If you’re seeking a cruise line born in the U.S.A., American Cruise Lines (ACL) certainly fits the bill. Headquartered in Guilford, CT, it operates the world’s only 100 percent U.S.-flagged fleet. In 2026, that consists of 24 upscale riverboats and small coastal ships.
But more growth is on the horizon!
Three additional new vessels per year will launch in 2027, 2028, and 2029. All these sparkling new ships are being built at ACL’s own affiliated shipyard in Salisbury, MD. By the end of 2029, ACL’s fleet will total more than 30 lovely small ships!
Today, the small ship line offers a robust portfolio of cruises along U.S. rivers, on the Great Lakes, and along U.S. coastlines, touching many interior destinations, plus New England, Florida, the Gulf Coast, Southern California, Puget Sound, Alaska, and beyond.
In fact, you can pick your passion – explore a place you’ve visited in the past, or instead go “all in” to discover a new river region! On America’s rivers, for example, guests might sail on a Mississippi River cruise, but there are also many other enticing options.
For instance, how about a “Hudson River Cruise” in New York State, an ACL cruise on the Arkansas River, or even a “Great Rivers of Florida” voyage on the St. John’s River and Intracoastal Waterway? And the list goes on.
Sailing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers
This year and beyond, though, the Pacific Northwest is proving to be one of the most popular U.S. river regions for Pavlus’ guests. Fortunately, ACL offers many small-ship sailings along the scenic Columbia and Snake rivers within Oregon, Washington, and, depending on the itinerary, Idaho as well.
Guests can choose to sail on a new, modern riverboat such as American Encore or a classic paddlewheeler, each accommodating just 150 to 180 guests. Travelers will gaze in awe at the region’s spectacular scenery from a soaring multi-story glass atrium, an expansive observation deck, spacious shipboard lounge, or their own private balcony.
Mother Nature’s diverse beauty ranges from desert canyons to alpine meadows, lush forests, dormant volcanoes, and the Cascade Range’s blue mountains including snow-capped Mount Hood. In addition, ACL’s eco-focused shore excursions will take guests to view Mount Saint Helens, site of a massive 1980 eruption, as well as the 630-foot-high, two-tiered Multnomah Falls.
This river region also attracts many guests eager for active shoreside adventures. So, guests often choose hiking, biking, kayaking, or two-person rail-bike (pedaling atop railroad tracks) or e-bike tours. Flightseeing and Hells Canyon jet boat tours are other favorite activities.
Culture, Heritage, Cuisine, and Wine
Travelers desiring to learn more about regional culture and heritage might choose to explore via a shore excursion at Astoria, OR, to Fort Clatsop where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1806. Or river cruisers might stroll through the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles, OR, which covers 11,000 years of the gorge’s history.
Die-hard historic aviation and automobile fans definitely shouldn’t miss the Western Antique Aeroplane & Antique Automobile Museum, Hood River, OR. It’s an absolute jewel! There visitors can admire a 1917 Curtiss JN-4D Jenny, a Ford Model T, and so much more.
For something truly unique, ACL also offers travelers an opportunity to explore an underground city of restored tunnels and basements in Pendleton, OR. Between 1870 and 1930, this below-ground area housed ice plants, butcher shops, laundries, saloons, and even bordellos.
During a Pacific Northwest river cruise, travelers also will personally experience the Cascade Locks. That engineering feat created eight different locks that lift river vessels some 700 feet vertically. Plus, guests might peruse the Bonneville Dam, which generates hydroelectric power for nearly 500,000 homes.
Tasty cuisine and fine wines from the region’s Willamette Valley are other top draws. For instance, multiple ACL shore excursions take guests to the Maryhill Winery, the Rivaura Winery, and several Walla Walla Valley vineyards.
At the Maryhill Winery, guests will arrive at a terrace overlooking the vineyard and Columbia River and enjoy spectacular views of Mount Hood. After a walk to the vineyard during a guided tour, they’ll learn about the grapes, fermentation process, and the winery’s history. And then, it’s tasting time!
