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,” Charles B. Robertson, president & CEO of American Cruise Lines, said in a statement. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100 percent 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.
American Patriot is fully stabilized for smooth sailing and accommodates just 130 guests. The new ship features private balcony staterooms including Suites, and Singles available without Supplement, plus many amenities like spacious lounges including a top deck lounge and walking track, a main restaurant with views from every seat, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators to all decks.
American’s Great Lakes Itineraries
9-Day Great Lakes & Thousand Islands
These cruises sail between Syracuse, New York and Cleveland, Ohio, exploring Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.
Guests on these cruises will enjoy a visit to Boldt Castle during a sailing exploration of the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands. They can also take a glass-bottom boat ride to view a Great Lakes shipwreck and the Rock Island Lighthouse. These sailings give travelers the chance to savor the region’s finest grapes at a Coyote Moon Winery tour and tasting, and to explore the Susan B. Anthony House & Museum. Travelers will also experience Niagara’s majesty and mist, along with authentic Amish Country culture, including a visit to an Amish-run cheese co-op and a special luncheon at Bricker’s Amish home. The cruises also highlight Cleveland’s landmarks with a narrated city exploration featuring visits to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Cruises are offered May 22nd, May 29th, June 5th, and August 27th, 2026 (with more dates offered in 2027).
9-Day Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula
These cruises sail round-trip from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, exploring Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Guests begin their journey in Milwaukee, taking in the beautiful waterfront city with extra time for local exploration during an included pre-cruise hotel stay. They tour a 19th-century company town at the Fayette Historic Townsite. In Escanaba, they discover rich history, museums, church steeples, and local flavors, including authentic Swedish pastries. Guests visit the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, home to more than 70 historic locomotives and interactive exhibits. They ride a trolley through picturesque Muskegon with stops along Lake Michigan’s beaches, visits to historic lighthouses, and an exploration of the USS Silverside Submarine Museum. The experience concludes with a special docent-led tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum, with extra time to browse the gift shop and restaurant.
Cruises are offered aboard American Patriot on June 24th, July 1st, August 1st, and August 8th, 2026 (with more dates in 2027).
For more details, visit www.AmericanCruiseLines.com
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