American Cruise Lines announces 10 New U.S.- built ships, debuting American Pioneer this week

Patriot Class Ship with American Cruise Line debuted October 2025 — Patriot Class Ship photo via American Cruise Line

American Cruise Lines (741 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437) is expanding its U.S. fleet with the announcement of 10 new ships set to launch through 2028, beginning with the debut of American Pioneer in Florida on October 31. The new ships underscore the company’s commitment to modernizing the domestic cruise market while delivering boutique-style experiences along the nation’s rivers, coasts, and national parks.

American Pioneer is the second new Patriot Class ship launched by American Cruise Lines in 2025. Following its inaugural 16-day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise from Amelia Island to St. Petersburg, the vessel will continue sailing popular Florida coastal itineraries through April 2026.

“American’s order book reflects our confidence in the domestic cruise market and the product we have pioneered in the U.S.,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & 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.”

The upcoming ships include a mix of Patriot Class small ships and modern American Riverboats™, designed for both East Coast itineraries and river cruising experiences across the Columbia, Snake, Mississippi, and Arkansas Rivers, as well as National Parks cruises. Highlights include:

New Patriot Class Ships

American Pioneer (2025)
American Maverick (2026)
American Ranger (2026)
American Mariner (2027)
American Navigator (2027)

New Modern American Riverboats™:

American Encore (2026)
American Anthem (2027)
American Grace (2028)
Two additional unnamed riverboats (2028)

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Patriot Class Ship balcony suite photo via American Cruise Line

Patriot Class ships feature 130 guests, five decks, luxurious private balconies, multiple lounges including a top-deck fresh-air walking track, bow terrace observation area, fitness center, grand dining room and casual café, complimentary laundry, and elevators to all decks.

Modern American Riverboats™ are designed for 180 guests with five decks, a multi-story glass atrium, 100% private balcony accommodations including the first-ever 1,000-square-foot Signature Suite, multiple indoor and outdoor lounges, fitness center, dining options, and elevators to all decks. These vessels continue American Cruise Lines’ commitment to providing state-of-the-art amenities and intimate cruising experiences.

The company’s modern riverboat program, launched with American Song in 2018, has been widely acclaimed, with TIME Magazine recognizing it as one of the world’s greatest places and Cruise Critic naming American Encore Best New Riverboat of the Year in 2023.

American Cruise Lines’ new ships are available for booking now, with full itineraries through 2028 listed on the company’s website, along with 360-degree virtual ship tours.

With these launches, American Cruise Lines continues to expand and modernize the domestic cruise market, offering passengers a combination of luxury, comfort, and access to the nation’s most scenic waterways and coastal destinations.

For more information and bookings: American Cruise Lines

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American Cruise Lines announces 10 New U.S.- built ships, debuting American Pioneer this week