ACL-American Cruise Lines has announced the commencement of its Mississippi River season, with the arrival of the first guests in New Orleans (Port NOLA Louisiana).
In the upcoming weeks, all 5 of ACL's Mississippi riverboats will commence cruises on the Lower Mississippi. This year marks the company's largest season to date across the country, particularly on the Mississippi, where ACL plans for ongoing expansion. The company's new riverboats are scheduled to sail more than 16 itineraries throughout the region, exploring not only the Mississippi but also its tributaries, the Tennessee, Ohio, and Cumberland Rivers.
Over the past five years, ACL has nearly tripled its U.S. fleet and introduced brand-new riverboats on the Mississippi River annually since 2018. The company recently announced the construction of five more ships, including new riverboats, at its affiliated shipyard, Chesapeake Shipbuilding, in Salisbury, MD.
Following the Mississippi River season opening, ACL's full fleet of 19 other small ships and riverboats will continue to navigate across the country, visiting 140+ U.S. ports this year.
ACL remains the sole company offering two distinct styles of riverboats for exploring U.S. rivers, along with several categories of small cruise ships sailing U.S. coasts. The company's most recent accolades include a new series of 12 small coastal cruise ships, known as Project Blue, offering exclusive itineraries along the East Coast. While ACL expands along U.S. coastal waterways, it also intensifies production along U.S. rivers, particularly the Mississippi. More information on the company's newest riverboats and all ships under construction will be released as the year progresses.
ACL's ongoing development along the Mississippi River region contributes millions annually to a growing number of U.S. ports and communities. The company's innovative new riverboats and unique itineraries provide numerous opportunities for its guests.
In May of this year, ACL will introduce several new Mississippi River experiences, including the first Great Smoky Mountains National Parks cruises. This exclusive itinerary allows guests to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park along a 12-day voyage from Knoxville, TN, to Nashville, TN, cruising the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers.
Also in May, ACL's first new 35-day Civil War Battlefields cruise will embark, exploring the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers, as well as extensive regions of the East Coast and Chesapeake Bay, while visiting 20+ Civil War battlefields.
In August, ACL will host a historic 61-day Great United States cruise - the USA's longest river cruise - exploring 4 rivers, 20 states, 3 national parks, and sailing along East Coast USA and Hudson River, with call ports including New York City, Boston MA, and Bar Harbor ME.
In 2024, ACL proudly continues its 50-year tradition of exploring the USA. As the company expands across North America, more opportunities arise along the Mississippi River and beyond, delighting guests and supporting historic sites, cultural venues, and American-owned businesses across the country.