American Cruise Lines will build 10 new ships for the U.S. market, beginning with the American Pioneer, which will debut in Florida on October 31. The American Pioneer is the second ship in the new Patriot Class that the company is launching this year.
The remaining ships will be delivered over the next three years, underscoring the company's commitment to the development and modernization of the cruise market in the U.S.
All of American Cruise Lines' new ships will continue to sail within the United States, operating itineraries throughout its growing portfolio of destinations, including the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast. In addition, the new ships will fuel the company's expansion into specialty markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and National Park cruises.
“The order for new ships reflects our confidence in the domestic cruise market and the product we have developed in the U.S.,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines. “The new ships will be added at an average rate of one every four months, keeping us on a path of steady growth.”
Following the maiden voyage of the American Pioneer, the company's order book will include 5 new American Riverboats and 4 additional Patriot Class boats, part of the ongoing Project Blue series.
Project Blue ships to date include 4 innovative new Coastal Cats and the Patriot Class flagship, the American Patriot, launched in June 2025.
New Ships from American Cruise Lines Through 2028
- American Pioneer, Patriot Class small boat – 2025
- American Encore, modern American Riverboat™ – 2026
- American Maverick, small Patriot Class ship – 2026
- American Ranger, small Patriot Class vessel – 2026
- American Anthem, modern American Riverboat™ – 2027
- American Mariner, Patriot Class small boat – 2027
- American Navigator, small Patriot Class ship – 2027
- American Grace, modern American Riverboat™ – 2028
- (American Boat #29)– Modern American Riverboat™ – 2028
- (American Boat #30)– Modern American Riverboat™ – 2028
This week, the American Pioneer begins its new 16-day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise from Amelia Island to St. Petersburg, Florida. Both the American Pioneer and the American Patriot will operate several of the new Florida coastal itineraries through April 2026.
The next four Patriot Class ships will be the American Maverick and the American Ranger (launching in 2026) and the American Mariner and the American Navigator (launching in 2027).
The American Maverick and the American Ranger will sail the East Coast domestic itineraries starting in June and September 2026, respectively, while the American Mariner and the American Navigator will begin their routes in June and July 2027.
With capacity for 130 passengers, 5 decks, single, double and suite cabins with private balcony, multiple lounges, bow terrace and observation area, gym, main dining room and informal cafe, free laundry and elevator with access to all decks.
American Cruise Lines launched the American Song in 2018, the first modern U.S. riverboat and flagship of its acclaimed American Riverboat™.
Following its debut, the American Song was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “Greatest Places in the World.” Since then, the company has introduced five more riverboats, including the American Serenade (2023).
The American Encore, the seventh ship in the series, will debut in May 2026 with a capacity for 180 passengers, cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers. It will be followed by its sister ships, the American Anthem in 2027 and the American Grace in 2028, both also operating on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, where demand continues to grow, especially for American Cruise Lines' exclusive National Park cruises.
Two more unnamed riverboats will join the fleet after the American Grace in 2028.
Featured facilities: capacity for 180 passengers, 5 decks, impressive multi-level glass atrium, all rooms with private balcony, the first Signature Suite up to 93 m², main dining room, cafe, indoor and outdoor lounges, gym, free laundry and elevator with access to all decks.
American Cruise Lines cruises, including those operated by these new ships, are now available for booking.
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