ACL-American Cruise Lines expands USA fleet with 10 new ships from Chesapeake Shipbuilding

   November 2, 2024 ,   Cruise Industry

ACL-American Cruise Lines has finalized contracts with Chesapeake Shipbuilding to construct an additional 4 new vessels, expanding its total orderbook to 10 ships over the next 3 years.

Designed exclusively for the USA market - currently the fastest-growing sector in river cruising - the newbuilds will bolster ACL’s already substantial domestic fleet, which will comprise 21 small ships operating nationwide by next year.

This expansion begins with the immediate delivery of American Legend, the latest addition to the Coastal Cat series. American Legend recently passed sea trials and will begin the inaugural voyage on November 25th.

The remaining vessels, a mix of 3 riverboats and 6 coastal ships, will be delivered at intervals over the next 3 years. The currently available for booking ships include American Patriot and American Pioneer in 2025, American Maverick and American Ranger in 2026, and the riverboat American Encore (2026).

Details on 4 more ships (slated for 2027) are expected soon.

With a legacy of 50+ years in USA river cruising, ACL has pioneered growth in this market and now operates the only 100% USA-flagged and American-crewed fleet of small vessels globally.

This dedicated expansion reflects the surging interest in USA-based luxury cruising.

Of the 24 USA-built ships launched in the past 2 decades, ACL introduced 19, remaining steadfast in its commitment to newbuilds engineered specifically for domestic waters.

By 2025, ACL will operate the largest fleet of 100% USA-based river and coastal itineraries, bringing premium amenities to small ships and expanding accessible domestic cruising in the United States.