Explore 3 National Parks on New Pacific Northwest Cruises
American Cruise Lines Adds Epic 15-Day Northwest National Parks Adventure for 2026
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Get ready for the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure! American Cruise Lines just announced an exciting new way to explore three amazing national parks in one incredible trip.
The cruise line will launch a brand-new 15-day Northwest National Parks itinerary in 2026. This unique journey combines land tours of Washington’s most stunning national parks with a relaxing cruise through the beautiful Puget Sound.
Three National Parks in One Amazing Trip
This adventure takes you to three of Washington’s most spectacular national parks. You’ll explore Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades national parks during the land portion of your trip.
Each park offers something completely different. Mount Rainier features the towering peak and gorgeous alpine scenery. Olympic brings you ancient rainforests and rugged coastlines. North Cascades showcases dramatic mountain peaks and pristine lakes.
“Guests on this new journey will seamlessly experience the best of the Pacific Northwest – by land and by sea,” the cruise line said in a news release. “Parks explorations will be led by dedicated Adventure Guides, while the cruise portion will take place aboard American’s modern private-balcony ships, American Constitution and American Constellation, each accommodating 170 guests.”
How the Trip Works
Your adventure starts with a full week exploring the national parks on land. You’ll visit incredible spots like Mount Rainier’s Inspiration Point with its stunning mountain views. The trip includes Olympic’s magical Hoh Rain Forest and North Cascades’ bright blue Diablo Lake.
Between parks, you’ll stop in charming Pacific Northwest towns. Places like Port Angeles and La Conner give you a taste of local culture and history.
After your land adventure, you’ll board your ship in Tacoma for a cruise around Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. The cruise portion visits ports like Friday Harbor, Port Townsend, and Poulsbo.
Activities and Experiences
The cruise offers plenty of exciting activities during the water portion. You can go whale watching to spot orcas and other marine life. Scenic seaplane rides give you bird’s-eye views of the islands. Kayaking lets you explore quiet coves and bays up close.
The ships American Constitution and American Constellation are small vessels carrying only 170 guests. Every stateroom comes with a private balcony so you can enjoy the scenery from your room.
When You Can Go
The first Northwest National Parks cruise departs from Tacoma on September 20, 2026. More sailing dates will likely be added based on demand.
September is actually a great time to visit the Pacific Northwest. The summer crowds have thinned out, but the weather is still pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities.
What’s Included in Your Fare
The cruise starts at $12,875 per person based on double occupancy for 2026 departures. This might seem steep, but the price includes quite a bit.
Your fare covers all onboard meals and drinks, including cocktails. Hotel stays during the land portion are included. You also get transportation within the national parks and guided tours with expert Adventure Guides.
Why This Trip Works So Well
Visiting multiple national parks on your own can be challenging. You need to plan different accommodations, transportation between parks, and activities at each location. This cruise handles all those details for you.
The small ship size means you’ll get personalized service and won’t feel crowded. The Pacific Northwest is perfect for small ship cruising since you can access smaller ports that big cruise ships can’t reach.
American Cruise Lines has experience with national parks itineraries. They already offer similar trips to other park destinations, so they know how to blend land and sea experiences smoothly.
Planning Your Northwest Adventure
If you’re interested in this unique cruise experience, it’s worth booking early. Small ships with only 170 guests fill up faster than large cruise ships. Plus, the national parks setting will likely make this a popular itinerary.
September 2026 might seem far away, but cruise planning often happens a year or more in advance. This gives you time to prepare physically for the hiking portions and mentally for the amazing scenery you’ll experience.
The combination of three national parks plus a relaxing cruise makes this trip appeal to different travel styles. Active travelers will love the hiking and park exploration. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can enjoy the cruise portion and optional activities.
This new itinerary shows how cruise lines are getting creative with destinations and experiences. Instead of just traditional port-to-port cruising, you’re getting a complete Pacific Northwest immersion that covers the region’s best natural attractions both on land and at sea.
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