American Cruise Lines announces that February 18th will mark the opening of the Line’s 2023 U.S. cruise season, when American Star departs from sunny Florida. American is celebrating Wave Season by running more small ships from U.S. ports than ever before. This February, American begins the new season with 2 riverboats and 2 small ships setting sail along the East Coast from Florida and South Carolina, the West Coast from California, and the Mighty Mississippi River from Louisiana

“2023 is poised to be the most exciting cruise season ever for American Cruise Lines. More small ships exploring in more states than ever before is the best way that I can think of to celebrate 50 years cruising American’s waterways,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

On the West Coast, American Jazz will embark along a historic cruise from San Francisco on February 24th, 2023. Following an all-new 8-Day San Francisco Bay itinerary, American Jazz will be the first U.S.riverboat in over 80 years to explore San Francisco Bay and the California Delta, cruising Wine Country along the Napa, Sacramento, and San Joaquin Rivers. On the East Coast, two of the company’s smallest cruise ships, 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, depart February 18th & 25thnrespectively. American Star will begin the season along the company’s unusual 8-Day Great Rivers ofnFlorida cruise, roundtrip from Jacksonville. Sister ship, American Independence, will sail the Line’s popular 8-Day Historic South & Golden Isles itinerary between Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida; exploring the country’s Gold Coast along the protected picturesque Intracoastal Waterway. Last but not least, newly renovated American Heritage, one of the company’s beautiful classic paddlewheelers, begins the 2023 season on the Mississippi River, following a classic 8-Day Lower the MississippiitineraryfromNewOrleans,Louisiana,toMemphis,Tennessee,departingFebruary25 .

American Cruise Lines offers 5 new riverboats and 11 itineraries on the Mississippi alone in 2023, and has a growing fleet of new small ships and riverboats operating 50+ itineraries in 35 states. All American’s cruises follow 100% U.S. itineraries whether they sail along U.S. Coasts or U.S. Rivers. The company has become the leader in the domestic industry and has distinguished itself among all small ship operators, by becoming the only cruise line in the world with a 100% U.S. flagged fleet of both riverboats and small cruise ships. This distinction enables American Cruise Lines to offer destination focused River and Coastal cruises anywhere in the country, without ever visiting a foreign port of call. In 2023, with 17 ships sailing across the country, American Cruise Lines will offer the largest collection of fully domestic itineraries available for exploring the U.S.A.

American’s 2023 season continues to open around the country, with Chesapeake Bay cruises in March; Columbia & Snake Rivers cruises and Puget Sound cruises in April; New England cruises in May; Alaska cruises in June; Hudson River cruises in September, and Holiday cruises in November and December.

The company’s small ship cruises offer an all-inclusive experience and feature over 400 exciting shore excursions. All American’s itineraries deliver incredible value and include complimentary onboard enrichment and entertainment, fine cuisine, and a festive cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres each evening. All ships offer 100% outward-facing accommodations, nearly all with private balconies. American’s ships also include Starlink Wi-Fi, and many also offer included alternate casual dining venues and private luxury cruise coaches which follow the riverboats on shore. 2023-2024 cruise pricing includes Port Charges & Fees as well as Tips & Gratuities. All American Cruise Lines’ River and Coastal cruises offer domestic Flat-Rate Airfare and many cruises also offer extended Pre-Cruise Packages, as well as Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stays.

In 2023, American Cruise Lines remains totally committed to offering the finest U.S. built ships for smooth sailing and enriching domestic itineraries. While the company continues to introduce new ships and riverboats each year, American is dedicated to remaining small, with every ship in the fleet accommodating just 90 to 180 guests.