American Cruise Lines is set to enhance its cruising offerings with the introduction of two new ships, the American Maverick and American Ranger, each capable of accommodating 125 passengers. These vessels aim to expand the company’s selection of coastal cruises spanning from Maine to Florida.
Both American Maverick and American Ranger are under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the affiliated shipyard located in Salisbury, Maryland. Notably, American Cruise Lines is the only cruise operator globally with a fleet consisting entirely of U.S.-flagged riverboats and small ships, providing unique domestic river and coastal itineraries unavailable with other lines.
American Maverick
The American Maverick and American Ranger will be the seventh and eighth vessels in the company’s Project Blue series targeting the U.S. market, with both ships expected to set sail in 2026.
These new ships follow the introduction of the American Patriot, American Pioneer, and the riverboat American Encore, which will launch in 2025, all set to commence operations in 2026. Designed for smooth navigation along the Eastern Seaboard, both American Maverick and American Ranger will be fully stabilized coastwise vessels.
Sky Lounge
Project Blue originally began with the deployment of four 100-passenger Coastal Cats, introduced in 2023 and 2024. The latest additions, American Maverick and American Ranger (planned for 2026), along with the earlier announced American Patriot and American Pioneer (scheduled for 2025), represent the evolution of this ambitious series.
Featuring five decks with sophisticated interior designs, both ships will provide 100 percent private balcony cabins—comprising 56 roomy staterooms available for double or single occupancy. The fourth deck will offer all-suite options ranging from 420 to 620 square feet.
One of the standout features of the American Maverick and American Ranger will be the fifth deck Sky Lounge—a dedicated space for relaxation and recreation, featuring stunning panoramic views, comfortable lounge seating, a 360-degree Skywalk (walking track), and a casual outdoor Back Porch Café.
Sky Walk
Additional highlights of the new ships include a spacious Main Lounge and Restaurant on the first deck with water views from every seat, a Bow Terrace, and a Horizon Lounge on the third deck, as well as an indoor Fitness Center on the fourth deck—exceptional amenities for vessels of this size.
Once American Maverick and American Ranger launch in 2026, American Cruise Lines will boast a total of 24 small ships, offering the most extensive selection of fully domestic river and coastal itineraries ever available in the United States. The company continues to meet the rising demand for U.S.-based itineraries by introducing new ships equipped with premier amenities, opening up exciting new opportunities for closer-to-home cruising each year.
Lookout Cafe
About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise operator in the United States, offering adventures on the Mississippi River and various waterways nationwide. Leveraging a 50-year history of unique exploration, the company’s award-winning small ships and riverboats now provide luxurious river cruise experiences in 35 states. With a fully U.S.-built and flagged fleet, American is the sole provider of 100 percent domestic river and coastal cruise itineraries throughout the United States.
Grand Suite
Chesapeake Lounge
Photos courtesy of American Cruise Lines
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