American Cruise Lines Launches Arkansas River Cruises
The route follows the 445-mile McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and incorporating 18 locks and dams.
American Cruise Lines has launched its first Arkansas River cruises aboard American Serenade, a 175-guest Mississippi riverboat, adding a nine-day itinerary serving Oklahoma and Arkansas. The inaugural program began November 8, 2026, with an included hotel stay in Memphis, Tennessee.
Both departures scheduled for this year sold out shortly after bookings opened in late 2025, and some 2027 dates are already full. American described the itinerary as one of its fastest-selling introductions.
Most departures will run between Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Little Rock, Arkansas, calling at Muskogee, Oklahoma; Fort Smith/Van Buren, Arkansas; and Dardanelle, Arkansas. Selected sailings will connect Memphis and Tulsa, with Little Rock also on the route.
Returning passengers fill the inaugural cruise, according to American. “The response from our repeat guests and Eagle Society members to this itinerary was tremendous,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines.
“We also appreciate the warm welcome from ports along the river including Little Rock, Tulsa, Van Buren, Dardanelle, and Muskogee,” Robertson added.
Local excursions along the new route
In Little Rock, passengers will explore the Arkansas capital on excursions led by local guides. Gina Gemberling, president and CEO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, described the cruise calls as an addition to the city’s tourism offerings.
“Local guides offer a firsthand perspective on Little Rock's history, culture, and character,” Gemberling said, “creating meaningful connections between visitors and our community.”
The route follows the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, which extends 445 miles from the Mississippi River to Catoosa, Oklahoma, through the Arkansas, White and Verdigris rivers. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates and maintains the system, which includes 18 locks and dams. American attributed its ability to introduce the itinerary to its U.S.-flagged fleet.
Departures expand through 2028
The second sailing begins November 15 with an included hotel stay in Tulsa. For the following year, American has scheduled two Arkansas River departures in May and another four in November.
The 2028 schedule will more than triple the number of departures offered in 2027. Sailings are planned for March, April, May, October, November and December.
