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Looking for something truly home-grown, but still an exhilarating travel experience?
Why not look at a true, all-American experience aboard an American built ship with a dedicated American crew who will take you to the doorstep of some of the most picturesque and historical places in all of North America aboard an American Cruise Lines ship.
United States river cruises and small ship cruising along the West and East coasts of the U.S. are now the most in-demand type of cruising for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of North America... the Pacific Northwest & Southeast Alaska, the Columbia & Snake Rivers, the Mississippi Basin, coastal cruises of New England's Islands, and Florida's inter-coastal waterways. As river and small ship experts, we feel that the cruises offered by American Cruise Lines provide guests with the best possible small ship cruise experiences available in the good old U.S. of A.
We think that American Cruise Lines offers the essence of what experienced travelers are seeking: an in-depth vacation experience along our mighty rivers and the Alaska, Pacific Northwest, North, East, and Southeast coastal waterways of the United States. We know you won't be disappointed with what you see, do, and enjoy while ashore and onboard their beautiful ships: America, American Constellation, and American Constitution, and the newest, modern riverships — American Harmony, and American Jazz. Continuing their spectacular itineraries are American Song, American Spirit, American Star, and the Independence. Last, but certainly not least, the paddlewheelers: Queen of the Mississippi, Queen of the West, American Pride, offer extraordinary experiences on the Mississippi, Columbia & Snake rivers.
Demand is at an all time high!
With more and more cruisers choosing to stay close to home, demand for these types of cruises is exploding and you MUST BOOK EARLY or you'll be disappointed. A little history: in 2017, to meet some of this growing demand American Cruise Lines launched their newest ship, the American Constellation. This sleek, 163-guest vessel is sailing the Coastal Atlantic with some of the best itineraries ever including the Maine Coast & Harbors, New England, the Hudson River, the Mid-Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay. In 2018, to further meet demand, ACL continued to add new small ships including the beautiful American Constitution, and its very modern and sleek rivership the American Harmony. From the dates of their launchings, these ships have been some of the most in demand ships in years! In 2020, they introducied the American Jazz, sister ship to the Harmony. Please call one of our experts today to get more information and special early booking offers on the fine ships of American Cruise Lines.
A cruise on one of the riverboats or small ships of American Cruise Lines is truly a very intimate
and close-to-home travel experience; one that everyone should enjoy!
Having taken many small ship cruises here in the States, we can tell you that there may be no better way to see a region than on an American Cruise Lines' ship. As we mentioned they are by nature, "intimate" in their ambiance and service. That intimacy is amplified by the size of their ships and the warmth of their all-American crew. Not only that, but on their cruises you, too, "get intimate" with the destination... you get to see everything up close and personal like none of the ocean cruise lines can ever do. For example, when arriving at Newport or Bar Harbor, the ship docks right in the heart of town — you literally step ashore into the heart of the destination. On ocean cruises you wait in long lines to tender ashore... the choice is yours.
On a riverboat or small ship, there are no long lines of passengers trying to all get on or off the ship at one time. There are no lines to get into the dining room, and there are no hoards of tour buses lined up beside your ship. There's only you and a few other very fortunate cruisers. By the way, these cruises are not for folks looking for elaborate midnight buffets, large cabaret shows and cafeteria food. American Cruise Lines' riverboat and small ship experience is totally about the destination, and how much of a small geographic region you can explore and absorb in 8 to 15 fun-packed days.
While steamboating seems to be what folks think about when it comes to American rivers, the reality is that there are more small ship cruises along the coastal waterways of the States, than on all the rivers combined. American is offering 35 different cruise itineraries to 28 different States! After reading the rest of this article, why not take a few minutes to enjoy our American Cruise Lines' videos? Click VIDEO to view!
The American Cruise Lines onboard experience.
So far, we've only mentioned the riverboats and small ships, the great all-American crew and the regions. Now, it's time to get immersed in the onboard experience. All of American's river and small ships are astounding. Start with a very relaxed and casual onboard atmosphere and end up with some of the plushest accommodations you'll ever find on a cruise.
