American Cruise Lines plans 10 new ships in three years

US domestic cruise operator American Cruise Lines is to expand with 10 new ships added to its fleet over three years.

 

All of the new vessels will sail domestically, operating itineraries across the line’s growing network, including the Mississippi River, Alaska and the east coast. 

 

The new ships will also accelerate American’s expansion into new niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River and National Parks cruises.

 

The first will be American Pioneer debuting in Florida on Friday (October 31) - the second new Patriot Class launched this year. 

 

American Pioneer starts sailing a new 16-day Florida Coast & Keys cruise from Amelia Island to St Petersburg. 

 

Both American Pioneer and American Patriot will be sailing several new Florida coastal itineraries until April 2026.

 

The remainder of the order for an undisclosed price will be delivered up until 2028, boosting the current 28-strong fleet.

 

Following American Pioneer’s inaugural sailing, the company’s order book will feature five new riverboats, and four more Patriot Class ships which are a part of the line’s ongoing Project Blue series. 

 

The Project Blue ships to date have included four new Coastal Cats and Patriot Class flagship, American Patriot, which entered service in June. 

 

Company president and chief executive Charles Robertson said: “American’s order book reflects our confidence in the domestic cruise market and the product we have pioneered in the US. 

 

“The new ships will roll out at an average pace of one every four months and keep us on a disciplined growth trajectory.”