ACL-American Cruise Lines' newest riverboat American Encore concluded sea trials. It departed its construction yard for transfer to the Pacific Northwest, where it is scheduled to begin service on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Following the successful completion of trials, the vessel departed from Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland. It commenced a repositioning voyage that will take it along the eastern seaboard, through the Caribbean and onward via the Panama Canal before reaching the Pacific coast. From there, it will proceed north to the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria, marking the final stage of its delivery passage.
The riverboat is the latest unit in ACL's series of modern, USA-built vessels, designed for domestic itineraries and accommodating approximately 180 passengers, with a layout that emphasizes space and onboard amenities.
During the transfer voyage, navigation and engineering operations are being conducted under the supervision of the vessel’s command team, supported by shoreside technical personnel. Continuous monitoring of weather, routing and onboard systems forms part of the passage, reflecting standard delivery procedures for a vessel transitioning from yard to operational theatre.
Upon arrival, American Encore will enter service on itineraries along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, waterways long associated with expeditionary navigation and regional tourism. These routes traverse a range of inland landscapes, including gorges, tributaries and historic corridors linked to early exploration of the American West.
The vessel is scheduled to commence its inaugural season in May 2026, operating a series of cruises through the Pacific Northwest extending into the autumn period.