Cruise To The Big Easy
New Gulf Coast cruise route takes passengers on a scenic route from Pensacola to New Orleans
A new Gulf Coast cruise will take passengers from historic Pensacola to the vibrant streets of New Orleans—and vice versa.
The seven-night, eight-day voyage offered by American Cruise Lines will charter trips in March and December of each year. The new scenic route debuts on March 1, 2026, and several of its first weeks are already sold out.
“We are always looking to add new and interesting cruise itineraries all over the United States of America and are especially expanding offerings that explore more Southernly coastal states,” says Alexa Paolella, public relations manager with American Cruise Lines.
Photos Courtesy of American Cruise Lines
As the country’s largest domestic river and small-ship cruise line, American Cruise Lines currently has 28 new small ships—all built in the United States—sailing year-round with more than 50 domestic itineraries. The vessels stop only at U.S. ports and always sail within sight of land.
“Our vibe is personalized, relaxed, and comfortable fun!” Paolella says. “We take care of everything for our guests from ship to shore and from booking to boarding. Cruises are all-inclusive of everything on board from cuisine to alcohol to entertainment and Wi-Fi.”
The new Gulf Coast cruise, which is also available in a reverse itinerary, will embark on its journey from Pensacola and coast along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Mississippi River, including ports of call in Mobile, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gulf Port, and New Orleans.
Photos Courtesy of American Cruise Lines
“Beyond the scenic views and amenities on board, the shoreside experiences on our cruises are where we shine,” Paolella says. “The new Gulf Coast cruises will offer a host of diverse experiences each day.”
Passengers can book pre-cruise hotel stays in either Pensacola or New Orleans, depending on which direction they are traveling.
In Pensacola, recommended activities include downtown shopping, art galleries, dining on fresh local seafood, and visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum. Mobile offers passengers a visit to the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch, tours of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, or a historic Mobile trolley adventure. Along the Mississippi coast, passengers can experience an authentic shrimp boat adventure in Biloxi, take an electric bike tour of beachy and artsy Ocean Springs, and explore historic Ship Island—and Fort Massachusetts, which served as a crucial Union base during the Civil War—just off Gulfport. In New Orleans, passengers will find all manner of cultural riches, from local jazz and art to the Cajun and Creole delicacies of the French Quarter. There will be time to tour world-famous attractions such as St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, the French Market, and the National WWII Museum.
Photos Courtesy of American Cruise Lines
Gulf Coast cruise passengers will sail aboard the American Symphony, one of American Cruise Lines’ nine modern riverboats accommodating up to 180 guests.
“Our riverboats are world class but smaller, so they are without some of the excess amenities found on large ships,” Paolella said. “We have no swimming pools or casinos. Instead, we have spacious all-balcony staterooms with king-sized beds, simple recreational spaces like small gyms and walking tracks, and comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges—all practical, well thought out spaces our guests use
and appreciate.”
The American Symphony also features a unique bow ramp for easy boarding, elevator access to all passenger decks, dining rooms with water views from every seat, and a multi-story glass atrium.
Paolella says the cruise line’s mission is to provide intimate journeys that highlight scenic beauty, local history, and on-board enrichment.
Photos Courtesy of American Cruise Lines
“Our cruises are destination focused, and the itineraries are fully curated,” she says. “On board, we have enrichment, lectures, and local entertainment as well as cooking demonstrations, painting classes, and more.”
While river cruising has traditionally attracted a mature and often retired demographic, the new Gulf Coast route is expected to spark interest among new segments of the population.
“All of our U.S. cruises are about accessing and exploring the destinations and smaller ports that large ocean ships don’t go to,” Paolella says. “We see the audience for our offerings broadening each year.”
