The U.S. will mark its 250th birthday next year, and American Cruise Lines will celebrate by sailing extra-long itineraries to nearly every corner of the country.
The small-ship cruise line – all flagged, or registered, in the U.S. – will bring guests to national parks, battlefields and iconic waterways through five Extended Cruises, traversing the Pacific Northwest, Southeast and more.
“American Cruise Lines’ extended cruises are one of the most unforgettable ways to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday,” Charles B. Robertson, the line’s president and CEO, told USA TODAY in a statement. “These adventures explore as many as 20 states in one seamless package and highlight the vast breadth of river cruising that is available in the U.S.A.”
Here’s what to know.
The cruises will depart in 2026 on the following dates:
Each sailing has its own personality. The Revolutionary War itinerary, for example, will travel the Hudson River during peak fall foliage and includes stops like West Point, New York; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island and more, while onboard experts can share stories around the conflict.
“Explore West Point, America’s oldest military academy, and stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia,” the cruise line said on its website. Walk the grounds of Valley Forge and end in Yorktown, where the war came to a dramatic close.”
The Civil War Battlefields sailing will also go deep on history, with the chance to see Fort Sumter, Antietam National Battlefield and more across 12 states; while the Great United States cruise covers much of the country, including land exploration through Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks and a July 4th stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston where guests can take in the city’s fireworks.
Itineraries may include flights or motor coach portions, depending on the sailing. Travelers can find full details about each voyage on American Cruise Lines’ website.
Starting prices for the five itineraries range from $27,200 per person to $50,625. The fares include meals and drinks – including alcoholic beverages on board – flights and hotels between cruise segments, Wi-Fi, gratuities and more.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.

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