Cruise Frog guide
American Cruise Lines vs Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. American Cruise Lines leads on cabins and service; Emerald Cruises on pools & decks and value. Pick American Cruise Lines for solo travelers; Emerald Cruises for value seekers and adventure seekers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | American Cruise Lines | Emerald Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, History and culture, Solo travelers | Couples, Value seekers, Adventure seekers, History and culture |
| Fleet rating | 3.6 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Dining | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 1.9 | 3.0 |
| Value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Ships in service | 24 | 13 |
| Ships on the way | 6 | 4 |
| Largest ship | American Heritage (2,700 GT) | — |
| Newest ship | American Encore (2026) | Emerald Astra (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 141 | 147 |
| Usually sails | Canada and New England, Mississippi, Pacific Coast, Alaska | Rhine, Danube, Mediterranean, Caribbean |
| Solo cabins | Every ship | Some ships |
| Single supplement | Single staterooms have their own fares for one person. A solo guest in a double stateroom is charged 150 percent of the double-occupancy… | US solo program: single supplement from 50% on selected river and yacht sailings (Select fares 75%, Preferred fares 50%), waived on select… |
| Loyalty program | Eagle Society | Scenic & Emerald Rewards |
| Owner | — | Scenic Group |
| Headquarters | Guilford, Connecticut, United States | Zug, Switzerland |
| Founded | 1972 | 2013 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, American Cruise Lines or Emerald Cruises?
Emerald Cruises rates higher than American Cruise Lines on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.7 to 3.6 out of 5 across their rated ships. American Cruise Lines leads on cabins and service; Emerald Cruises on pools & decks and value.
Is American Cruise Lines or Emerald Cruises better value?
Emerald Cruises scores higher for value, 4.0 to 3.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is American Cruise Lines or Emerald Cruises better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 4.0 out of 5.
Is American Cruise Lines or Emerald Cruises better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is American Cruise Lines or Emerald Cruises better for cabins?
American Cruise Lines scores higher for cabins, 4.5 to 4.4 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do American Cruise Lines and Emerald Cruises have?
American Cruise Lines has 24 ships in service and 6 on the way; Emerald Cruises has 13 ships in service and 4 on the way.