While the State plans a cruise ship terminal on the outer harbor that is expected to open in 2027, one cruise line has added Buffalo to its 2026 schedule. American Cruise Lines has a Buffalo stop on its nine-day Great Lakes and Thousand Islands Cruise that includes six stops in American cities.
American Cruise Lines is planning four 2026 excursions with Buffalo stops: May 22 and 29, June 5, and August 27. Prices start at $8,675 which includes airfare. 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.”
Arrive in Buffalo, where historic architecture meets modern revival. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House, an Arts and Crafts masterpiece, or stroll the redeveloped Canalside district, where former grain silos now house breweries and art installations.
American Cruise Line’s American Patriot ship was built this year with a capacity for 130 guests. The new ship features private balcony staterooms plus amenities like spacious lounges including a top deck lounge and walking track, a main restaurant with views from every seat, a casual café, chart room, fitness center, laundry room, and elevators to all decks.
American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A. exploring the Mississippi River and domestic waterways around the country. The company’s award-winning small ships and riverboats offer luxury experiences in 35 states that explore the history, spirit, and culture of the United States. American’s rapid introduction of new ships has led to an innovative array of itineraries, amenities, and experiences—including exclusive coastal cruises that operate just like the Line’s river cruises, visiting only U.S. ports of call.
American Cruise Lines is also offering additional nine-day cruises that highlights Lake Michigan, Green Bay inlet, and the wilderness of the Upper Peninsula. The Line’s signature 14-Day cruise, dubbed the American Great Lakes, travels 800 miles through three of the Great Lakes (Erie, Huron, and Michigan).
The planned cruise terminal will be built at Slip 2 on the Outer Harbor (near the former location of the Pier Restaurant that was demolished in 2007) would accommodate both domestic and international travel. Site improvements will include: upgrades to seawall shoring; site remediation; improved public access; landscaping, drainage, lighting, a small parking lot, and the design of one or two small, single-story buildings for customs processing and public restroom facilities.
Victory Cruise Lines has committed to include a Buffalo stop on its Great Lakes cruises beginning in 2027.