Why Is American Cruise Lines So Expensive – A Luxury Worth the Price?

American Cruise Lines attracts guests with its cozy small ship environment and excellent service, making it a top name in river and coastal cruising. But why is American Cruise Lines so expensive? The simple answer is high-end service. However, there are many other reasons to why is American Cruise Lines so expensive. Let’s explore further.

Although the variety of destinations and exceptional port-of-call experiences are impressive, understanding the reasons behind the most expensive cruises is crucial. The cruise industry’s economics are more intricate than they seem, involving market positioning and maintaining perceived value.

Why are American Cruise Lines So Expensive?

Overview of Top Facilities and Features

American Cruise Lines is known for a host of added exclusive facilities and amenities that further enrich the cruise experience. Guests can enjoy spacious cabins with private balconies, perfect for taking in breathtaking views or just relaxing. Equally brilliant are the onboard facilities available with cruise lines, featuring fine lounges, theaters, and gyms. All these facilities lend a touch of luxury and comfort to the journey, which also answers the question: why are river cruises so expensive?

Gourmet dining is another high point of American Cruise Lines. This cruise line has won accolades for its amazingly good food, with menus designed by world class chefs. Guests can engage in a plethora of exquisite culinary delicacies using only the freshest ingredients, hailing from regional flavors and specialties. It is this meticulous attention to detail in the dining experience that places American Cruise Lines apart as the top cruise line for foodies.

Furthermore, American Cruise Lines enjoys a higher crew-to-passenger ratio when compared with the bigger cruise lines. This leads to highly personalized service and detailed attention. From remembering preferences to offering tailored recommendations, the ways in which the commitment of the crew to superlative service improves your cruise experience are attentive and friendly, making sure that no need of any passenger goes unattended and is often even anticipated throughout.

The Steep Costs

A standard 7-night cruise with American Cruise Lines spans from $3,300 to $5,800 per person, based on the season and destination. The best time to cruise with American Cruise Lines would largely depend on your preferred destination and desired experience. For instance, the best time to visit Alaska for wildlife viewing is May to September, while the South East Coast and New England Coast journeys are perfect in Spring (just like Hawaii cruises) to experience pleasant weather and blooming flowers.

These rates are for double occupancy; solo travelers may pay up to 75% more based on the stateroom selected. Why is American Cruise Lines so expensive? Another reason is their extensive range of destinations. American Cruise Lines sails in 8 different regions:

• Mississippi River Cruises: Priced between $3,300 to $4,400 for 7 nights
• New England Cruises: Starting from $5,000 up to $7,000 for 7 nights
• Southeast Coast Cruises: Starting from $3,700 to $5,800 for 7 nights
• Puget Sound Cruises: Roughly $4,100 for 7 nights
• Alaska Cruises: Approximately $5,900 for 7 nights
• Columbia River Cruises: About $4,000 for 7 nights
• California Cruises: Around $5,700 for 7 nights

Extended cruises up to 60 days – pricing available upon inquiry

Shorter cruises are also offered in certain locations. For example, a 4-night Columbia River cruise costs about $2,755. There are also two-week and three-week sailings available.

Cost and Experience Comparison of American Cruise Lines

Evaluating options in the cruise industry is essential for travelers looking to get the best value. Cruise lines differ in routes, activities, cabin choices, and costs. Travelers should determine their preferences and pick a cruise line that matches them for a more enjoyable experience. When customers compare cruise lines, it prompts companies to compete.

These comparisons result in improved services and new offerings. For example, guests who book their next cruise with American Cruise Lines while onboard get a notable discount. One of American Cruise Lines’ main rivals is Viking River Cruises. They offer similar inclusions and itineraries. Although American Cruise Lines is costly, Viking River Cruises is even more expensive.

A 14-day Mississippi River cruise with Viking River Cruises amounts around $12,000 per person, whereas the same cruise with American Cruise Lines is about $9,500 per person. Though American Cruise Lines is cheaper than Viking River Cruises, many more reasonable options are available on larger ships.

A 7-day Alaska cruise with ACL costs nearly $6,000 per person, while seven days with Royal Caribbean to Alaska costs $600 per person. The cost difference is substantial, but so is the experience, which is why it’s crucial for cruisers to consider their preferences and cruise expectations.

7 Causes for the Significant Costs of American Cruise Lines

We all know why the Great Lake cruises are so expensive, but very few understand why is American Cruise Lines so expensive. Let’s examine the seven primary reasons contributing to the steep prices.

1. All-American Cruising Experience

American Cruise Lines is a US-based company, with ships flagged in the US, impacting staffing and cruise costs. Unlike ocean cruise lines, which register ships in countries with relaxed staff laws and minimum wages, American Cruise Lines sail only in the US, adhering to US employment laws and hiring US-based crew. This results in higher wages and costs, leading to more expensive cruises. Positively, the crew is well-compensated, and US-flagged ships must be owned and built in the US, supporting both cruise and shipbuilding jobs in the country.

2. Cozy Small-Ship Environment

ACL ships carry between 90 and 180 guests, fostering a close-knit atmosphere where guests and employees can connect personally. This intimacy allows for personalized service. Small ships have access to more ports than larger vessels, particularly in Alaska, where strict environmental regulations limit access. This allows ACL’s small ships to cruise inside Glacier Bay.

3. Often Includes Pre-Cruise Hotel Accommodations

Your cruise fare may appear higher because many American Cruise Lines packages include a precruise hotel stay in the cost. In many ways, this helps travel stress by arriving a day early to avoid missing the embarkation and to let you begin your vacation earlier. You can even meet fellow guests before boarding. These hotel stays aren’t “free” but included in the fare, contributing to the seemingly higher cost compared to other cruises.

4. Extensive Onboard Entertainment

American Cruise Lines offers diverse nightly onboard entertainment, themed to the destination. Nights feature live music, expert talks (e.g., a scallop fisherman on New England cruises), historians, authors, or magicians. Each cruise includes a local expert who stays the entire week, answering questions and sharing stories about the destinations. This local expert dines with guests, joins shore excursions, and participates in onboard events, providing a unique and personal experience.

5. Comfort-Oriented Modern Ships

American Cruise Line offers classic ship designs like paddlewheel boats, but don’t be deceived – their fleet’s average age is only four years. This is quite modern compared to other cruise lines, some of which have ships from before 2000.

Because of this, all their ships are comfortable, bright, and spacious, with a clean and new feel. You won’t encounter worn fixtures needing updates. Instead, everything feels fresh and inviting, allowing you to relax and enjoy your trip.

6. Exceptional Service

On small ship cruises, the crew is committed to offering tailored service. With a ratio of three passengers for every crew member, guests can easily find assistance when needed, ensuring all their expectations are fulfilled.

7. Majority of Rooms Feature Balconies

Most rooms on American Cruise Lines ships feature private balconies, unlike many rival river cruises which offer only French balconies. The ships have a few oceanview rooms, mostly for solo travelers, and no interior cabins. If you prefer cheaper cruises, other lines offer Inside staterooms without views. However, comparing American Cruise Lines, you must consider balcony fares from other lines. Additionally, the cabins are among the largest in the industry, with single rooms starting at 250 square feet and doubling at 350 square feet, significantly larger than double rooms on most ocean cruise ships.

Whether you are planning honeymoon cruises or looking for the best places to cruise month by month, American Cruise Lines offers a variety of options to cater to special occasions and optimal travel times, ensuring an unforgettable experience tailored to individual preferences.