American Cruise Lines said its fifth and sixth Project Blue coastal ships will arrive in 2025, and they will mark the introduction of the Patriot class.
The 125-passenger sister ships will be named American Patriot (coming in June 2025) and American Pioneer (arriving in November 2025).
American Cruise Lines said the "hallmark" of the Patriot class will be expansive staterooms. Ranging from 300 square feet to 620 square feet, each stateroom will have a private balcony.
The American Patriot and American Pioneer will each have five decks and 56 staterooms. The ships' fourth decks will offer all-suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet.
Spacious lounges will "beckon guests to unwind and socialize with like-minded travelers, fostering unforgettable moments of camaraderie after a day of exhilarating exploration along the East Coast's charming ports of call," American Cruise Lines said.
Both new ships will feature a main lounge and restaurant on the first deck, offering guests water views from every seat. On the fifth deck, the American Patriot and American Pioneer will offer sitting, dining and fitness areas, including the Skywalk walking track, an indoor Sky Lounge, outside sun deck and casual café.
The new ships also will offer a Bow Terrace and Horizon Lounge on the third deck as well as indoor fitness center on the fourth.
The Patriot-class ships will accommodate more passengers than the Coastal Cats, which are the first four Project Blue vessels. The American Eagle and American Glory debuted in 2023, and the American Liberty and American Legend are entering service this year.
Like the Coastal Cats, the Patriot-class coastal ships will be built at ACL's affiliated shipyard, Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland.
Both Patriot-class ships will sail itineraries up and down the U.S. East Coast, including 15-day cruises of the Florida coast and Keys, beginning in 2025. This longer Florida itinerary follows this year's launch of Costal Cat sailings that cruise the Florida Gulf Coast and the Keys.