American Cruise Lines is introducing a new riverboat to its fleet in 2026 with the American Encore, according to the company’s website.
As part of a three-ship order announced by the company earlier this year, the 180-guest vessel will be the latest in the company’s American riverboat series.
Set to enter service in early May 2026, the American Encore will spend its inaugural season sailing on the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
Sailing between Portland and Clarkston, the ship will offer a series of seven-night cruises in the region that feature visits to destinations in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
The open-jaw itineraries feature eight ports of call, including Astoria, Kalama, The Dalles, Pendleton and Richland.
With its inaugural season in the region extending through October, the Encore will be one of six American Cruise Lines’ ships sailing across the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2026.
The ship will be the seventh in a series that started in 2018 and also includes the American Song, the American Harmony, the American Jazz, the American Melody, the American Symphony and the American Serenade.
According to American Cruise Lines, the Encore will offer elevator access to all passenger decks, in addition to a multi-story glass atrium and a unique bow ramp for easy boarding.
The 5,000-ton vessel also boasts a sophisticated and modern look, the company said, with amenities that include a fitness center and multiple dining venues.
New for the American Encore is a new class of staterooms, the Signature Suite, which will be the largest ever in American Cruise Lines’ fleet.
In addition to the new riverboat, the company is also building three new coastal vessels. Continuing its Coastal Cats class, the American Legend is scheduled to debut later this year.
Introducing a new ship design, the American Patriot and the American Pioneer are scheduled to enter service in 2025.
According to Cruise Industry News’ 2024 Global Cruise Ship Index, two additional coastal vessels are on order for 2026.