In the wake of the pandemic, cruise lines across the board are experiencing a surge in demand for oceangoing voyages. While big-ship cruise lines are busy adding water slides and roller coasters to attract more passengers, even smaller operators with ships as small as 100-passenger capacities are feeling the pressure to expand their fleets. This urgency to build new vessels stems from the desire to increase capacity and accommodate the growing interest in cruise travel.
Major players in the cruise industry, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International, are all in the process of expanding their fleets. Carnival Cruise Line has five new ships on order, while Norwegian Cruise Line has eight, and Royal Caribbean International is working on another massive Oasis-class ship. In addition to these well-known names, U.S.-focused small-ship operator American Cruise Lines is also rapidly growing its lineup of ocean-going ships.
American Cruise Lines, known for being the largest river operator in the U.S., is making significant strides in the ocean cruise market. With a 12-ship order known as Project Blue, the cruise line is looking to build a dozen coastal ships at the Maryland-based Chesapeake Shipbuilding. Members of the Robertson family own both the shipyard and the cruise line, further solidifying their commitment to expanding their fleet.
American Cruise Lines recently christened its third new coastal catamaran and has plans to unveil a fourth ship by November of this year. The 100-passenger capacity ships, such as the American Liberty and the upcoming American Legend, are designed to cater to various itineraries along the East Coast, including New England Islands cruises and fall foliage cruises departing from New York City. With the addition of new coastal ships, the line is meeting the growing demand for domestic cruise options.
Future Growth and Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, American Cruise Lines is set to debut two more ships, the American Patriot and the American Pioneer, in 2025. These larger ships will accommodate up to 125 passengers and offer spacious cabins ranging from 300 to 620 square feet. The cruise line also has plans to introduce two additional coastal ships in 2026, signaling its ongoing commitment to expansion and meeting the increasing demand for domestic cruise travel.
The cruise industry is witnessing a period of unprecedented growth and expansion, with both major cruise lines and smaller operators investing in new ships to cater to the rising demand for oceangoing voyages. American Cruise Lines’ Project Blue is a testament to the industry’s commitment to providing modern and innovative cruise experiences for travelers seeking unique exploration opportunities. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, it is clear that the demand for domestic cruise travel is stronger than ever before.
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