After American Cruise Lines' American Patriot drew attention during visits to Buffalo, Rochester, and Oswego earlier this year, AAA Western and Central New York has officially partnered with the cruise line — giving local travelers another way to explore destinations across the U.S., including itineraries that begin or end right here in Western and Central New York.

American Cruise Lines offers more than 50 itineraries across 35 states, with a focus on small-ship cruising and immersive travel experiences.

"It can be a great fit for travelers who prefer a more intimate, destination-focused experience and want to explore closer to home," said Josie Nicotra, Director of Travel for AAA Western and Central New York.

For local travelers, two Great Lakes itineraries stand out in particular.

Cruise the Thousand Islands from Syracuse to Buffalo

The Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise is a nine-day, eight-night journey from Syracuse to Buffalo, with a reverse itinerary also available.

The route takes travelers through the Thousand Islands and along the St. Lawrence River before crossing Lake Ontario and continuing west.

In Clayton, guests can explore the Antique Boat Museum and visit a local vineyard. The itinerary also includes Ogdensburg and Rochester before traveling through the Welland Canal, the system of locks connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

The journey ends in Buffalo, putting travelers within easy reach of the city's waterfront and Niagara Falls.

"For our members in Western and Central New York, the Great Lakes itineraries are especially appealing because American Cruise Lines offers sailings that begin or end in Buffalo and Syracuse," Nicotra said. "That can make the overall vacation feel easier and more accessible while letting travelers experience destinations in their own region from a completely different perspective."

Starting or ending close to home can also simplify one of the less exciting parts of any vacation: getting there.

"That can be especially attractive to travelers who would rather drive to or from the cruise or minimize connections and airport time," Nicotra said.

Explore three Great Lakes from Buffalo

Travelers looking for a longer journey can depart from Buffalo on the American Great Lakes Cruise, a 14-day, 13-night itinerary ending in Milwaukee. A reverse sailing is also available.

The voyage explores three Great Lakes and four waterways, with stops in a mix of major cities, smaller communities, and maritime destinations.

After departing Buffalo, travelers visit Toledo and Detroit before heading north to Alpena, home of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

In Sault Ste. Marie, guests can watch massive freighters move through the Soo Locks before continuing to Mackinac Island, where horse-drawn carriages, historic architecture, and waterfront views create a distinctly different pace.

The journey continues through Muskegon and Holland before ending in Milwaukee, where travelers can explore attractions including the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee Art Museum.

American Cruise Lines' smaller ships can also visit ports and waterways that may not be accessible to larger ocean cruise ships, putting more emphasis on the destinations along the route.

More ways to cruise the U.S.

The Great Lakes may have the strongest local connection, but American Cruise Lines offers itineraries throughout the country.

Travelers can cruise the Ohio River from Louisville to Pittsburgh on a 10-day journey through America's heartland. Highlights include Louisville's bourbon heritage and Churchill Downs, historic Madison, Indiana, and Cincinnati, the other Queen city, before the trip ends in Pittsburgh.

Along the Southeast coast, a Charleston-to-Amelia Island cruise follows the Intracoastal Waterway through destinations including Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and Jekyll Island before reaching historic Fernandina Beach.

On the West Coast, a round-trip journey from Tacoma, Wash. explores Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, combining scenery and wildlife with excursions to destinations such as Butchart Gardens and Olympic National Park. Travelers may spot whales, seals, and eagles along the way while learning more about the cultures and history of the Pacific Northwest.

How a AAA Travel Advisor can help

With so many different itineraries, ships, staterooms, shore excursions, and departure dates to compare, narrowing down the choices can be one of the hardest parts of planning a cruise. And this is where AAA Travel Advisors can sure come in handy.

"That guidance can help narrow the choices and create a trip that better fits the traveler's interests and needs," Nicotra said.

AAA Members who book American Cruise Lines through AAA Western and Central New York can receive a $50 onboard credit per person as a member benefit.

Whether your goal is to explore the Great Lakes from a new perspective, cruise through the heartland, or discover coastal destinations on the other side of the country, small-ship cruising offers another way to see the U.S.

And for Western and Central New Yorkers, your next cruise vacation could begin with a drive to Buffalo or Syracuse instead of a flight to a distant port.

Ready to set sail? Contact a AAA Travel Advisor to find the cruise that's right for you.

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