by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 8:00 AM ET, Fri September 26, 2025
American Cruise Lines is launching three new Great Lakes itineraries in 2026, no passport required.
Offered aboard the 130-guest American Patriot from May through August, the cruises will only visit destinations in the United States. All sailings include a pre-cruise hotel stay, free domestic airfare and excursions in small towns.
“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” says Charles B. Robertson, president and chief executive officer of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”
The new voyages include the “Great Lakes & Thousand Islands” itinerary, a nine-day sailing between Syracuse, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, giving guests a chance to explore Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Cruises are offered May 22, May 29, June 5 and August 27, 2026 (with more dates offered in 2027).
Also available is the “Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula” cruise, a nine-day voyage round trip from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, exploring Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Cruises are offered on June 24, July 1, August 1 and August 8, 2026 (with more dates in 2027).
Finally, the company is offering 14-day “American Great Lakes” sailings between Cleveland, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, taking guests across Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Cruises are offered aboard on June 12, July 8, July 20 and August 15, 2026 (with more dates in 2027).
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