American Cruise Lines has unveiled plans for two new vessels, American Maverick and American Ranger, set to launch in 2026. These 125-passenger ships are part of the company's Project Blue series, bringing the total number of vessels in the class to eight.
The new ships will follow the 2025 debuts of American Patriot, American Pioneer and the riverboat American Encore. They represent an expansion of the Project Blue series, which began with four 100-passenger Coastal Cats introduced in 2023 and 2024.
Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the company's affiliated shipyard in Salisbury, Maryland, will construct both vessels. As fully stabilized coastwise ships, they are designed for smooth sailing along the Eastern Seaboard, expanding the company's coastal cruise options from Maine to Florida.
American Maverick and American Ranger will feature five decks and offer 56 spacious staterooms, all with private balconies. The fourth deck will house all-suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet. A notable addition is the fifth deck Sky Lounge, described as "an entire deck dedicated to relaxation and recreation, offering panoramic views, comfortable lounge seating, a 360° Skywalk (walking track) and a casual outdoor Back Porch Cafe."
Other amenities include a Main Lounge and Restaurant on the first deck, a Bow Terrace and Horizon Lounge on the third deck and an indoor Fitness Center on the fourth deck.
"American Cruise Lines remains the only cruise line in the world with a fleet of 100% U.S. flagged riverboats and small ships, enabling fully-domestic river and coastal itineraries that no other lines offer," the company stated in its announcement.
With the addition of these new vessels, American Cruise Lines projects it will operate a fleet of 24 small ships across the United States by 2026, offering a range of domestic river and coastal itineraries.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by American Cruise Lines. It was reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
