel-electric propulsion?
In 2023, ACL celebrated this milestone anniversary of “cruising close to home.”
What is 50 years?
Name any two of the first four “Coastal Cats” (Project Blue series) that entered service in 2023–2024.
What are American Eagle and American Glory (or any two of: American Eagle, American Glory, American Liberty, American Legend)?
ACL’s 8‑day Southeast Sea Islands cruise visits Hilton Head, Savannah, and these two Georgia islands.
What are Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island?
Guests enjoy complimentary versions of this before dinner, included as part of ACL’s service.
What are cocktails or hors d’oeuvres?
In 2024, ACL announced that its newest ships would meet EPA Tier III emissions standards, reducing this type of output.
What are nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions?
ACL operates the only fleet in the world that meets this three‑part “100 %” promise about United States content.
What is 100% U.S.-built, 100% U.S.-flagged, and 100% U.S.-crewed?
As of 2025, how many small ships does ACL operate in its fleet?
What is 20 (as of mid-2025)?
The extended “Bucket List” cruises launched for 2026 will commemorate this historic U.S. anniversary.
What is the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of 1776)?
ACL partners with lecturers onboard to offer enrichment programs in this subject matter.
What are American history, culture, and regional insights?
This ship design feature, added to newbuilds for guest comfort and smoother sailing, helps reduce seasickness.
What are retractable stabilizers?
ACL acquired four former American Queen Voyages paddlewheelers—including American Duchess and American Countess—in this year.
What is 2024?
What’s the maximum passenger capacity of ACL’s modern riverboats like American Symphony and Serenade?
What is approximately 180 passengers?
An upcoming Gulf Coast cruise aboard American Symphony will sail from New Orleans to this Florida city.
What is Pensacola?
Paddlewheelers were redesigned in 2022 by Studio DADO, a design firm based in this city.
What is Miami (Florida)?
ACL ships recycle 100 % of this onboard utility to reduce waste and support sustainability.
What is wastewater (gray and black water systems)?