I’ve been waiting for this one.
For years, I’ve wondered when American Cruise Lines would bring its easy, small-ship style to the Great Lakes. And now it’s happening. Starting May 2026, American will debut three brand-new Great Lakes cruises aboard its newest ship, American Patriot.
These will be 100% U.S. cruises – no passports, no border crossings, no long flights. Just an easy way to explore one of the country’s most beautiful regions with the comfort and convenience that American does so well. And because American Patriot is fully U.S.-flagged, it can slip into small towns, marinas, and even city parks – places the big international ships can’t reach.
The New Sailings
- 9-Day Great Lakes & Thousand Islands
Syracuse to Cleveland, with glass-bottom boat rides over shipwrecks, a stop at Niagara Falls, a tour of Boldt Castle, wine tasting at Coyote Moon and an intimate Amish Country visit (lunch at an Amish home included). - 9-Day Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula
Roundtrip from Milwaukee, this itinerary hits small-town gems and unexpected finds: wander a perfectly preserved 19th-century company town at Fayette, chase down Swedish pastries in Escanaba, geek out at the Harley-Davidson Museum and ride a trolley past Muskegon’s beaches and historic lighthouses. - 14-Day American Great Lakes
The big adventure – Cleveland to Milwaukee, crossing Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan. Highlights include Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage, Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum and Motown Museum, Michigan wineries and sand dunes, plus plenty of small-town stops and lake time.
Every cruise comes with a pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare (always a win), plus the fully inclusive experience I love about American. No paying extra for Wi-Fi, cocktails, daily guided excursions or gratuities all baked in. Note: There are additional excursions available for purchase.
Meet American Patriot
This new ship carries just 130 guests and has all the comfort details I’ve come to expect: private balcony staterooms (yes, there are solo cabins without a supplement), airy lounges, a walking track up top and big-window dining rooms made for lake views.
Why This Is Exciting
Great Lakes cruising has been growing, but until now it’s mostly been international ships with mixed itineraries. These sailings are different: start and end in the U.S. and stay fully domestic but still feel like an adventure. It’s the same small-ship experience American has perfected in other areas of the U.S., now sailing the Great Lakes.
If the Great Lakes have been on your list but the logistics felt complicated, that’s about to change. American just made it simple, and I can’t wait to check these sailings out.
Would you go for the Thousand Islands, the Upper Peninsula, or the full 14-day adventure?
This article was originally published by River Cruise Advisor.