American Patriot to Dock in Toledo During American Cruise Lines’ Inaugural Great Lakes Season

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is excited to welcome American Cruise Lines’ American Patriot to Toledo on Tuesday, Aug. 25, as part of the cruise line’s inaugural season on the Great Lakes. The visit marks a significant milestone for Great Lakes tourism in Toledo following a collaborative effort by the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Destination Toledo and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to establish the city as a viable port of call.

That partnership helped bring American Cruise Lines to Toledo for the first time, with American Patriot scheduled to make seven visits to the city during the 2026 season as part of the cruise line’s new Great Lakes itinerary.

Built in 2025, American Patriot is a 130-passenger ship designed for domestic coastal, river, and Great Lakes cruising. The ship is expected to dock at the Amrize Dock (840 Water St.) between 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

As passengers arrive, they will receive a distinctly Toledo welcome, with the Toledo School for the Arts steel drum band performing dockside. Passengers will then embark on their day in Toledo, with opportunities to visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes and select from additional excursions showcasing landmarks and attractions throughout the city.

At 12:45 p.m., Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, elected officials and community representatives will take part in an official dockside welcome with the ship’s captain and crew. The ceremony will include a plaque and gift presentation featuring items representing Toledo and commemorating American Patriot’s arrival in the city.

“Bringing American Cruise Lines to Toledo has been a collaborative effort, and we are incredibly proud to see that work result in seven visits to our city during the company’s very first season on the Great Lakes,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with NMGL. “Together with Destination Toledo and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, we were able to demonstrate why Toledo belongs on a Great Lakes cruise itinerary. Now we have the opportunity to welcome these travelers to our waterfront, share our history, and introduce them to the many experiences our city has to offer.”

The partnership between the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Destination Toledo and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority brought together the assets necessary to position Toledo as an attractive cruise destination—from access to the city’s waterfront and maritime infrastructure to visitor experiences, attractions and connections throughout the community.