American Cruise Lines Mississippi Paddlewheelers
The line that keeps the overnight paddlewheeler alive on the Mississippi.
Get Paddlewheel Cruise QuotesAmerican Cruise Lines Mississippi Paddlewheel Cruises
If you want an overnight paddlewheeler on the Mississippi today, you will almost certainly sail with American Cruise Lines. The U.S.-flagged line runs a large domestic fleet — coastal ships, modern riverboats and classic-style paddlewheelers — and the American Cruise Lines Mississippi paddlewheel boats are the ones with the traditional stern wheel and Victorian decks.
The Paddlewheelers
American Heritage
Built in 2015 as Queen of the Mississippi and later renamed. A mid-sized paddlewheeler carrying around 150 guests.
American Splendor
Built in 2016 as America and renamed in the line’s refresh of its classic boats.
Modern riverboats
Ships such as American Song and its sisters sail the same river with a contemporary design and no stern wheel — worth knowing if the wheel is the point for you.
Which boat runs which itinerary changes from year to year, and the line has been adding new ships. We check the current deployment when you ask for a quote.
How the Fare Works
American Cruise Lines markets an inclusive fare: its published inclusions list covers meals and drinks aboard, Wi-Fi, gratuities, entertainment, shore excursions and hotel stays. That makes it easier to compare than lines that charge separately for drinks or tips — but always read the specific itinerary, as some optional tours carry a fee.
American Cruise Lines Questions
How can I tell if my American Cruise Lines ship is a paddlewheeler?
The line groups its river fleet into paddlewheelers and modern riverboats. Paddlewheelers, such as American Heritage and American Splendor, have the traditional stern wheel and Victorian styling; the modern riverboats have a contemporary look with no wheel. Your quote will name the ship.
What does American Cruise Lines include?
The line’s own inclusions page lists meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, entertainment, excursions and hotel stays as part of the fare. Details vary by itinerary, so we confirm them on your quote.
Do the boats have balconies?
Many staterooms on the line’s paddlewheelers have private balconies; cabin categories vary by boat.
Want the whole picture of U.S. river cruise lines and regions? US River Cruising covers them all, and Small Ship River Cruising looks at small-ship routes beyond the Mississippi.
Paddlewheeler or Modern Riverboat?
If you are choosing between the two styles on the same route, think about what you want from the boat. The paddlewheelers deliver the classic look, wraparound decks and a sense of history. The modern riverboats tend to feature bright, contemporary interiors and large windows. Both stop at the same kinds of towns and follow similar daily rhythms. If the stern wheel is the reason you are going, tell us — we will make sure your quote names a paddlewheeler.
Quote an American Cruise Lines Paddlewheeler
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check which paddlewheeler sails your preferred route and dates.
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