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American Cruise Lines will launch its first fully domestic cruises on the Great Lakes in 2026, offering three new itineraries to meet growing demand.
The cruises will sail from May to August aboard American Patriot, the company’s newest small cruise ship, marking a major expansion in U.S. cruising.
According to industry sources, this will be the first time in decades that an American-owned cruise ship will operate exclusively within the Great Lakes without crossing international borders.
Unlike other cruise lines that must dock at ports designed for foreign vessels, American Cruise Lines will have access to unique locations such as small towns, private marinas, and city parks, providing an exclusive and authentic travel experience not available elsewhere.
The 2026 Great Lakes program will feature:
A 9-day itinerary visiting the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls.
A 9-day itinerary exploring Lake Michigan, the Green Bay inlet, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wilderness.
A 14-day “American Great Lakes” cruise covering roughly 800 miles across Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan.
Each itinerary will begin and end in the United States, meaning passengers will not require a passport or international flights. The cruises will also include pre-cruise hotel accommodations and complimentary domestic airfare. Onboard days will combine leisure cruising with guided excursions in scenic small towns.
American Patriot, designed to carry 130 guests, is equipped with private balcony staterooms including suites, and offers single cabins without extra charges.
Facilities include spacious lounges, a top deck lounge with a walking track, a main restaurant with panoramic views, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators serving all decks. The ship also features a fully stabilised design to ensure smooth sailing.
Industry experts say the new program meets growing demand among American travelers for cruises that combine comfort with exploration closer to home, positioning American Cruise Lines as a pioneer in the expanding U.S. cruise sector.
Reference: americancruiselines