Often, travelers return from their Columbia and Snake rivers journey to tell their Pavlus personal travel planner about other fun activities they enjoyed. For instance, some guests have watched a chef’s cooking demonstration; headed out on an art-and-history experience entitled “Murals of The Dalles Walking Exploration”; participated in a private fishing charter in Hells Canyon; gone “hands-on” during a creative painting class in Kalama, WA; or even communed with critters during the “Cedar Creek Alpaca Farm Experience.”
Finding the Right Itinerary for Your Cherished Vacation
If you’re wondering what itineraries American Cruise Lines offers on its Columbia and Snake rivers sailings, here’s a snapshot list by Pavlus Travel & Cruise. A big plus? All itineraries include a one-night, pre-cruise hotel stay.
Six Nights · “Columbia River Gorge”
A six-night “Columbia River Gorge” itinerary operates roundtrip from Portland, with pricing starting from $3,725 per person, double occupancy.
Eight Nights · “Columbia and Snake Rivers”
Also popular is the small ship line’s eight-night “Columbia and Snake Rivers” itinerary between Portland and Clarkston, WA. It’s priced from $5,055 per person double occupancy.
15 Nights · “National Parks & Legendary Rivers”
For something truly unique, ask your Pavlus personal travel planner about ACL’s 15-night “National Parks & Legendary Rivers” itinerary between Portland and Jackson, WY. Priced from $14,060 per person, double occupancy, it combines a river cruise with seven days of guided exploration to Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks.
New for 2027: Pre-Cruise Package, New Itinerary
New for 2027, ACL will debut a two-night “Willamette Valley Wineries Pre-Cruise Package,” available on select dates. It’s priced from $550 per person, double occupancy, or $650 single occupancy.
Included are a two-night hotel stay, an exclusive Portland excursion, tastings at three boutique Willamette Valley vineyards, and transportation to the ship on embarkation day.
Starting in May 2027, ACL will also introduce a new 16-day “Grand Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise” itinerary, roundtrip from Portland. Priced starting from $14,390 per person, double occupancy, this robust journey is now available on many departure dates. So, contact a Pavlus personal travel planner at 800-528-9300 today, and soon you’ll be enjoying your next fabulous vacation!
Guests taking this new itinerary will stay pre-cruise one night in Portland before embarkation in Stevenson. Then it’s on to the mouth of the Columbia River in Astoria, before heading east to the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers near Richland. Next, the ship sails to Clarkston, and guests can visit Hells Canyon before the journey concludes in Stevenson.
Since this itinerary provides guests with much more time ashore than what they’d experience on a week-long cruise, ACL will also roll out new experiences during 2027 in Portland, Hood River, and St. Helens, as well as Burbank/Walla Walla, WA.
To inquire about the American Cruise Lines itineraries, discuss your vacation needs, and begin the vacation planning process, contact a skilled Pavlus personal travel planner at 800-528-9300 or visit this Pavlus website page.
Call Pavlus Today to Get the Scoop!
Why Pavlus? What does this luxury travel agency bring to the table? Here’s the scoop.
First, a skilled Pavlus personal travel planner will expertly match you with the right cruise to dovetail with your personal needs and interests. That’s critical for any traveler’s vacation satisfaction.
Second, that skilled planner will help ensure you get the best pricing including any unadvertised deals or amenities.
Third, the planner will also provide professional, caring service. And you’ll never pay any service fee with Pavlus!
So, again … now is a great time to get started on planning your Columbia and Snake rivers vacation for 2027 or beyond on American Cruise Lines. It’s a fabulous “closer to home” option within the U.S.
Just call 800-528-9300 today to chat with a Pavlus personal travel planner or visit www.pavlus.com.
Ready for the Columbia and Snake Rivers?
A Pavlus personal travel planner will match you with the right American Cruise Lines sailing — and get you the best pricing and added perks, with no service fee. The advice is free!
📞 1-800-528-9300
