American Cruise Lines Caps Record 2025 With 23 Industry Awards

American Cruise Lines said 2025 was a record year for the Guilford, Connecticut-based operator, highlighted by 23 industry awards and recognitions across its river and coastal cruise portfolio.

How the company framed its 2025 awards haul

In its year-end update, American Cruise Lines said the 23 honors reinforced its claim as the “Most Awarded U.S. Cruise Line,” pointing to recognition that ranged from consumer travel publications to industry award programs and reader-voted accolades. The company also cited inclusion in multiple “best of” and “top” roundups during the year.

Among the awards and rankings the company highlighted were the following:

• Cruise Critic: Best for Solo Travelers.
• Cruiseline: Best River Cruise Lines.
• Travel + Leisure: World’s Best River Cruise Lines.
• Condé Nast Traveler: Two Readers’ Choice Awards.
• World Travel Awards: Three awards.
• USA Today: Four 10Best Awards.

American Cruise Lines also cited recognition from U.S. News & World Report (which named it among the “9 Top River Cruise Lines for 2025”), Southern Living (which included the company in its “Top 10 Cruise Lines”), The Points Guy (which recognized it among the “7 Best Mississippi River Cruises”), and Forbes (which listed it among “World’s Best River Cruises 2025”).

American Patriot singled out as a notable 2025 highlight

The company’s newest ship, American Patriot, was named a top finalist for Best New River Cruise Ships by Travel Weekly. American Cruise Lines did not provide additional detail in the available announcements about the criteria Travel Weekly used for the finalist selection, but it highlighted the designation as part of its broader 2025 summary.

Fleet growth in 2025 and the delivery schedule the company outlined

Alongside the awards, American Cruise Lines said it expanded its fleet during 2025 with two new coastal vessels. The company did not identify those ships by name in the information provided, but connected the additions to its wider coastal expansion.

Looking ahead, American Cruise Lines said multiple ships are scheduled to join the fleet beginning in 2026, with the company naming vessels planned for 2026 and 2027:

• 2026: American Encore (a new riverboat), plus two Patriot-class coastal vessels, American Ranger and American Maverick.
• 2027: American Navigator, American Mariner, and American Anthem.

The company also said six additional ships are scheduled to join the brand through 2028, though it did not provide a full list of names in the available information.

Pearl Seas Cruises’ awards included Great Lakes and small-ship recognition

American Cruise Lines also spotlighted awards received by Pearl Seas Cruises, an affiliated company that operates small-ship itineraries including the Great Lakes. Pearl Seas Cruises received a Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Best Great Lakes Itineraries and earned a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small Ships.

Year-end message and a note on 2026 programming

American Cruise Lines thanked travel advisors, industry partners, employees, and crew, linking the year’s results to operational execution during the season. In a separate forward-looking note included in available coverage, the company also said it plans new itineraries tied to the United States’ 250th birthday as part of its 2026 program.

With new river and coastal ships scheduled to arrive beginning in 2026, the operator’s near-term timeline centers on the American Encore riverboat and the Patriot-class additions American Ranger and American Maverick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which awards did American Cruise Lines highlight for 2025?

American Cruise Lines said it received 23 awards and recognitions in 2025, including Cruise Critic’s Best for Solo Travelers, Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best River Cruise Lines, and multiple honors from Condé Nast Traveler (two Readers’ Choice Awards), World Travel Awards (three awards), and USA Today (four 10Best Awards). The company also cited recognition from U.S. News & World Report, Southern Living, The Points Guy, and Forbes.

What recognition did American Patriot receive?

American Patriot was named a top finalist for Best New River Cruise Ships by Travel Weekly, according to American Cruise Lines. The company did not provide additional detail in the available announcements about the criteria used for the finalist selection.

What ships did American Cruise Lines name for 2026 and 2027?

For 2026, the company listed American Encore, American Ranger, and American Maverick. For 2027, it listed American Navigator, American Mariner, and American Anthem.

How many ships has the company said are scheduled through 2028?

American Cruise Lines said six additional ships are scheduled to join the brand through 2028. In the available information, the company identified six ships by name that are planned for 2026 and 2027: American Encore, American Ranger, American Maverick, American Navigator, American Mariner, and American Anthem.

What awards did Pearl Seas Cruises receive in 2025?

Pearl Seas Cruises received a Travel Weekly Magellan Award for Best Great Lakes Itineraries and a Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small Ships, according to American Cruise Lines.