By Stefan Yablonski
American Cruise Lines has made Oswego a destination on at least four cruises in 2026.
“It’s going to originate from Oswego,” said Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino. “From here they’ll go to Clayton and the Thousand Islands and the next day they are going to cruise down to Rochester. Next day they will go west to the Welland Canal and from there to Lake Erie and on to Cleveland. Four separate cruises starting in May,” he said. “We hope they spend some time in Oswego, shop downtown, enjoy our restaurants and visit our museums.”
The cruises will cost between $8,000 and $9,000, depending on accommodations. They will. include nine days and eight nights. As of early February, the ships were nearly booked to capacity.
American’s Great Lakes cruises are offered for the first time this year and the cruises are already available to book in 2027 and 2028, said Alexa Paolella, public relations manager.
“American is the largest small ship river cruise line in the USA and all our itineraries are 100% domestic. Many are nearly full already. Our new Great Lakes cruises are also all domestic. As a company, we are always adding new ships and developing new US itineraries all over the country.
“On this itinerary, our guests will enjoy an included pre-cruise hotel stay in Syracuse and the ship will embark from Oswego the following day. Guests on American’s cruises enjoy included pre-cruise hotel stays which allows them extra time to dine, shop and explore locally in the regions we cruise to and from,” Paolella said. “Our guests will also have the opportunity to explore excursions in Oswego at these sites. We are always adding different experiences for our guests at every port of call and places we visit regional on all our domestic itineraries.”
Planned shore excursions in Oswego include:
• Fort Ontario and the Safe Haven Museum
• H. Lee White Maritime Museum
• An Oswego Food and History tour
• The Oswego West Pierhead Lighthouse
• And the Richardson Bates House Museum
Others will likely be added to the array of choices for this new itinerary, Paolella said.
“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, said in an email. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”
All itineraries begin, end and remain in the U.S., making a passport or international flight unnecessary for American travelers.
For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com and type “Great Lakes” in the search menu.
Here’s how American Cruise Lines describes the cruise:
“American Patriot offers an intimate and comfortable Great Lakes cruise experience for just 130 guests. Every stateroom features a private balcony, allowing for uninterrupted views of the region’s scenic beauty. The serene interior design throughout creates a relaxing atmosphere, while the Sky Lounge provides panoramic views and a social setting. Guests can stay active on the Sky Walk or in the fitness center, dine casually at the Back Porch Café, or enjoy exquisite evening meals in the elegant dining room.”
