American Cruise Lines to launch first domestic Great Lakes cruises
American Cruise Lines is set to debut its first ever domestic Great Lakes cruise itineraries for the 2026 season.
It will offer three Great Lakes itineraries in 2026 from May through August 2026.
They will be aboard the American Patriot.
“We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically,” said Charles B. Robertson, CEO of American Cruise Lines.
It marks the first time for decades an American ship has offered full domestic cruises in the Great Lakes region.
With no cross border formalities, the new cruises can dock in the heart of small towns, and private marinas, it says.
American’s new 2026 Great Lakes itineraries include a nine-day sailing to the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls.
There is also a nine-day itinerary on Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and The Upper Peninsula.
The signature 14-day cruise spans 800 miles on three Great Lakes – Erie, Huron, and Michigan.
All cruises have a pre-cruise hotel stay and inclusive of domestic airfare.
The cruises include small town excursions.
American Patriot has a capacity for 130 guests featuring staterooms with private balconies.
The ship has a top deck lounge and walking track with a fitness center, and restaurant.
Related News Stories: American Cruise Lines christens first Patriot class ship US cruise ship crime at two year high Jetline cruise bookings cancelled by Carnival brands Passenger falls from gangway as ship breaks moorings Young Americans evacuated from Israel by cruise ship First ship docks at new Celebration Key MSC World America showcases new bar and lounge concepts Holland America Line unveils biggest ever UK ship visit programme Another HAL ship suffers norovirus outbreak Cruise ship guests injured in rough seas
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports