American Cruise Lines announced that its new riverboat, the American Encore, is on schedule for its inaugural season.

According to a press release, the vessel will make its debut in May 2026 for a series of cruises in the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

ACL said that the Encore was designed to be the most spacious riverboat in the world, featuring “next-gen amenities and world-class venues.”

The company also stated that the American Encore will feature the most space per person in the global river industry, noting that the vessel will have the highest ceilings, the largest gym and the biggest staterooms in the business.

“This boat was not designed in a vacuum. We compare ourselves to others around the world and ask, ‘How can we beat that?’ I think that we have objectively accomplished this mission with the American Encore,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines.

The American Encore will feature five decks with capacity for 180 guests in all-balcony accommodations.

The riverboat will showcase a four-story glass atrium while introducing American’s newest stateroom category, the Signature Suite.

At over 1,000 square feet, the American Encore’s Signature Suite will be the largest riverboat suite in the world, offering a wrap-around balcony, panoramic views, separate living and sleeping spaces, and a hotel-sized bathroom with soaking tub and heated floors.

Other onboard amenities include a grand dining room and casual café, multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, a top deck lounge and outdoor walking track, a large gym, a complimentary laundry room and elevators to all passenger decks.

American said that the Encore represents the next step in its American Riverboat series, which started with the American Song in 2018.

Following the debut of the new ship in May 2026, the company is slated to welcome two sister ships in the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The American Anthem and the American Grace are slated to enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.