Request A Free Cruise GuideSpecial OffersAbout UsAmerican Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small ship coastal cruising in the U.S.A. Year after year, American continues to launch the newest U.S. built ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close To Home®. On all cruises, guests discover the history, and spirit of the United States aboard the most sophisticated small ship fleet in the industry. Onboard, guests enjoy a complete all-inclusive experience including daily entertainment, spacious amenities, exquisite cuisine and cocktails, and gracious hospitality. Most staterooms come with private balconies offering panoramic river views from every angle. Onshore, American Cruise Lines partners with local communities for captivating excursions which reflect the unique, fascinating cultures of the every port we visit. Choose from cruises that explore the Mississippi River, Columbia & Snake Rivers, Alaska, New England, the Puget Sound, and the Southeast region of the country. Each destination has a story to tell, with adventure waiting at every stop. American operates 15 ships, all accommodating just 100-190 passengers, which cruise more than 35 domestic itineraries in 34 states. American now offers domestic Flat Rate airfare for all its U.S. cruises.Request A Free Cruise Guide
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Is American Cruise Lines legit?
American Cruise Lines (americancruiselines.com) has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 201 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Travel & Vacation and its reputation is excellent. Praise is nearly unanimous, with 97% rating it 4 stars or higher; The business has replied to 100% of negative reviews; Reviews mostly discuss Quality, Product. Last updated 2026-08-12.
What reviewers say
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Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Travelers frequently praise the incredibly friendly staff who provide attentive, welcoming service and make everyone feel truly valued throughout the trip. Guests also mention the delicious, high-quality meals and the comfortable, impeccably clean rooms that make every journey exceptionally special. Additionally, people thoroughly enjoy the engaging daily excursions and the wonderful live entertainment offered on board.
Some reviewers were not happy with the comfort of their sleeping arrangements. Individuals pointed out that the mattresses felt rather lumpy and were quite uncomfortable, suggesting they are in real need of replacement.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.
Memorable views, wonderful staff on the ship, a good week.
Our cruise was 7/1-8/2026.
Well organized, starting with first excursion before embarking on the Encore Cruise ship. Visited the picturesque, Multnomah Falls and Wood Family Spirits restaurant. Then back on the bus and to the ship.
MARGIE, our very pleasant cruise director greeted us onboard and was always informative. Tremendous energy as she managed many daily activities, always with a smile. All of our luggage was placed in our rooms. Wonderful cruise staff!
Dining room staff:
RERE (Regis) and ELLIOTT were our favorite food servers. We smile when we think of the joy they brought to our trip. Our group of 8 went out of our way to sit at one of their tables so as to enjoy their unique, attentive and always upbeat style. I have returned to Tucson, but I will continue to remember them with appreciation. Management might consider having more than one table for 8.
TYLER kept surprising me with new wines, Thank you.
JONATHAN kept things running and organized. He was also very personable and attentive.
FOOD/MEALS: Some very special, like the Sea Bass and Lobster. I do not eat red meat, pork, lamb, veal etc. I know that limits my choices, but I did get to enjoy some special things on menu.
TYREAL and ALEXES on the 4th floor deck lounge also deserve mention. Always a smile and great service.
TI-RAJI (Spelling?) He was also a joy. We discussed the recipe for a Paloma. Also Palomaesque which is made with Mescal!
The staff alone makes me want to return for the same trip. I wish all of them well.
We were on cruise ship for July 4th, the 250th.
All military groups were represented. What a pleasure!
The Oyster Restaurant excursion will be remembered as "More work needed". The business owners were very pleasant. It always rains in Oregon, but there was no provision to shelter the group tour during the rain. I think shelter should be part to the facility. The oyster bar set up, picnic tables and wine tasting are all outdoors. No ramadas. Picnic benches wet, no towels to dry them. Wine and food sitting in the rain. Eating in the rain. Oyster cooking was slow. They forgot they also advertised clams and then had to rush to prepare them in time before bus left. Many cruise members returned early to the shelter of the tour bus. That was too bad because this was the excursion that so many of us looked forward to! I hope they make some adjustments as the owners obviously work hard. They are committed to the success of business. They educated us about the oyster world. I would definitely give them another chance.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear that your experience was enhanced by the well-organized itinerary, beautiful destinations, and warm hospitality from our team. It’s wonderful to know that the service, dining, onboard celebrations, and special 4th of July experience helped create memorable moments throughout your cruise.
