American Cruise Lines News: 10 Newbuilds Over Next Three Years
(November 1, 2024) -- American Cruise Lines, the largest river cruise line in the U.S., has announced the construction of four more ships which are slated to launch in 2027.
ACL has signed contracts for the newbuilds with Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the line's affiliated shipyard in Maryland. This will bring the line's total orderbook with Chesapeake to 10 ships over the next three years.
The newly announced ships will increase ACL's fleet to a total of 21 ships by 2025; sailing the largest collection of 100 percent domestic river and coastal itineraries ever offered in the U.S.
The first in the series of 10 new ships, the 100-passenger American Legend passed its sea trials this week ahead of its inaugural cruise on November 25 along the new Gulf Coast & Keys Thanksgiving itinerary, sailing round-trip from St. Petersburg.
The remaining ships -- six coastal vessels and three riverboats -- will roll out every few months over the next six years. ACL's rapid expansion has seen the company introduce 19 of the 24 cruise ships built in the U.S. over the past 20 years.
Upcoming ships available for booking are American Patriot and American Pioneer (2025); American Maverick and American Ranger (2026), and new riverboat American Encore (2026). Further details on the four newbuilds for 2027 will be announced at a later date.
--Jeannine Williamson, contributor
New Ships American Maverick and American Ranger Coming in 2026
(October 11, 2024) -- American Cruise Lines keeps growing.
The riverboat and small ship company has announced the construction of two new ships -- American Maverick and American Ranger -- scheduled to arrive in 2026.
American Cruise Lines revealed that the pair of 125-passengers vessels will be fully stabilized coastwise ships for smooth sailing along the Eastern Seaboard. The introduction of these Patriot-class ships will increase the itinerary options for the cruise line's array of itineraries Maine to Florida and grow American Cruise Lines' fleet to 24 small ships across the country.
The newly-announced ships will consist of five decks and boast all-balcony accommodations, with a total of 56 staterooms for double and single occupancy. As a new feature, American Maverick and American Ranger will introduce the Sky Lounge on Deck 5. Amenities set to be available here include panoramic views, lounge seating, a 360° Skywalk walking track, and a casual outdoor Back Porch Café.
Additionally, both ships will feature an expansive Main Lounge and Restaurant on deck 1, with water views from every seat; a Bow Terrace and Horizon Lounge on deck 3; and an indoor Fitness Center on deck 4.
The pair of 128-passenger vessels are set to become the 7th and 8th ships in the cruise line's Project Blue series of small ships for the U.S. market.
The 12-ship project began with the introduction of four 100-passenger Coastal Cats in 2023 and 2024. American Maverick and American Ranger join the previously announced American Patriot and American Pioneer -- both scheduled for 2025 -- as the latest iteration in the ongoing series. All of the ships in the Project Blue series are being built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the cruise line's affiliated shipyard in Salisbury, Md.
--Jorge Oliver, Editor
American Cruise Lines Christens American Liberty in Newport, Rhode Island
Small ship specialist American Cruise Lines has christened its third "Coastal Cat," American Liberty. The latest in the line's series of 12 catamaran-inspired ships, the 100-passenger vessel was christened in Newport, Rhode Island.
The celebration took place at Fort Adams State Park, where all American's ships dock when visiting Newport. American Liberty is identical to its predecessors American Eagle and American Glory -- both launched in 2023 -- and American Legend, which is slated to debut this November.
Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines, said, "We are honored to be able to host this event in Fort Adams State Park with our fantastic partners from the community and Sail Newport. We are especially honored to have Vice Commodore Clare Harington of the New York Yacht Club serve as godmother of American Liberty. We look forward to further developing our longtime partnerships in Newport and many other historic coastal towns along the Eastern Seaboard."
American Liberty will sail the line's New England Islands round-trip Providence itinerary, into September and then sail a mix of American's East Coast itineraries, including Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises and the Historic South & Golden Isles sailings between Charleston, South Carolina and Amelia Island, Florida.
All of American's coastal itineraries operate like river cruises, sailing in sight of land and visiting only U.S. ports of call. The company has introduced 19 of the 22 U.S.-built cruise ships launched over the past two decades.
-- Jeannine Williamson, Cruise Critic Contributor
American Cruise Lines News: ACL Announces 7 New Ships on Order
(June 13, 2024) — American Cruise Lines' fleet is set for further expansion, with the line announcing seven new ships are on order, slated for delivery by the end of 2026. Six of the new ships are part of the line's Project Blue class, plus a brand-new American Riverboat.
Three of the new vessels are yet to be named, with details set to be revealed this summer, while the new American Riverboat is set to be similar to sistership with the addition of "new design elements," according to a statement released by the line.
All of the new ships are being built at the Chesapeake Shipbuilding yard in Maryland.
Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines said: "The domestic cruise industry is the healthiest it has ever been. Demand for modern river products, new small ships, and unique exploration in the U.S.A. continues to grow.
"That demand is powered by destinations brimming with history and ships that provide the best onboard experience in the world."
ACL Purchases American Queen Voyages' River Ships
(April 2, 2024) -- American Cruise Lines' river fleet is set to expand with the addition of four vessels acquired from former cruise line American Queen Voyages.
ACL agreed to purchase the river ships American Duchess, American Countess, American Empress and American Queen plus other assets. American Queen Voyages ceased operations on Feb. 20, 2024. Hornblower Group, the former cruise line's parent company, filed for bankruptcy soon after.
The cruise line confirmed the acquisition in a statement provided to Cruise Critic. "American Cruise Lines is pleased to be the successful bidder for AQV’s river vessels. We look forward to announcing additional details after this portion of the Hornblower Holdings bankruptcy process concludes."
Once completed, the purchase will bring American Cruise Line's total fleet up to 25 vessels, which includes river boats, coastal ships and paddlewheelers.
The exact itineraries and entry into service dates for the soon-to-be-acquired ships are still unknown at this time.