American Cruise Lines to Debut Great Lakes Itinerary with Sheboygan Stops

New nine-day Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula tour will include four stops in the Wisconsin city.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:07pm

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American Cruise Lines, the largest river cruise line in the U.S., has announced a new Great Lakes cruise itinerary that will include stops in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. The nine-day Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula tour aboard the 130-passenger American Patriot ship will make four stops in Sheboygan during the 2026 summer season.

Why it matters

Cruise ship tourism is an important part of the Great Lakes regional economy, contributing an estimated $300 million in economic impact. The addition of American Cruise Lines to Sheboygan's roster of visitors is expected to provide a boost to the local tourism industry.

The details

The American Patriot ship features amenities including a top deck lounge, a main restaurant, a chart room, a fitness center, and a laundry room. The nine-day Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula tour will also make stops in Milwaukee, Muskegon (Michigan), Escanaba (Michigan), and Green Bay.

  • The American Patriot will make stops in Sheboygan on June 24, July 1, August 1, and August 8, 2026.
  • American Cruise Lines will also launch two new cruise options from Milwaukee in 2026.

The players

American Cruise Lines

The largest river cruise line in the U.S., based in Guilford, Connecticut.

Amy Wilson

President and CEO of Visit Sheboygan.

Charles B. Robertson

President and CEO of American Cruise Lines.

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What they’re saying

“Cruise ships are an important part of the Great Lakes tourism economy contributing an estimated $300 million in economic impact to the region.”

— Amy Wilson, President and CEO of Visit Sheboygan (biztimes.com)

“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes. We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”

— Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines (biztimes.com)

What’s next

American Cruise Lines will launch the new Great Lakes cruises, including the four stops in Sheboygan, during the 2026 summer season.

The takeaway

The addition of American Cruise Lines to Sheboygan's tourism offerings highlights the growing importance of cruise ship travel to the Great Lakes region's economy. This new itinerary is expected to provide a boost to Sheboygan's local tourism industry.