American Cruise Lines has unveiled a plan to launch 12 identical sister ships to more than double the capacity for US domestic coastal cruises.

Known as Project Blue, the ships will feature a hybrid catamaran design and have “unprecedented near-shore operating versatility”, the cruise line said.

The Project Blue fleet will be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, with the first two ships under construction and due for delivery in 2023.

The two ships will launch with East Coast itineraries and will be named American Eagle and American Glory – namesakes of the company’s first two small US-built ships.

On board, Project Blue ships will offer 56 staterooms, including a range of large standards, suites, and singles, nearly all with private balconies.

Observation and sitting areas will be available at the bow, both inside and outside, and each ship will have a forward lounge with 270 degree views.

At the stern, the ships will have a new adventure deck equipped with kayaks, tender, and other activity-related options relevant to the itinerary.

American Cruise Lines president & CEO Charles Robertson said: “Project Blue started as a design challenge to create a boat small enough for New England harbours and stable enough for the Alaska Inside Passage, with a draft shallow enough for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

“These boats can run almost anywhere, and because there will be 12 of them, they will be deployed all over the United States.

“Together with Chesapeake Shipbuilding, we built the first modern riverboats in the country. Now we are proud to introduce another new ship design for domestic exploration.

“American has specialised in small ship cruising for over 30 years, and continuing to innovate and expand the possibilities for cruising close to home is central to our mission.”