American Cruise Lines Adds New U.S. River Itineraries

The Mississippi River at Vicksburg with the Stars and Stripes flying from the bridge
The Americas Cruise Industry
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Updated Published

American Cruise Lines has revealed plans to expand its offerings on the Mississippi River and beyond with three new itineraries, including the first-ever nine-day Arkansas River cruise between Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Memphis, Tennessee.

Also new are an 11-day Great Smoky Mountains sailing between Knoxville and Huntsville, and an eight-day Gulf Coast cruise running between Pensacola, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Each itinerary also includes a complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay.

The company noted in its announcement that additional riverboats will join the fleet over the next three years to accommodate the growing demand for Mississippi River cruising.

Arkansas River Cruise

This nine-day sailing between Memphis and Tulsa will visit Catoosa, Muskogee, Fort Smith/Van Buren, Russellville, Little Rock, and Pendleton.

Highlights include visits to the Woody Guthrie Center and Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, historic Fort Smith, Little Rock, Pendleton, Memphis, and Graceland. The American Serenade will operate these itineraries in November 2026.

Gulf Coast Cruise

Sailing between New Orleans and Pensacola, this eight-day voyage includes stops in Mobile, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport/Ship Island.

Guests can look forward to experiences such as a Gator Ranch visit in Mobile, a Biloxi Shrimp Boat adventure, an e-bike tour of Ocean Springs, fishing excursions in Gulfport, and cultural highlights like the National WWII Museum and New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Departures are scheduled for March and December 2026, with repeat sailings in March and December 2027 aboard the American Symphony.

Great Smoky Mountains Cruise

The 11-day voyage between Knoxville and Huntsville will include stops in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Fort Southwest Point, Chattanooga, and Decatur, as well as scenic cruising along the Tennessee River and Appalachian Mountains.

Highlights feature the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, the K-25 History Center in Oak Ridge, Chattanooga’s culinary scene, and Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Decatur. The American Heritage will sail these cruises from July through October 2027.