Most of the small ships doing the coastal cruises and Alaska accommodate only 50–185 passengers in very spacious, contemporary staterooms. With beautifully decorated staterooms and suites ranging in size from 300 to 600sqft (many with private balconies), you are truly able to relax and enjoy your time aboard ship. Comfortable lounges and beautiful sun decks round out the public spaces.
Most of us want to deny it, but we do care about the food we partake of on our vacations. On all of the American Cruise Lines ships, you'll be in for a treat! They source almost 100% of their food and beverages from locally sourced providers. ACL is very concerned about sustainable cuisine and we believe you're in for a very unexpected and delightful dining experience aboard their ships. But, before going into dinner enjoy the complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres with your co-passengers to chat about the doings of the day. Then, enter the dining room and choose your own table — there is open seating dining on all ships. Along with the regionally-inspired gourmet cuisine that is absolutely delicious and punctiliously served, you'll also enjoy complimentary wines and beers at dinner (and at lunch as well).
To go along with the spacious, well decorated cabins, exceptional cuisine and spacious lounges, ACL further enhances your cruise experience with nightly entertainment as well as historians, riverlorians, naturalists and unique, local experts who talk about your itinerary and the various places you will visit. All of these meticuluous touches make for remarkable experiences.
American Cruise Lines "Close to Home" Destinations.
American Cruise Lines offers some very up-close-and-personal visits to the Maine Coast, New England, Chesapeake Bay, the historic South and Florida, Alaska's Inland Passage and, of course, paddle wheeling along the mighty Mississippi, Tennessee, Cumberland and Ohio Rivers. In addition, they also offer steamboating along the incredible Columbia and Snake Rivers, as well as small ship cruises through the beautiful Puget Sound/San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest and southeast Alaska.
The Pacific Northwest. Imagine going to Alaska — not on a 3000+ passenger ship that must stay miles off shore — but on the beautiful, sleek American Spirit which takes you so close to seals, orcas and other indigenous wildlife you could almost touch them. That's what we mean by seeing a destination "up close and personal."
If you haven't yet experienced Alaska, there's no better way to do it than on a small ship. Why? Here's what I mean... You've probably see many iconic images of the massive glaciers that surround Glacier Bay. Well, imagine yourself so close you could almost grab a piece of that glacier from the deck of your small ship. Then try to imagine seeing the same image through high-power binoculars if you're on one of the mega-ships that cannot even get all the way into Glacier Bay. They don't even compare... need we say more!
The Columbia & Snake. If you have a bit more of the pioneer spirit, why not think about sailing the epic route of Lewis & Clark where you can take in the lush landscapes of the Columbia River gorge, see the magnificent Multnomah Falls, visit Mt. St. Helens, and enjoy lots and lots of wine tours throughout the Willamette Valley.
Did you know that one of the least known river cruises in the world is the extraordinary journey following in the footsteps of American explorers Lewis and Clark along the Columbia and Snake Rivers? Oh my gosh! If you love lush forests and majestic mountain ranges, then look no further than this cruise. You'll start in Portland, Oregon, one of the most exciiting cities in the Pacific Northwest and steamboat to Clarkston via the Columbia River. This cruise is definitely in competition with the landscapes and vistas you may have seen in the Grand Canyon region! All of these cruises are on new, authentic paddlewheelers, the gorgeous and spacious Queen of the West or American Pride.
America's Heartland... the Mississippi Basin. If you want something a bit more traditional, think about the Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio and Cumberland rivers that form the huge Mississipppi Basin of America's grand heartland. Drifting along these magnificent rivers you can explore the rich history and traditions aboard the venerable paddlewheeler, the Queen of the Mississippi. These Mississippi Basin cruises conjure up memories of Mark Twain, the Civil War, the passage of America's pioneers, and a culture that is unique to the south. You can travel from Minneapolis to New Orleans in either direction and visit historic places like Memphis, Natchez, Vicksburg and, of course, New Orleans with all of its recent and past history, not to mention some of the best cuisine found anywhere in the States.
