American Cruise Lines’ first Arkansas River cruise set sail yesterday, the company announced in a press release. The new itinerary is being operated by the American Serenade, one of the company’s modern Mississippi riverboats.
American said that the inaugural cruise is filled with repeat guests, including Eagle Society members, noting that interest in new river cruise itineraries on the country’s waterways continues to grow stronger each year.
“American is proud to continue leading the way for U.S. River cruising, opening up more and more of the country each year for authentic explorations along U.S. waterways. The response from our repeat guests and Eagle Society members to this itinerary was tremendous, demonstrating the genuine demand for world-class river cruising in new destinations around the U.S.A.,” said Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines.
“We also appreciate the warm welcome from ports along the river including Little Rock, Tulsa, Van Buren, Dardanelle, and Muskogee, and we look forward to exploring them with our guests,” he added.
American said that its first two departure dates for the new 9-Day Arkansas River cruises sold out almost as soon as they were announced in late 2025, while 2027 dates are already selling out.
The company noted that, thanks to its U.S.-flagged fleet, the new itinerary is exclusive and is one of the fastest-selling itineraries it has ever introduced.
American’s inaugural Arkansas River cruise began on November 8, with an included hotel stay in Memphis, Tennessee. The second sailing will begin on November 15, with an included stay in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The majority of the nine-day Arkansas River cruises will operate between Tulsa, OK and Little Rock, AR, offering stops in Muskogee, OK; Fort Smith/Van Buren, AR; Dardanelle, AR; and Little Rock, AR.
American said it will also offer a number of Arkansas River cruises between Memphis and Tulsa, which will also visit Little Rock.
“We’re thrilled to welcome American Cruise Lines to Little Rock for the first time on their new Arkansas River cruises, giving travelers a chance to experience our capital city on excursions with the people who know it best,” said Gina Gemberling, President & CEO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Local guides offer a firsthand perspective on Little Rock’s history, culture, and character, creating meaningful connections between visitors and our community. This river cruise is a great addition to our tourism product, and we’re happy to have the opportunity to showcase our destination and all it has to offer.”
While the 2026 Arkansas River departures are already sold out, American will operate two cruises in May 2027 and four more sailings in November.
In 2028, the schedule of Arkansas River cruises more than triples, with departure dates in March, April, May, and October, November and December.
