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
Written by the business, not verified by us.
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
AI generated
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.
Love that ACL is a privately held company right here in the USA! They are truly a patriotic minded company and family of staff, celebrating America's 250 Birthday.
Our waiter Johnathan Louis was truly a pleasure and and provided superb service the entire cruise. Hats off and many thanks to the crew of American Symphony!!!
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-30
Thank you for your kind words about the cruise and crew! We are thrilled you spent the 250th with us and hope to see you back aboard soon!
We wanted to see the San Juan Islands and after some research we found American Cruise Lines and a trip on American Spirit. Coming from the UK we were a little worried that we might feel a bit left out. There was no need to worry, we were made to feel more than welcome and we thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed on board atmosphere and the can do attitude of all the staff. We would definitely recommend this trip.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-30
Thank you for sharing your positive experience. We take pride in providing a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. We hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
Everyone was very nice and so very helpful. The food was amazing!
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the warm hospitality from our team and the delicious dining throughout your journey. It’s wonderful to know their kindness and service helped make your experience memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Staff was very good and helpful. Room attendant English was always ready to respond to any need. Very friendly and professional.
Only minor issue, not really an issue. I was booking a Pearl cruise and Andy said they would add hotel room stay even though it didn't show it. Talked to Peral CS and they said that was not true. So need to make sure ACL staff knows what Pearl product includes if you are going to book their cruises while on ACL.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-30
Thank you for your kind words about the cruise and crew! We have forwarded your comment to our customer service team. We hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
From the time we embarked on the ship until the day we disembarked, we wanted for nothing. All we had to do was ask and the staff did everything they could to make us happy.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-30
Thank you for your kind words about the cruise and crew! We hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
We cruised the Snake & Columbia rivers. The cruise, staff, food and excursions were great. HOWEVER, back in April 2026, we erroneously booked a very expensive excursion that we didn't want. I called the very next day to cancel, BUT they would not refund our payment until after the cruise ended. (Even airlines give you a grace period to cancel.) We disembarked on July 3, 2026. It is now 7/28 and we are still waiting for our refund of over $700. They would not credit our credit card. They submit a check request which can take up to 4 weeks and once issued is then sent via snail mail. They have had our money for over 4 months. I have called and emailed but all I get is "it's our policy". One rep actually told me that the executive I emailed "will not respond to a guest!" How's that for customer service????
So, as a word of caution, make sure you don't pre-pay for something you don't want.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-30
Thank you for your review regarding your reservation experience. We are happy to hear that your enjoyed your cruise. We appreciate your feedback and have shared this with Customer Service management as it aids us in training efforts. We hope to welcome you back aboard soon!
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the exceptional service from our team, delicious dining, comfortable accommodations, and beautiful ship. It’s wonderful to know these elements helped create a memorable journey. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Fabulous staff. Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly. Great roomy cabin. Would appreciate robes. Outdoor spaces had great seating and areas. More shade would be welcome. Menu very limited for pescatarians who don’t eat shellfish but chef very accommodating. Loved plentiful snacks and drinks. Overall - wonderful experience.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the knowledgeable and friendly service from our team, the spacious accommodations, outdoor spaces, and overall onboard experience.
We also appreciate your helpful suggestions regarding robes, additional shade, and dining options, as feedback like yours helps us continue enhancing the journey for our travelers.
We’re glad our culinary team was able to accommodate your preferences and that you enjoyed the snacks, beverages, and hospitality throughout your cruise. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
The size & cleanliness of the rooms is great. Also, good food, friendly staff. We're not sure why some people walked out when the entertainer tenor singer, James, sang. Maybe he should have used more variety. The Gigi's were great.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the spacious, clean accommodations, delicious dining, and friendly service from our team. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the onboard entertainment and will share your comments with our team as we continue working to create memorable experiences for all travelers. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Great staff, friendly and helpful. Got to meet several other couples. I always enjoy viewing from our stateroom.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the friendly and helpful service from our team, the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers, and the beautiful views from your stateroom. It’s wonderful to know these experiences helped make your journey memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Everyone who we encountered was so nice, friendly, helpful and kind. Clearly they are happy in their jobs and take pride in their work.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We're delighted to hear you experienced such warm and welcoming service from our team. It’s wonderful to know their kindness, helpfulness, and pride in what they do helped create a memorable journey. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful scenery, exceptional service from our team, and delicious dining throughout your journey. It’s wonderful to know these experiences helped make your cruise memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise lines far exceeded my guarded optimism about being on a cruise
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We're delighted to hear that your experience with American Cruise Lines exceeded your expectations and helped create a memorable journey. It’s wonderful to know we were able to provide an experience that changed your perspective on cruising. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
The nighttime entertainment - especially Jim Schweigart (sp?) - were beyond excellent, as were the food service people. The staterooms were spacious and everything worked very well - TV, showers, temp controls. The bed was comfortable and everything was kept clean. The food was good to excellent and always plated beautifully. The excursions were a bit too slow for me but most of the cruisers were in their 70s-90s so the tempo made sense for them.
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the onboard entertainment, exceptional service from our team, comfortable accommodations, and delicious dining throughout your journey. It’s wonderful to know the attention to detail and cleanliness helped make your experience memorable.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding the pace of excursions and will share your comments with our team as we continue enhancing the experience for all travelers.
We hope to welcome you aboard again soon!
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Excellent everything. Staff helped me with emergency health situation ? Probably saved my life “
& I am so grateful the 3 men in charge who were really there for me -sped boat up to an unscheduled stop & an ambulance was waiting. That all get 3 A++++++
Neice & I lost the cruise but so thankful for the help. I was off ship July 18.20268@
Susanne Dunson
Reply from American Cruise Lines2026-07-28
We’re incredibly grateful to hear that our team was able to provide support and assistance during your medical emergency. The safety and well-being of our travelers is always our highest priority, and we’re thankful our team was able to act quickly and help get you the care you needed.
While we’re sorry your journey was cut short, we’re glad to know you are doing well and appreciate your kind words about the care and compassion shown during such an important moment. We hope to welcome you aboard again for a future voyage when the time is right.
Sincerely,
American Cruise Lines
Quark Expeditions
Viking
City Cruises
Faye Travel Insurance
Direct Line Cruises
AARDY
CruiseDirect