American's Northwest National Parks cruise launches 2026

American Cruise Lines will debut a 15-day Northwest National Parks cruise-tour in September 2026, combining seven guided days in Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks with an eight-day Puget Sound sailing roundtrip from Tacoma, Washington. Fares start at $12,875 per person and include hotels, park transportation and entrance, guided excursions, dining, cocktails, entertainment, and select shore tours. The cruise leg is scheduled on American Constitution or American Constellation, modern small ships carrying 170 guests. The package targets travelers who want a single booking that covers three iconic Washington parks plus San Juan Islands ports.

American Cruise Lines itinerary and ships

According to the line, Adventure Guides will lead the land portion, with marquee stops at Paradise and Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park, Hoh Rainforest in Olympic, and alpine vistas across North Cascades, which is home to more than 300 glaciers. The cruise portion, departing Tacoma, visits Anacortes, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Poulsbo, and Friday Harbor, with whale-watching, kayaking, hiking, seaplane rides, and wine tastings among the offered experiences. The sailing is set for American Constitution or American Constellation, each designed for coastal routes and accommodating 170 guests in private-balcony staterooms.

Latest developments

The company positioned this as an expansion of its growing National Parks portfolio, which already includes combined land-and-cruise packages in Alaska and the Columbia and Snake Rivers region. Early details emphasize fully inclusive pricing and a park-first schedule before the cruise, all roundtrip from Tacoma.

Analysis

For travelers who want the parks without rental-car logistics, this itinerary consolidates guides, lodging near park gateways, and timed entrance needs into one plan. September is a favorable month for clearer skies in the Cascades and thinner crowds along the Olympic Peninsula, although wildfire smoke and early mountain weather can still affect visibility. Booking early secures specific park-day options, plus preferred cabin categories on the small ships, which tend to sell out during peak wildlife viewing across the San Juan Islands.

Cruise demand remains elevated industry-wide, which supports planning further ahead for 2026 sailings. If you are price-sensitive, compare shoulder-date departures, and ask about promotions that bundle airfare or pre-cruise hotel nights. For context on current interest, see our coverage of cruise booking trends exceed expectations.

Final thoughts

American's Northwest National Parks cruise brings a packaged, fully guided approach to three Washington parks and an intimate Puget Sound sailing, all on one ticket. If the idea of a 15-day land-and-sea journey appeals, the Northwest National Parks cruise offers a practical way to see Rainier, Olympic, and the North Cascades without self-planning every leg.

Sources

• American announces Northwest National Parks cruises for 2026, American Cruise Lines
• 15-Day Northwest National Parks cruise, American Cruise Lines
• American Constellation, ship details, American Cruise Lines
• American Cruise Lines offers land-sea adventure in Washington, Travel Weekly