We truly appreciate your detailed feedback regarding the oyster excursion and will share your comments with our team as we continue working with our partners to provide exceptional experiences ashore.
Thank you again for choosing American Cruise Lines. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon for another unforgettable journey!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
The on board crew (all levels) was so incredibly engaging and accommodating that no reasonable request was denied. Hats off!
The ship sailed smoothly and the food was delicious.
A nice array of shore excursions and nightly entertainment kept us pleasantly busy.
An A+ for this voyage.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the attentive service from our team, smooth sailing, delicious dining, and variety of excursions and entertainment. It’s wonderful to know your voyage earned an A+ and created such a memorable experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
All the staff was very helpful and congenial. Our dining server, Luke, was especially attentive to all of our special requests for food preferences
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the helpful and welcoming service from our team. It’s wonderful to know that the dining experience helped make your journey memorable and that your preferences were thoughtfully accommodated. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
We felt that every intention was to make all necessary adaptions to guests.
We would like to make a statement that since we do not use the "open bar/cocktail hours" options, it is at our cost.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear that you appreciated our team’s efforts to accommodate travelers and create an enjoyable experience for everyone. We also appreciate your comment regarding the beverage offerings and will share your feedback with our team as we continue looking for ways to enhance the onboard experience. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
The cruise of Puget Sound was excellent. Our state room was clean and the services of the crew and waitstaff was excellent. The ports of call and the tours offered were excellent, but the time in Butchart Garden should be extended. We just did not have enough time to see the whole thing. Thank you for a great trip.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-24
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your Puget Sound cruise, from the comfortable accommodations and attentive service to the memorable ports of call and excursions. We also appreciate your suggestion about allowing more time at Butchart Gardens and will share your feedback with our team as we continue enhancing our itineraries.
Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
The people. Both staff and fellow cruisers
Being able to get half portions at meals
Getting a lanyard for ID and room key
Fabulous wait staff.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere created by our crew and fellow travelers. It’s wonderful to know you appreciated the flexible dining options, thoughtful amenities, and exceptional service from our wait staff. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Staff were fantastic and responsive. Excursions were fun and boy can those bus drivers really handle them. Ship was beautiful and everyone on board including guests were awesome.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful ship, memorable excursions, and exceptional service from our crew. It’s wonderful to know our team, including our skilled drivers, helped make your journey enjoyable and stress-free. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
The ships are spotless clean everywhere. The daily onshore tours are very informative. The evening briefings prior to next day arrivals are very valuable.
The entire staff are incredibly friendly and courteous. Really great corporate culture going on here.
The only thing I didn't like was that there are no healthy meal options on their daily menus. Very difficult to eat clean.
For a first time cruiser you would need to be aware that the demographic of the customers seems to be primarily people over age 70. Many of whom are not very mobile. That can be offputting if you are not aware of it when signing up.
Virtually all of the customers we encountered were retirees.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the pristine ships, informative excursions, valuable onboard presentations, and the friendly, courteous service provided by our crew. We truly appreciate your kind words about our team and the welcoming atmosphere they help create.
We also appreciate your comments regarding dining options and will share your feedback with our team as we continue looking for ways to enhance the onboard experience. Thank you again for choosing American Cruise Lines, and we hope to welcome you aboard again in the future!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Beautiful new ship, SUPER meals, and the best staff ever.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful ship, exceptional dining, and outstanding service from our crew. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
The staff was amazing especially Matt, Emily and Kiera! The entertainment was fabulous, the GG's and James Francis. The excursions were excellent. Christine was by far the best historian we've had on our eight cruises!
