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Cruise ship set to sail in 2026 will take passengers on a Gulf Coast adventure

A national cruise company is offering tourists and adventure seekers a new way to see the Gulf Coast.

It’s by riverboat.

The company, American Cruise Lines, is launching a new eight-day cruise that will travel between Pensacola, Florida, and New Orleans. There will be one-way itineraries in both directions on the American Symphony riverboat.

Four cruises are currently scheduled, starting on March 1, 2026. Prices are $4,880 per person for a standard balcony room and up to $8,645 per person for a grand suite. The ship holds up to 180 guests.

Stops will be made at several South Mississippi cities, including Biloxi, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula.

On its website, the company promises a “new adventure along the stunning shores of the Gulf Coast. Explore the rich maritime and military history of Pensacola. Stroll along the charming historic streets of Mobile, home to the renowned USS Alabama Battleship and the first Mardi Gras celebration.”

“A highlight of this journey is a visit to Fort Massachusetts on West Ship Island, which served as a key defense point in the 19th century and remains a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts,” the company said.

A press release from city officials in Mobile says American Cruise Lines is “known for its small, spacious ships that provide intimate, destination-focused travel experiences. Their cruises are designed to immerse guests in the culture, history, and cuisine of America’s waterfront cities.”

Cruise ships have come in and out of South Mississippi and Mobile ports before, but never settled permanently. Carnival Cruise Lines also recently announced it will resume year-round sailings from Mobile in 2027, marking a return to 12-month cruise operations out of Mobile for the first time in five years.

Blake Kaplan
Sun Herald
Blake Kaplan is a former journalist for the Sun Herald
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