Fleet of Small Ships

American Cruise Lines offers the newest fleet in America, each ship accommodating just 90 to 180 guests. We offer 6 unique ship styles, including a new class of Patriot ClassCoastal Cats, Classic Paddlewheelers, Constellation Class Ships, Independence Class, and the only modern American Riverboats. We have become the industry leader by continuing to introduce new and innovative ships each year, with the most diverse fleet in the country.

These new ships, built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, are a testament to premier nautical engineering and safety equipment, as well as state-of-the-art navigation. On board a sophisticated aesthetic and an unprecedented level of comfort accommodate modern expectations.  

Our fleet allows us to provide a genuine and customized exploration of areas inaccessible to large ships and crowds, and to explore each region in the most meaningful way possible. With land never out of sight, our small ships are a practical alternative to ocean cruising, allowing for more time to savor the scenery. Our small ship river cruises offer a more intimate look at American Ports and cities along your route. From charming small towns to gracious southern ports, the American Cruise Lines fleet will bring you to your desired destination in luxury and comfort. 


American Riverboats | 180 Guests

American Riverboats
  • Largest Staterooms in the Industry
  • Private Balconies
  • Elevator Service to All Decks
  • Spacious Sun Decks
  • Modern Design, Floor-to-Ceiling Sliding Glass Doors
  • Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
  • Single Seating Dining Room

Coastal Cats Cruise Ships | 100 Guests

Coastal Cats Cruise Ships
  • Largest Staterooms in the Industry
  • Private Balconies
  • Rolls Royce Stabilizers
  • Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
  • Fitness Center

Constellation Class Coastal Ships | 170 Guests

Constellation Class Coastal Ships
  • Modern Design, Floor-to-Ceiling Sliding Glass Doors
  • Largest Staterooms in the Industry
  • Private Balconies
  • Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
  • Spacious Sun Decks
  • Single Seating Dining Room
  • Elevator Service to All Decks

Paddlewheelers | 180 Guests

Paddlewheelers
  • Largest Staterooms in the Industry
  • Private Balconies
  • Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
  • Spacious Sun Decks
  • Single Seating Dining Room
  • Elevator Service to All Decks

Independence Class Coastal Ships | 90 Guests

Independence Class Coastal Ships
  • Largest Staterooms in the Industry
  • Private Balconies
  • Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
  • Spacious Sun Decks
  • Single Seating Dining Room
  • Elevator Service to All Decks

Patriot Class Coastal Ships | 125 Guests

Patriot Class Coastal Ships
  • Largest Staterooms in the Industry
  • Private Balconies
  • Rolls Royce Stabilizers
  • Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
  • Skywalk on Top Deck
  • Fitness Center

The American Riverboatâ„¢ Experience

Since the introduction of our American Riverboat series, American Cruise Lines has revolutionized travel along the legendary rivers of our great country. We invite you learn more about these new American Riverboats, which offer the perfect balance of elegant and refined design with our tradition for the spacious comfort found aboard all of our ships.

The American Riverboatâ„¢ Experience

What sets us apart

Our Small Cruise Ships Our Small Cruise Ships

The newest and most modern in America

Personalized Service Personalized Service

Attentive and gracious service

World Class Cuisine World Class Cuisine

Customized by our master chefs

All-Inclusive All-Inclusive

All meals & snacks, cocktails & beverages, enrichment & excursions, tips & fees

Spacious Staterooms Spacious Staterooms

Largest staterooms in the industry

Private Balconies Private Balconies

Unobstructed views, breathtaking scenery

Onboard Enrichment Onboard Enrichment

Musicians, historians and naturalists

An American Experience An American Experience

American-made, crew and destinations