American Cruise Lines' Lower Mississippi itineraries take you to the land of Mark Twain whos vivid story telling capabilities are brought back to life as you cruise, enjoying customized excursions from iconic ports such as Oak Alley and Natchez that will give you an insiders perspective of many antebellum homes and remarkable plantations. You'll also explore the history of the Civil War in Vicksburg as your own historian leads you through the National Military Park which commemorates the siege of this city. It's all here, plus some free time in Memphis and/or New Orleans will make it an even more rewarding river cruise vacation.
On board your American Cruise Lines ship, you'll enjoy two things that are synonymous to this region: music and food. All American Cruise Lines ships offer impeccable cuisine prepared fresh daily by some of America's finest chefs. And, if it's music you yearn for, you'll be able to enjoy nightly entertainment by local musicians and entertainers... not to mention a complimentary cocktail hour each evening of your cruise.
The Southeast Coastal Waterways. If the mighty Mississippi is not for you, think about the Chesapeake Bay and those incredible oyster and crab dinners. What about something you've probably never even thought about? A fascinating East Coast or or mid-Atlantic Inland Passage waterways cruise exploring the ports and islands between Baltimore and Charleston. Are you an American history buff? These would be dream cruises for you! The Southeast Coastal cruises have it all. Among the ports of call you'll visit Annapolis, Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, Norfolk, Kitty Hawk, Beaufort, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and of course, historic Charleston.
New England, the Maine Coast and the Hudson River. We've all read about the quaint historic towns and villages of New England; can't you just taste that Maine Lobster roll right now. But, New England is more than just lobster, it has some of the most historic and beautiful areas of this country. You can explore the maritime heritage of New England and visit majestic places such as Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island, the opulent mansions in Newport, the incredible sights of Martha's Vineyard, all on your hassle-free cruise. And, if you are into beauty, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy one of the best kept secrets of all: the stupendous Acadia National Park in northern Maine.
American also provides intriguing small ship cruises along the Maine Coast (Their Fall Foliage cruises are NOT to be missed!) and New England states. Don't forget to taste a scrumptious fresh-caught lobster roll or two (or three). And, let's not forget about the awesome Hudson River cruise from New York City. The scenery and ports are something to behold, especially in the Fall. By the way, if you're thinking about a Fall cruise, we have to warn you: this year, Fall Foliage cruises are just about sold out... and we're not kidding! If you want to take this cruise — this year — give us a call right now.
The bottom line on "close-to-home" cruising.
I guess what we're trying to say is that American Cruise Lines has some of the most rewarding North American cruise itineraries you could ever enjoy, most of which are only a short, convenient flight away from where you live. American Cruise Lines delivers remarkable itineraries on remarkable ships. If you think you'd like to experience one of American's itinerary-intensive North American cruises, please book early or you'll have to wait for another year. We are not understating it when we write that their cruises are so popular, they often sell out almost a year or so in advance; this year promises to be the same.
If you're ready to book we encourage you to do so very soon as the best values are available right now and as always, Premier GUARANTEES the lowest price. Please call and speak with one of our river cruise experts to get the inside scoop on a truly remarkable experience and book your memorable American cruise vacation.
For complete cruise information, itineraries and pricing please call the United States and North American river cruise and small ship experts at Premier River Cruises, today... 855.255.1200 toll free, or email to info@premierrivercruises.com.
Bon Voyage... American-style!
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise noted, prices and offers are in USD, cruise only per person, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes or fees. The displayed prices are based on minimum category riverview window stateroom and applicable only to the sailing date(s) shown. Prices for other dates may vary based on the date and stateroom selected. Other than “Hot Deal” offers, price does not reflect any cruise line or Premier savings. Where Premier includes “prepaid tips” in an offer, it applies only to the cruise portion of the trip and not any land portion or shore excursions. To obtain the best price, please use the "Get Quote" button or call one of our river cruise and small ship cruise specialists. Certain discounts or prices may require full payment at the time of booking in order to be eligible. We urge you to book early as river and small ship cruises sell out almost a year in advance. Prices and availability may change without notice and are not guaranteed until a deposit is received and applied to your reservation. Call 1-855-255-1200, for complete details. We reserve the right to correct any informational or typographical errors. ©2010-2023 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.
