American Cruise Lines introduces American Encore, 1st riverboat ever christened in Idaho
American Cruise Lines has officially christened its newest vessel, the American Encore, marking the first time a riverboat has ever been christened in the state of Idaho.
The ceremonial event took place on May 12, 2026, in Lewiston, Idaho, following the ship’s initial departure from Stevenson, Washington, on May 6. Former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who represented Eastern Washington and the Snake River region for 20 years, served as the ship’s official godmother. The debut represents a broader industrial push to position domestic river cruising as a direct competitor to the established European market.
Architecturally, the vessel features five decks and expands the brand’s layout standards by offering more physical space per passenger than any other riverboat globally. The interior design centers around a four-story glass atrium.
The ship also introduces a new spatial category for the domestic cruise market with its 1,500-square-foot Signature Suite. The layout is currently the largest riverboat suite in the world, configured with a wrap-around private balcony, separate living and sleeping quarters, panoramic views, and a full-size bathroom equipped with heated floors and a soaking tub. All passenger cabins on the vessel include private balconies.
The ship’s launch coincides with the activation of a new dock facility constructed through a direct partnership between the cruise line and the Port of Lewiston. The new infrastructure accommodates simultaneous regional dockings for multiple fleet vessels and expands community waterfront access.
“This is our 6th ship on the river and the flagship of our aggressive posture to up the game globally,” Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines, said during the event.
The manufacturing of the vessel was completed by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, which manages construction for all of the company’s small ships. The builder is already scheduled to follow this launch with two sister ships: the American Anthem in 2027 and the American Grace in 2028.
Onboard amenities across the five decks include a grand dining room, an independent casual café, and multiple indoor and outdoor viewing lounges. Mechanical and service layouts include passenger elevators servicing all levels, a fitness facility, a top-deck walking track, and a complimentary laundry room.
The American Encore is the latest addition to the company’s modern American Riverboats design series, which originally launched in 2018 with the introduction of the American Song. The ship is scheduled to operate 9-day Columbia and Snake Rivers itineraries through early November 2026, with bookings currently open for the 2027 and 2028 travel seasons.
