American Encore Passes Sea Trials: Sets New Standard for Global River Cruises | News
American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that the brand new riverboat, American Encore, has passed the Sea Trials with flying colors and is already on its way to the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest. American Encore is the world’s finest new riverboat and the latest gem in the company’s groundbreaking line of modern American riverboats. It offers first-class amenities, a refined, elegant onboard aesthetic and state-of-the-art technology. It is simply the best riverboat ever built; it looks more like a luxury yacht with more space per passenger than any other riverboat in the world.
Immediately after last week’s Sea Trials, American Encore immediately departed Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the Maryland-American yard where it was built, and began its month-long journey west. The riverboat is currently sailing along the coastal waters of the east coast and will then transit the Caribbean Sea. It is expected to sail through the Panama Canal at the end of March. Afterwards, American Encore will continue north along the Pacific coast until it reaches the mouth of the Columbia near Astoria, Washington, where the river flows inland from the Pacific Ocean.
During the voyage, the American Encore will be accompanied by Captain Andrew Gillilan, along with other officers and crew. The riverboat’s expert nautical team is supported every day by the US shore operations team. While underway, American’s Encore crew closely monitors the riverboat’s navigation systems and equipment, monitors ocean and weather conditions and continuously relays information to American Cruise Lines’ fleet operations center in Connecticut.
American Encore is the best new riverboat on the market. Since American’s celebrated introduction of the nation’s first modern riverboat in 2018, the company has aggressively led the river cruise industry; launching new small vessels year after year and setting a higher standard for all riverboats worldwide. American Cruise Lines has introduced 20 new ships in the past decade and catapulted the domestic U.S. river cruise market into the mainstream. The line’s massive fleet expansion and outstanding small ship designs are a testament to American shipbuilding and American innovation. Once just an afterthought to Europe, American river cruise traffic has exceeded expectations and taken its rightful place in the international marketplace by offering the best riverboats and itineraries available anywhere in the world.
American Cruise Lines has 28 new small ships for U.S. cruises nationwide and 8 riverboats dedicated to the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The company also continues to develop docks and water access for communities throughout the river region. American remains a committed economic partner to cities and ports across the U.S., bringing thousands of guests to the Pacific Northwest each year. The Line’s Columbia and Snake routes offer a range of dynamic experiences and showcase the natural beauty of the Western States. The 2026 cruises range from 9 to 16 days and include popular National Parks Cruises that highlight guided adventures in Yellowstone, Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks.
American Encore’s first season of sold-out cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers begins May 5 and ends in mid-November. Additional details about American Encore’s christening festivities and the inaugural 9-day Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise will be announced in the coming weeks. All of American’s 50+ itineraries can be booked through 2028.
Following the launch of American Encore in May 2026, sister ships American Anthem and American Grace will begin cruise operations along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2027 and 2028.
