American Cruise Lines to Expand Fleet with Five New Ships
American Cruise Lines is set to significantly expand its fleet, announcing plans to add five new ships within the next two years. This expansion marks a substantial step in the company’s growth, underscoring its commitment to offering extensive cruising options in the United States.
A Mix of Riverboats and Coastal Cats: The new vessels, a combination of American Riverboats and Coastal Cats, will be constructed in Salisbury, Maryland, by Chesapeake Shipbuilding. These additions are tailored to enhance the cruise line’s capacity on key U.S. waterways.
Enhanced Cruising Experiences: With these new ships, American Cruise Lines aims to increase its presence on the Mississippi and Columbia rivers, as well as bolster its coastal cruise offerings. This expansion is set to provide more options for travelers seeking to explore these iconic American rivers and coastlines.
A Statement from the CEO: “The new contract is an exciting expansion of the American Cruise Lines fleet,” said Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines. He highlighted the company’s readiness to augment U.S. river cruise capacity, following several years of focusing on the coastal fleet.
Recent and Upcoming Ship Launches: This announcement follows the debut of three new ships by American Cruise Lines this year: the river vessel American Serenade and two Coastal Cats named American Eagle and American Glory. The cruise line also anticipates the launch of two additional ships, American Legend and American Liberty, in the coming year.
Looking Ahead to 2024: By 2024, American Cruise Lines expects to operate a total of 19 ships, offering itineraries that span over 35 states. The vessels are designed to provide an intimate cruising experience, accommodating between 90 and 180 passengers each.
American Cruise Lines’ ambitious expansion plan is a clear indication of its confidence in the growing demand for river and coastal cruising in the United States. With these new ships, the company is poised to offer an even wider range of high-quality, intimate cruising experiences to its customers.