Cleveland Named Homeport in New Luxury Cruise Plan with No Passports Required

CLEVELAND, Ohio — American Cruise Lines will launch its first all‑U.S. ports Great Lakes cruise itineraries in 2026, with Cleveland playing a central role as an embarkation or debarkation point. The cruises, operated by the new American Patriot small ship, will sail between May and August 2026 and visit only U.S. ports, meaning U.S. guests will not need a passport.

“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100 percent domestically.”

The line will offer three itineraries:

American Great Lakes (14 days) — Cleveland to Milwaukee (or reverse). Ports include Detroit, Alpena, Sault Ste. Marie (via the Soo Locks), Mackinac Island, Muskegon, and Holland.

Great Lakes & Thousand Islands (9 days) — Oswego, N.Y. to Cleveland. Stops include the Thousand Islands (e.g., Boldt Castle), Niagara Falls, and Ohio Amish Country, plus a narrated Cleveland city tour featuring the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula (9 days) — roundtrip from Milwaukee. Stops include Green Bay, Escanaba, Muskegon, and other Upper Peninsula destinations.

The Cleveland–Milwaukee 14‑day sailings are scheduled for June 12, July 8, July 20, and August 15, 2026. The Great Lakes & Thousand Islands cruises from Oswego to Cleveland depart May 22, May 29, June 5, and August 27, 2026. Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula sails leave June 24, July 1, August 1, and August 8, 2026.

Fares begin at $14,270 per person for the 14‑day itinerary and $8,675 per person for the 9‑day itineraries (double occupancy). These rates include a pre‑cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare. Onboard inclusions cover excursions in each port, onboard enrichment and entertainment, Wi-Fi, beverages (beer, wine, spirits), and gratuities, following ACL’s “all-inclusive” model.

The American Patriot was built in 2025 and accommodates 130 guests in 69 staterooms across five decks. Every stateroom includes a private balcony. Amenities include multiple lounges (including a Sky Lounge), two dining venues (a panoramic main restaurant and a casual café), a fitness center, elevators, a top‑deck walking area, a bow terrace, and a stabilized hull designed for smoother cruising. Cabin categories include Single Balcony, Premium / Vista Balcony (~310 sq ft), Veranda Suites (~405 sq ft), Sky Suites (~470 sq ft), and Grand Suites (up to ~620 sq ft).

Because every port of call, embarkation, and disembarkation is in the U.S., passengers will not need passports. A U.S. government photo ID is required for air travel and check‑in. ACL notes that even the Oswego to Cleveland route, which transits the Canadian Welland Canal, does not call at a Canadian port — allowing them to maintain a no‑passport requirement.

Cleveland’s participation as a home or turnaround port is a major boost for the city’s cruise economy. The Port of Cleveland has publicly welcomed ACL’s 2026 schedule, citing a record 2025 cruise season and highlighting the appeal of an all‑U.S. approach. Local promotion suggests passengers may enjoy a narrated city tour including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and a day trip into Amish Country with special luncheon.

Cruise industry analysts note that ACL’s domestic Great Lakes offering is unique, as most existing Great Lakes cruises include Canadian ports and thus require international clearances. By avoiding border crossings, ACL can dock at smaller marinas, city parks, and in town centers — offering more authentic local access than foreign‑flagged vessels.

As of now, bookings are open for the 2026 sailings, and ACL lists additional dates for 2027. “Where other ships dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry, American Cruise Lines can dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas for an authentic and exclusive experience not available with any other cruise line,” ACL said in its announcement.

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