Cruise Line focused on the routes of all the United States to join the Great Lakes Cruise Industry

A cruise line focused on American destinations will join the Great Lakes cruise industry in 2026, adding three fully domestic routes.

In response to the requests of the guests, the new vessel of American Cruise Lines, American Patriot, will sail on the lakes érié, Huron, Michigan and Ontario from May to August 2026 with routes from 9 and 14 days.

“The guests have long asked for our cruise style on the big lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and chief executive officer of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as the only American, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% at the national level.”

While other cruise routes often include stops in Canada, these routes are exclusive to the United States, which means that American travelers will not need a passport.

The American routes of the Great Lakes in 2026 include a 9 -day cruise visiting the thousand islands and the Niagara falls, while an additional 9 -day route highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay and the desert of the Michigan Superior Peninsula. The 14 -day signature cruise on the line, nicknamed the great American lakes, travels 800 miles through the Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan.

Michigan call ports include Strait, Alpena, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Hollande, Muskegon and Escanaba. The routes also offer stops in Ohio, New York and Wisconsin.

The 9 -day cruises of the great lakes and the thousand islands sail between Syracuse, Ny and Cleveland, Ohio, exploring the lakes of Ontario and Erie. The 2026 calendar offers cruises on May 22, May 29, June 5 and August 27. Prices start at $ 8,675.

The 9 -day cruises Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula sail from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, exploring Lake Michigan and the 2026 calendar offers cruises on June 24, July 1, August 1 and August 8. The price starts at $ 8,675.

The 14 -day American cruises of the Great Lakes sail between Cleveland, Ohio and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The trip explores the lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan. The 2026 calendar offers cruises on: June 12, July 8, July 20 and August 15. The price starts at $ 14,270.

All cruises offer a stay at the hotel before the cruise included and a free domestic plane ticket. Each route includes excursions to small towns and the time spent sailing in the big lakes.

American Patriot is entirely stabilized for smooth navigation and only grants 130 guests. The new ship includes private balcony cabins, including suites and spacious singles and salons, including a higher bridge fair and a walking track, a main restaurant with a view from each seat, a relaxed coffee, a graphic room, a fitness center, a laundry room and elevators to all decks.

The 2025 cruise season will take place until October with Pearl Seas, Viking, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd and Victory Cruise ships.

The industry should have an economic impact of $ 230 million in the Great Lakes region this year – which represents an increase of 15% compared to 2024, according to a forecast by Cruise The Great Lakes, a marketing program focused on the attraction of more passengers in the region.

In relation: Cruise ships to provide $ 230 million in economic impact in the Great Lakes region in 2025

Between the six cruise lines, a total of 700 port visits are expected, which represents an increase of 30% compared to 2024. Marie, Houghton, Marquette and Muskegon.