Guilford, CT— Domestic U.S. Great Lakes cruises are now available. In response to guest demand, American Cruise Lines has announced the debut of three Great Lakes itineraries for the 2026 cruise season.
These brand-new cruises, sailing May through August 2026, will be operated aboard American Patriot, the newest small cruise ship in the country.
“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”
This announcement marks the first time in decades that an American ship will offer domestic cruises in the growing Great Lakes cruise market. Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line.
American’s 2026 Great Lakes itineraries include a 9-Day cruise visiting the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, while an additional 9-Day itinerary highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and the wilderness of The Upper Peninsula. The Line’s signature 14-Day cruise, dubbed the American Great Lakes, travels 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, and Michigan). All cruises offer an included pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare. Each itinerary is comprised of days filled with excursions in small towns, and time spent cruising the magnificent Lakes.
All itineraries begin, end, and remain in the U.S., making a passport or international flight unnecessary for American travelers.
(Photo from American Cruise Lines)