American Christens American Pioneer

American Pioneer (American Cruise Lines)

---

American Pioneer’s Bottle Smash: Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez, Mayor of Key West (Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines looks on)
Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

(Press Release) GUILFORD, CT—November 17, 2025, American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that the newest cruise ship in the country, American Pioneer, was christened in Key West, Florida on Monday, November 10th. American Pioneer is the 21st ship in the American Cruise Lines fleet. The inaugural cruise followed the company’s new 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys itinerary, which explores both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. American Pioneer was docked at Mallory Square for last week’s christening festivities. Key West is a regular 2-day stop on the new itinerary and offers 20 different shore excursions, including a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park.
​
American Pioneer’s christening celebration included cruise guests, local partners, and community members. All attendees gathered on the ship’s top deck for the official blessing and ceremonial bottle smash, followed by a reception in the ship’s Sky Lounge. Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, gave remarks as did American Pioneer’s Godmother, Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez, Mayor of Key West. American Pioneer is the 2nd new American Cruise Lines ship Mayor Henriquez is godmother to; she also christened one of the Line’s Coastal Cats, American Legend, in February 2025.
​
“We are thrilled to christen another new ship here in Key West and we are especially honored to be joined by American Pioneer’s godmother, Mayor Henriquez, along with many of our inaugural cruise guests,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

Brand-new American Pioneer accommodates just 130 guests. Every stateroom and suite has a private balcony, and the ship features multiple lounges and dining options. The company has 9 additional ships currently under construction, including 4 exact sisterships to American Pioneer.
The inaugural 16-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise began in Amelia Island, Florida on October 31st and concluded in St. Petersburg, Florida on November 15th. American has three ships sailing their exclusive, all-domestic Florida cruises through April 2026, including popular 9-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which operate roundtrip from St. Petersburg.    

---