American Cruise Lines announced it will add 10 new U.S.-built cruise ships to the U.S. market. The first new ship, the “American Pioneer”, will be unveiled in Florida on October 31.
The American Pioneer is the company’s second Patriot-class ship launched this year, with the remaining ships to be delivered over the next three years. All new ships will continue to sail within the U.S., operating routes covering the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast, among other expanding networks. These new ships will also accelerate American cruise lines’ expansion into emerging niche markets such as Great Lakes, Arkansas River, and national park cruises.
Charles B. Robertson, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Cruise Lines, said, “The order reflects our confidence in the domestic cruise market and our U.S.-first product. The new ships will enter service at an average rate of one every four months, ensuring that we maintain a solid growth trajectory.”
Following the maiden voyage of the American Pioneer, the company’s order also includes five new American Riverboat™ inland river cruise vessels and four additional Patriot-class vessels, the latter belonging to the company’s ongoing Blue Project series. To date, the Blue Project series has delivered four innovative Coastal Cats vessels and the Patriot-class flagship, the American Pioneer, scheduled for launch in June 2025.
Of the 10 new cruise ships that American Cruise Lines will launch by 2028, five will be small Patriot-class vessels: the American Pioneer (to be delivered in 2025), the American Maverick and American Ranger (to be delivered in 2026), and the American Mariner and American Navigator (to be delivered in 2027). The other five will be new American Riverboat™ vessels: the American Encore (to be delivered in 2026), the American Anthem (to be delivered in 2027), the American Grace (to be delivered in 2028), and two unnamed vessels in the same class (the company’s 29th and 30th ships) to be delivered in 2028.
Each Patriot-class cruise ship has five decks and can accommodate 130 passengers. It features luxurious single, double, and suite cabins with private balconies; multiple guest lounges; a top deck lounge with fresh-air walking track; bow terrace/observation area; fitness center; a grand dining room and casual café; complimentary laundry facilities; and elevators providing access to all decks.
The “American Riverboat™” series of ships has five decks and can accommodate up to 180 passengers. American Riverboat™ features a stunning multi-story glass atrium at the center of the ship; 100% private balcony accommodations (including the first “Premium Suite,” which is 1,000 square feet); a grand dining room and casual café; multiple indoor and outdoor lounges (including the Top Deck Lounge and open-air walkway); a fitness center; complimentary laundry; and elevators to all passenger deck elevators.
This week, American Pioneer will launch American Cruise Line’s new 16-day Florida Coast & Keys luxury itinerary from Amelia Island, Florida to St. Petersburg, it was announced. Through April 2026, American Pioneer and American Patriot will co-operate on a number of new, highly sought-after Florida Coastal itineraries.