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the exceptional service from our crew, outstanding entertainment, and memorable excursions. We truly appreciate your kind words, especially after eight cruises with us, and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the exceptional service from our crew and the memorable destinations along your journey. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Catering to our needs food wise & had lots of fun activities to enjoy :)
4th of July we were on board - great!
Servers very helpful - Tiffani & Chris
Pastry Chef Aliya was fantastic!
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the variety of onboard activities, delicious dining, and special celebrations like the 4th of July festivities. It’s wonderful to know our crew helped make your journey memorable with their attentive and friendly service. We truly appreciate your kind words and recognition of Tiffani, Chris, and Aliya, and we hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Very relaxing time. Beautiful scenery and great history. Everyone was so caring and went above and beyond to help our vacation to be stress free.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed a relaxing journey filled with beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and thoughtful service from our crew. It’s wonderful to know our team helped create a stress-free and memorable vacation experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
My mother and I have taken 3 cruises now with American Cruise Lines and they keep getting better and better! The Serenade was gorgeous, the crew were all so friendly and attentive, the food was delicious, and the excursions and on-board presentations and entertainment were superb. Highly recommend!!
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're thrilled to hear that you and your mother have enjoyed three memorable cruises with American Cruise Lines and that each journey continues to exceed your expectations. It’s wonderful to know you appreciated the beautiful Serenade, attentive service from our crew, delicious dining, and enriching onboard experiences. We truly appreciate your continued support and recommendation, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Great fun staff. They are relational, present, helpful, and fun. They work incredibly hard and I hope they are being compensated well. Thinga ran smoothly. Well organized. Very relaxing tour.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the friendly and attentive service from our crew and the smooth, well-organized experience throughout your journey. It’s wonderful to know their hard work helped create a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us! We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and are grateful for your continued support.
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Fine food, excellent service, they tried to help mobility-impaired people enjoy the cruise
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the delicious dining and excellent service throughout your journey. It’s wonderful to know you appreciated our crew’s efforts to help create an enjoyable and comfortable experience for travelers with mobility needs. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
We loved our most recent cruise with ACL, 11 days in Alaska. Scenery was amazing, ports were interesting, room was great, food was plentiful and very good, service was attentive, speakers were excellent, entertainment was good. Can't wait to sail with ACL again.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're thrilled to hear you loved your 11-day Alaska journey and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery, interesting ports, comfortable accommodations, delicious dining, and attentive service from our crew. It’s wonderful to know the onboard presentations and entertainment helped make your experience even more memorable. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard again for your next adventure!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Everything about American Cruise Line is excellent! The staff made me feel like I’m an old friend. The staff is so accommodating and welcoming. The food is outstanding. Loved all the lobster.
Caleb, Mike, Manny, Anaya, Chef Mike, historian Louis, Bill and Laura, servers
Kiela and Canion, comedian, magic show were terrific.
Cabin and bath were roomy.
Other cruise lines can be boring but ACL has a lot going on and has very interesting excursions.
I travel to get new experiences and visit new places which ACL gives me.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your American Cruise Lines experience and felt the warm hospitality that makes small ship cruising so special. It’s wonderful to know you appreciated the exceptional service from our crew, delicious dining, engaging entertainment, comfortable accommodations, and memorable excursions. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon for more new experiences and adventures!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Everything about cruising with American Cruise Lines is top notch! Staff is very friendly, professional & makes one feel like you are part of the family! Food is amazing! Rooms are most comfortable, lots of storage space. Housekeeping is constantly cleaning! Excursions are many, something for everyone! Education & entertainment great! Fun times! Highly recommend!
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-22
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed every aspect of your American Cruise Lines experience, from the friendly and professional service to the delicious dining, comfortable accommodations, enriching presentations, entertainment, and memorable excursions. Creating a welcoming atmosphere where travelers feel like family is what we strive for. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
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