Milwaukee will become a departure point for two new Great Lakes cruise itineraries in 2026. American Cruise Lines, a company known for domestic voyages and American-built ships, is expanding its offerings to include the Great Lakes region for the first time. This expansion aims to meet growing passenger demand for cruises in the area.
The new routes will offer travelers an opportunity to explore the Great Lakes, with specific stops in Wisconsin and Michigan. These cruises mark a significant development for Milwaukee's tourism sector and the regional cruise market.
Key Takeaways
- Two new American Cruise Lines itineraries will depart from Milwaukee in 2026.
- The cruises include a 9-day Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula trip and a 14-day American Great Lakes journey.
- Fares begin at $8,675 for the shorter cruise and $14,270 for the longer one.
- Ships will be the new Patriot Class, accommodating 130 guests.
American Cruise Lines Expands to Great Lakes
American Cruise Lines is set to introduce its first Great Lakes itineraries in 2026. The company has a history of operating domestic cruises across the United States. Their focus remains on providing experiences aboard ships built in America.
Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, highlighted the motivation behind this expansion. He stated,
"Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes. We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically."This indicates a strategic move to cater to a specific market segment interested in domestic water travel.
Company Background
American Cruise Lines specializes in river and coastal cruises within the United States. The company operates a fleet of small ships designed for intimate experiences and access to ports not reachable by larger vessels. Their commitment to American-built ships supports domestic shipbuilding and offers a unique selling point to patriotic travelers.
New Itineraries Departing from Milwaukee
Milwaukee will serve as a key departure and arrival point for two of the three new Great Lakes cruises. These itineraries are designed to offer diverse experiences, ranging from explorations of Lake Michigan's shoreline to extensive journeys across multiple Great Lakes.
Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula Cruise
This nine-day, eight-night round-trip cruise will start and end in Milwaukee. It will feature stops in various locations, including Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and several points along Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Passengers will have opportunities to visit local attractions.
- Duration: Nine days, eight nights
- Route: Round-trip from Milwaukee, including Sheboygan and Michigan's Upper Peninsula
- Wisconsin Highlights: Lambeau Field, Harley-Davidson Museum, Sheboygan shoreline
- Starting Fare: $8,675
This cruise offers a concentrated experience of the region, focusing on cultural and natural landmarks. The inclusion of sites like Lambeau Field and the Harley-Davidson Museum aims to appeal to a broad range of interests, from sports fans to motorcycle enthusiasts.
American Great Lakes Cruise
The second Milwaukee-based cruise is a longer, 14-day, 13-night journey. This route connects Milwaukee and Cleveland, traversing through Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. The majority of the middle stops on this itinerary are located in Michigan.
- Duration: 14 days, 13 nights
- Route: Between Milwaukee and Cleveland, via Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan
- Michigan Stops: Detroit, Mackinac Island, Holland, Muskegon
- Starting Fare: $14,270
This extended cruise provides a more comprehensive exploration of the Great Lakes, allowing passengers to experience several major cities and scenic islands. Mackinac Island, known for its car-free environment and historic charm, is a notable inclusion.
Third Great Lakes Cruise
A third Great Lakes itinerary, the 9-Day Great Lakes & Thousand Islands line, will operate between Syracuse, New York, and Cleveland. This route includes Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, with an excursion to Niagara Falls. Fares for this journey also start at $8,675.
Departure Schedule for 2026
The new American Cruise Lines ships are scheduled to begin their Milwaukee departures in the summer of 2026. The launch dates are staggered, providing multiple options for travelers throughout the peak season.
The American Great Lakes line will have its first departure from Cleveland on June 12, 2026. It will then depart from Milwaukee on July 8, 2026. Additional departures for this route are planned for later in July and throughout August.
The Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula cruise will commence its first departure from Milwaukee on June 12, 2026. This itinerary also has three other scheduled departures spread across July and August, offering flexibility for bookings.
New Patriot Class Ships
The cruises departing from Milwaukee will be conducted aboard American Cruise Lines' new Patriot Class ships. These vessels are part of a new series being introduced between 2025 and 2027. The design focuses on providing a comfortable and intimate experience for guests.
Each Patriot Class ship is designed to carry 130 guests. They feature 69 staterooms spread across five decks. The fourth deck includes suites that range in size from 420 to 620 square feet, offering spacious accommodations.
A notable feature of these new ships is the lounge space located on the fifth deck. This area provides 360-degree views, allowing guests to observe the surrounding scenery of the Great Lakes from all angles. This design choice emphasizes the scenic aspect of the cruises.
Economic Impact
The introduction of new cruise lines to Milwaukee is expected to boost the local tourism economy. Cruise passengers often spend money on local attractions, dining, and retail. This can create new jobs and generate revenue for businesses in the area. The domestic focus of American Cruise Lines also supports regional travel and economic activity within the United States.
The expansion by American Cruise Lines into the Great Lakes region signifies a growing interest in domestic cruise travel. With Milwaukee as a primary hub, these new itineraries are set to offer unique travel experiences for 2026 and beyond.
