While river cruise lines sailing Europe’s rivers get the most publicity, the largest small-ship domestic cruise line in U.S. lakes, coasts and rivers is growing rapidly and has just announced plans for ten more ships to be delivered between now and 2028.
The new ships will bring the fleet up to 30 ships, sailing U.S.-only rivers and coastal routes as well as recent expansion into the Great Lakes market. Its ships range from 100 passengers to just under 200, and include small ships that sail coastal waters as well as two types of riverboats—a few ‘classic’ paddlewheelers, and the newer ‘modern American Riverboat’ type the company debuted in 2018, modeled on European river cruisers rather than copying old-style models.
The company, headquartered in Connecticut, has had a checkered history. It started with one boat offering hour-long cruises on the Connecticut River in the 1970s, grew rapidly in the 1980s, and was liquidated around 1990, only to be revived in 2000 by the original owners. Since then, it has grown rapidly, including acquiring assets from other lines that ceased operations.
Photo: American Pioneer at sea, courtesy ACL
