American Cruise Lines has announced that new riverboat American Encore is on schedule for its May 2026 debut and inaugural season cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Designed to be the most spacious riverboat in the world, American Encore is a next-gen riverboat with world-class amenities including the largest staterooms, highest ceilings, largest gym, and most space-per-person in the global river cruise industry.
The passenger density on board will be more reminiscent of a yacht than a typical river cruise ship.
American Cruise Lines has made U.S. River cruising mainstream within the broader worldwide cruise industry by introducing modern ships to a once boutique domestic market.
The company’s new ships excel in modern design, noise and vibration control, and passenger amenities.
“This boat was not designed in a vacuum. We compare ourselves to others around the world and ask, ‘how can we beat that?’ I think that we have objectively accomplished this mission with American Encore,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.
American Encore will feature five decks and accommodate 180 guests in 100% private balcony accommodations.
The riverboat will showcase a stunning four-story glass atrium at the center of the ship and introduce American’s newest stateroom category, the extraordinary Signature Suite.
At over 1000 sq/ft, American Encore’s Signature Suite will be the largest riverboat suite in the world, offering a wrap-around balcony, panoramic views, separate living and sleeping spaces, and a hotel-sized bathroom with soaking tub and heated floors.
Other onboard amenities include a grand dining room and casual café, multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, top deck lounge and outdoor walking track, large gym, complimentary laundry room, and elevators to all passenger decks.
American Encore represents the next step in the company’s award-winning modern American Riverboat™ series. Series flagship, American Song, was lauded by TIME Magazine as one of The World’s Greatest Places when it launched in 2018.
Sistership American Serenade became the first U.S.-built riverboat to be named Best New Riverboat of the Year by Cruise Critic in 2023. American Encore will continue to elevate the industry in 2026.
Following American Encore’s May 2026 launch, sisterships American Anthem and American Grace are also slated to begin operations along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2027 and 2028.
Additional details on American Encore’s christening festivities and inaugural 9-Day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise will be forthcoming in the months ahead.
American Encore and all the company’s newest ships are available to book now, for cruises through the 2028 season.
Virtual Ship Tours are available on the company’s website at all times.
About American Cruise Lines:
American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A., with 28 small ships and 50+ domestic itineraries on the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and protected waterways around the country, from Alaska to Florida.
The company has a 50-year history of introducing award-winning small ships that sail exclusively in the United States. Today, American has the only 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world.
Operating in 35+ states year-round, American’s 2026 itineraries include bucket-list National Parks cruises and Extended Cruises honoring the country’s 250th birthday.
Source: American Cruise Lines Media/Press Center
Images: © Copyright 2026 American Cruise Lines. All rights reserved.
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