CLEVELAND, Ohio – American Cruise Lines, the fast-growing U.S.-based cruise company, won’t be launching its new Great Lakes itineraries out of Cleveland next year after all. In fact, the company won’t be stopping in Cleveland at all.
Several of the company’s new Great Lakes itineraries will instead launch from Buffalo, New York. Toledo will be the cruise company’s only port call in Ohio.
David Gutheil, chief operating officer for the Port of Cleveland, said the cancellation was disappointing.
“For a variety of reasons, American Cruise Lines’ planned expansion to Cleveland will not take place in 2026, although we look forward to working with them to add Cleveland in future years,” he said.
The Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com reached out to American Cruise Lines for comment.
The addition of American Cruise Lines to the growing Great Lakes cruise market was hailed as a significant development, both for Cleveland and other U.S. ports.
American Cruise Lines, primarily known for its river cruises throughout the United States, will be the first company to cruise the Great Lakes and stop only at U.S. ports, negating the need for guests to carry passports or go back and forth through customs.
It was also to be the first cruise company to start its itineraries in Cleveland – a significant economic boost because many cruisers would likely come to town a day or two early to tour the city.
“This is extremely good news for Cleveland,” Gutheil said last month, after American Cruise Lines’ initial announcement. “Starting and ending cruises here means more visitors staying overnight, dining downtown, and exploring the city’s attractions.”
Two of American’s itineraries were to launch from or conclude in Cleveland, including the 14-day American Great Lakes route, sailing between Cleveland and Milwaukee; and the nine-day Great Lakes and Thousand Island route, between Cleveland and Syracuse, New York.
Both will launch from Buffalo instead, according to the cruise line’s website.
American Cruise Lines will use its new 130-passenger ship, American Patriot, in the Great Lakes. The ship features 69 all-balcony staterooms, plus two restaurants, a top-deck lounge, walking track, fitness center and other amenities.
Even without American Cruise Lines, Gutheil expects 2026 to break cruising records for Cleveland. “We are excited to shatter more records in 2026 as we showcase our incredible city,” he said.
Cleveland last month concluded a record-breaking cruise season with 53 port calls carrying approximately 8,700 passengers. A recent economic impact study commissioned by the port found that cruise passengers spend an average of about $150 in Cleveland, for a total of approximately $1.3 million in direct visitor spending.
Related: New Great Lakes cruises will start in Cleveland, stop only at U.S. ports
Cruise company scraps Cleveland stops for 2026, shifts Great Lakes launches to Buffalo
