American Cruise Lines

• 1The fare includes meals, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, a nightly cocktail hour with full bar, Starlink Wi-Fi, gratuities, port charges, a pre-cruise hotel night and at least one included Featured excursion per port.
• 224 small ships in service (90-180 guests), all U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged with American crews, sailing the Mississippi and its tributaries, the Columbia & Snake Rivers, New England, the Southeast and Florida, the Great Lakes, Puget Sound and Alaska; 6 more ships are coming through 2029.
• 3Staterooms average about 300 sq ft with no inside cabins; the new American Encore riverboat adds a 1,500 sq ft Signature Suite.
• 4Eagle Society loyalty is free after one cruise: complimentary Premium excursions after 3 cruises and a complimentary 11th cruise.

Prices are approximate, per person per day unless noted. Always confirm the current price with the cruise line.

Guests per ship

90 to 180 guests (American Riverboats 180; Paddlewheelers 150-180; Constellation Class 170; Patriot Class 130; Coastal Cats 100; Independence Class 90)Per cruise line

Gratuities

Included (all onboard tips and gratuities)Per cruise line

Beer & wine

Included - wine and beer with lunch and dinner, plus a complimentary evening cocktail hour with full barPer cruise line

Premium drinks

Included - no drink packages sold; top-shelf liquor at the nightly cocktail hour and mixed drinks on requestPer cruise line

Wi-Fi

Included (Starlink Wi-Fi on all ships)Per cruise line

Dining

Included - all meals cooked to order in one open-seating restaurant, plus casual cafés on many ships and 24-hour snacksPer cruise line

Premium dining

Included (no extra-charge restaurants; the casual café is complimentary)Per cruise line

Included tours

At least one complimentary Featured shore excursion in every portPer cruise line

Sources differ

The All-Inclusive page and advisor guide say every itinerary includes at least one Featured excursion per port, but the FAQ and General Information page tie that to Mississippi, Columbia & Snake and Alaska cruises.All-Inclusive page FAQ General Information

Extra tours

Premium excursions about $10-$99 pp; Signature excursions $100+ pp (very small groups, billed in advance, non-refundable)Per cruise line

Transfers

Partly included: hotel-to-ship transfer on embarkation morning (with the included pre-cruise hotel) and a complimentary ship-to-airport transfer at the end; no airport-to-hotel transferPer cruise line

Air program

Available - flat-rate domestic airfare on all itineraries (add 60+ days before embarkation); free airfare offered on select datesPer cruise line

Pre/post land tours

1-night pre-cruise hotel stay included (bookings made on or after Aug 7, 2025); optional paid Pre-Cruise Packages (Graceland in Memphis, Hells Canyon in Clarkston) and Four Seasons hotel upgradesPer cruise line

How to tell the cruise line

Tell the Cruise Specialist at booking (accessibility requests must be made then), including any mobility equipment; needs that arise later go to Customer Service, and on board to the Hotel General Manager. Per cruise line

Wheelchairs & scooters

Every ship has accessible staterooms (first come, first served). American Riverboats, Patriot Class, Coastal Cats and Constellation Class have two elevators that take mobility devices; American Independence, American Star and American Spirit have limited elevator access. Ships dock at small facilities and crew move guests from dock to ship in a boarding transfer chair. Guests who can't manage basic needs must bring a capable companion. Per cruise line

Service animals

Allowed only as service animals: ACL needs acceptable evidence that the animal is a service animal related to the passenger's disability; no other animals. Per cruise line

Medical equipment & pregnancy

Each ship has a first responder, defibrillators and oxygen, and guests needing more care are taken ashore (ships stay in sight of land and visit only U.S. ports). Refrigeration is available for insulin and other medicines. Per cruise line

Not on the line's site (or not confirmed yet): blind / low vision, deaf / hard of hearing, guests of size. Ask the cruise line's accessibility team.

Never promise an accommodation. Send the request to the line and let them confirm. How to handle these calls → Premium