American Cruise Lines has revealed that all cruise prices for new bookings will now include port charges and fees, making them commissionable for travel agents.

The change is “the first in the domestic cruise market” and the “latest example of American leading the river and small-ship cruise industry”, the operator said.

In the last five years, it has more than doubled its fleet and introduced what it calls modern riverboats.

In August 2022, American Symphony was christened and began cruising the Mississippi.

Next year, the line’s sixth modern riverboat, American Serenade, will debut on the Mississippi in April.

The line’s vice-president of trade relations Susan Shultz-Gelino said: “We aim to do everything possible to support the businesses of all our travel advisors.

“They are valued partners and work extremely hard on behalf of their clients.

“We intend to implement structures on our end that will increase advisor sales, increase commissions, and improve the overall booking experience with American Cruise Lines.”

American Cruise Lines: Project Blue coming

American Cruise Lines will also introduce two small Coastal Cat ships in 2023, as part of the company’s 12-ship Project Blue Series of 109-passenger, “go-anywhere small cruise ships”.

The Project Blue fleet will be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding. The ships will offer 56 staterooms, including a range of large standards, suites, and singles, nearly all with private balconies.

The initial two ships will launch with East Coast itineraries and will be named American Eagle and American Glory – namesakes of the company’s first two small US-built ships.

Speaking back in January, American Cruise Lines president & CEO Charles Robertson said: “American has specialised in small ship cruising for over 30 years, and continuing to innovate and expand the possibilities for cruising close to home is central to our mission.”

In total for 2023, the line will have 17 small ships and riverboats operating more than 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states.