American Cruise Lines cancels New Bedford stops due to State Pier closure

Cruise line unable to find alternative docking location during long-term pier repairs

Feb. 2, 2026 at 3:31am

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American Cruise Lines has canceled more than 50 planned stops in New Bedford this summer due to the closure of the State Pier for urgent long-term repairs. The cruise line says it has been unable to find a suitable alternative docking location in the city's crowded harbor. The State Pier is expected to remain closed for up to four years, displacing water-dependent businesses.

Why it matters

The loss of American Cruise Lines' visits is a major blow to New Bedford's tourism industry and downtown businesses that have come to rely on the influx of cruise passengers. The State Pier's closure highlights the city's infrastructure challenges and the need for long-term investment in its waterfront facilities.

The details

American Cruise Lines had been docking in New Bedford as part of its New England cruises for the past 25 years, with stops growing from 9 visits initially to over 50 planned for this summer. The cruise line says its port development team has been unable to find a safe and secure alternative docking location in the city since the State Pier's south and east wharves were forced to close in late 2025 due to major structural issues.

  • In late October 2025, American Cruise Lines learned of the immediate closure of the State Pier.
  • Over the last 90 days, the cruise line's port development team has worked to find a suitable docking location in New Bedford.
  • The State Pier repairs are expected to take up to four years to complete.

The players

American Cruise Lines

An American cruise company that operates small ships and riverboats along the East Coast and in 35 states, offering cruises focused on local history and culture.

Olivia Pohorylo

The East Coast shore excursions coordinator for American Cruise Lines.

New Bedford Port Authority

The local authority responsible for the city's port and waterfront facilities.

Jon Mitchell

The mayor of New Bedford.

MassDevelopment

The state agency that announced the closure of the State Pier's south and east wharves in October 2025.

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What they’re saying

“In late October 2025, American Cruise Lines learned of the immediate closure of both the South and East Wharves at New Bedford State Pier due to major structural issues. Over the last 90 days our Port Development Team has worked diligently to find a suitable docking location to preserve our 50-plus dockings this season. Unfortunately, they have been unable to find a safe and secure location in the city. As a result, regrettably, we will be unable to visit New Bedford until further notice. We look forward to returning to New Bedford once the repairs have been made.”

— Olivia Pohorylo, East Coast shore excursions coordinator

“The state's chronic neglect of the State Pier continues to come home to roost. The potential departure of American Cruise Lines, which plans over 50 stops in New Bedford this coming summer, is the latest in a series of lost opportunities in the past decade that include the elimination of cargo activity from the pier. The New Bedford Port Authority is doing everything it can to find a suitable alternate location for ACL in our crowded harbor, in the hope that ACL can continue to support our downtown businesses.”

— Jon Mitchell, Mayor

What’s next

The New Bedford Port Authority is continuing to search for a suitable alternative docking location for American Cruise Lines within the city's harbor, in hopes of the cruise line being able to resume visits once the State Pier repairs are completed.

The takeaway

The closure of the State Pier and the resulting loss of American Cruise Lines' visits highlights the critical need for New Bedford to invest in its waterfront infrastructure to support the city's tourism industry and downtown businesses. The situation underscores the broader challenge facing many coastal communities in maintaining aging maritime facilities.