On Oct. 11, American Cruise Lines (ACL) announced the construction of American Maverick and American Ranger. These new 125-passenger ships are the seventh and eighth vessels in the company’s Project Blue series of small ships for the U.S. market.
American Maverick and American Ranger will both begin cruising in 2026, directly following the 2025 debuts of American Patriot, American Pioneer, and new riverboat American Encore (2026).
ACL’s Project Blue series began with four 100-passenger coastal cats introduced in 2023 and 2024. The newest Patriot-class ships, American Maverick and American Ranger (2026), and previously announced American Patriot and American Pioneer (2025), represent the latest iteration in the ongoing series. All 12 Project Blue ships are being built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, the company’s affiliated shipyard in Salisbury, Md.
ACL noted that the American Maverick and American Ranger will be fully stabilized coastwise ships for smooth sailing along the Eastern Seaboard. ACL stated the Patriot-class ships will increase the itinerary options for the company’s growing array of coastal cruises from Maine to Florida, highlighting the company 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.
American Maverick and American Ranger will offer five decks with elegant interior design and 100% private balcony accommodations—56 spacious staterooms, for both double and single occupancy. The 4th deck on both ships will house all-suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet.
The newest feature on American Maverick and American Ranger will be the 5th deck Sky Lounge - 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 Café. Both new ships will also feature a main lounge and restaurant, a bow terrace and horizon lounge, and an indoor fitness center.
When American Maverick and American Ranger begin sailing in 2026, American Cruise Lines states its fleet will operate 24 small ships across the country, sailing the largest collection of fully domestic river and coastal itineraries offered in the United States.
WorkBoat reached out to ACL for further specs on the vessels.
