American Cruise Lines' new 2025 coastals are American Patriot and Pioneer

These are the fifth and sixth in a series of 12 small ships to be built at the company's affiliated Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland. Unlike the prior Coastal Cats, they have a traditional bow plus a slightly deeper draft.

Three newbuilds in 2025

American Cruise Lines, which recently emerged as the winning bidder for the four river vessels of defunct American Queen Voyages, is also adding a modern riverboat in 2025.

So that makes for three newbuilds next year, as earlier reported here, but until now the type of vessels hadn't been specified.

American hasn't disclosed its plans for the AQV boats yet.

US East Coast debuts

American Patriot is planned to begin sailing in June next year, and American Pioneer in November. Both will operate along the US East Coast, including new 15-day 'Grand Florida Coast & Keys' cruises. This longer Florida itinerary follows the successful 2024 launch of eight-day 'Florida Gulf Coast & Keys' cruises offered on several of the first four Project Blue ships, 100-passenger Coastal Cats American Eagle and American Glory (2023) and American Liberty and American Legend (2024).

Large staterooms

American Patriot and American Pioneer will have five decks and 56 staterooms with all-balcony accommodations including a range of large standard staterooms, suites and singles. Their fourth decks will house all-suite accommodations ranging from 420 square feet to 620 square feet, very large for ships of this size.

Public rooms include a main lounge and restaurant with water views from every seat on Deck 1. Deck 5 will have sitting, dining and fitness areas including a 360-degree Skywalk walking track, an indoor Sky Lounge, outside Sun Deck and casual café. A Bow Terrace and Horizon Lounge on Deck 3 and an indoor fitness center on Deck 4 round out the facilities.