GUILORD, Conn. — The river tourism company American Cruise Lines is expanding its fleet. Through 2028 the company has contracted for construction of 10 new vessels, most small for only 130 passengers on East Coast itineraries. The construction program also includes four river cruise boats for 180 passengers. These vessels are assigned tentatively to the fast-growing Columbia River market in the Pacific Northwest. Some of these vessels could be switched to the currently saturated Mississippi River if demand picks up. New for river cruises:
> American Encore, due in service in 2026.
> American Anthem, 2027.
> American Grace, 2028.
> A yet unnamed vessel, 2028.
This past season four cruise boats made Winona visits, some multiple times, for a total of 13.