ACL-American Cruise Lines is preparing to launch a new Gulf Coast itinerary in March 2026, deploying the American Symphony, a vessel with capacity for 180 guests, on a route between New Orleans and Pensacola. The inaugural voyage is already sold out. The ship will call upon six ports en route: Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Mobile, Pensacola, and finally back to New Orleans.
The cruise is slated to provide passengers with roughly twelve hours ashore at each stop, permitting them to explore the cultural, historical, and scenic offerings of each city. Alexa Paolella, American’s Public Relations Manager, remarked that the Gulf Coast’s dramatic shorelines, storied past, and dynamic communities present compelling opportunities for small-ship cruising, and that the company looked forward to unveiling the region in 2026.
For the Port of Gulfport, inclusion in the itinerary marks a milestone. Jon Nass, the port’s CEO and Executive Director, noted that the collaboration with American Cruise Lines underscores Gulfport’s dual identity as both an active industrial port and a hospitable gateway for travelers. The port leadership foresees that arrival of cruise passengers will stimulate regional tourism and offer visitors a chance to sample the hospitality and character of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
According to the published itinerary, the Gulf Coast cruise will commence on March 13th, 2026.
Along the way, passengers may engage in excursions such as shrimp-boat demonstrations in Biloxi, visits to historical sites in Ocean Springs, and exploration of Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island.
Subsequent sailings are planned for December 2026, March 2027, and December 2027.
With this new route, American Cruise Lines will bring an 8-day maritime journey to the Gulf, embedding small-ship expedition character into a region long served by bulk and tanker traffic.