American Cruise Lines Unveils 10 New Ships by 2028

US-based cruise company American Cruise Lines has announced plans to introduce ten new ships over the next three years, starting with the inaugural voyage of the American Pioneer in Florida this week. This marks the second launch of the Patriot Class ship for the company in 2023, emphasizing its focus on modernizing the domestic cruise market.

The new vessels will operate exclusively within the US, offering itineraries across various regions, including the Mississippi River, Alaska, and the East Coast. The expansion aims to tap into niche markets such as the Great Lakes, the Arkansas River, and cruises through National Parks. According to Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, “The new ships will roll out at an average pace of one every four months and keep us on a disciplined growth trajectory.”

Details of New Ship Launches

Following the debut of the American Pioneer, the company will add a total of five new American Riverboats and four additional Patriot Class ships as part of its ongoing Project Blue initiative. Notable vessels in this project include the American Patriot, which launched in June 2025, alongside a series of modern American Riverboats designed for the evolving preferences of cruise-goers.

The schedule for the new ships is as follows:

– American Pioneer: small Patriot Class ship, 2025
– American Encore: modern American Riverboat, 2026
– American Maverick: small Patriot Class ship, 2026
– American Ranger: small Patriot Class ship, 2026
– American Anthem: modern American Riverboat, 2027
– American Mariner: small Patriot Class ship, 2027
– American Navigator: small Patriot Class ship, 2027
– American Grace: modern American Riverboat, 2028
– Additional unnamed modern American Riverboats in 2028

The American Pioneer will kick off its first sailing on a new 16-day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise, which runs from Amelia Island to St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition, both the American Pioneer and the American Patriot will sail a variety of popular Florida coastal itineraries until April 2026.

Features and Innovations of the New Ships

The new Patriot Class ships will feature a capacity of 130 guests and include five decks. Accommodations will range from luxurious singles and doubles to suites, all equipped with private balconies. Additional amenities will include multiple guest lounges, a top deck lounge with a fresh-air walking track, a bow terrace for observation, a fitness centre, a grand dining room, a casual café, a complimentary laundry room, and elevator access to all decks.

The American Riverboat series has seen significant acclaim since the launch of the American Song in 2018, which was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places. The upcoming American Encore will sail the Columbia and Snake Rivers starting in May 2026. This vessel will be the seventh in the modern riverboat series, followed closely by sister ships American Anthem in 2027 and American Grace in 2028, both of which are also expected to operate in the same popular waters.

The new ships represent not only a substantial investment in the company’s fleet but also a commitment to enhancing the cruise experience within the United States. As the demand for domestic cruising continues to grow, American Cruise Lines is well-positioned to offer unique and memorable experiences for travelers across the nation.