ACL Sea Trials American Liberty, Announces Additional Vessels
Guilford, Conn.-based American Cruise Lines (ACL) has announced successful sea trials of the mv. American Liberty, the company’s third “Coastal Cat” vessel from Chesapeake Shipbuilding. The American Liberty, a 100-passenger cruise vessel that measures just under 222 feet by 54 feet, is the latest in ACL’s ongoing Project Blue series that will ultimately add 12 new small vessels to the company’s river and coastal cruising fleet.
The American Liberty’s inaugural cruise will follow ACL’s New England Island itinerary, departing August 15 and sailing roundtrip from Providence, R.I., with stops in New Bedford, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.; and Block Island, Newport and Bristol, R.I. The Liberty will also offer other East Coast cruises through the rest of the year.
“American Liberty is the newest ship in our fleet, reflecting our ongoing commitment to building small, innovative ships for America’s rivers and coasts,” said Charles Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines.
The American Liberty has four decks and features both single- and double-occupancy staterooms and suites, with most offering private balconies. Standard rooms in the Coastal Cat series start at 300 square feet. ACL describes the Coastal Cat experience as “a luxuriating escape for the most discerning traveler.”
ACL has a total of six additional vessels scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026, including one more Coastal Cat, to be named the American Legend, four Patriot Class vessels and a new “American Riverboat.” The American Legend is due out in November. Previous Coastal Cat vessels include the American Eagle and the American Glory. By 2025, ACL will have 21 vessels at work. That number will increase to 24 by 2026.
“The domestic cruise industry is the healthiest it has ever been,” Robertson said in announcing the companies new-build orders earlier this summer. “Demand for modern river products, new small ships and unique exploration in the U.S.A. continues to grow. That demand is powered by destinations brimming with history and ships that provide the best on-board experiences in the world.”
ACL offers cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, coastal cruises throughout the Southeast, Columbia and Snake river cruises, Puget Sound and Alaskan cruises and a variety of New England cruises. American Cruise Lines has distinguished its fleet with a commitment to newer, smaller vessels. The company’s American Riverboat line accommodates 180 passengers. Its paddlewheelers range from 110 to 180 guests, while the company’s Patriot Class, Coastal Cats and and Constellation Class vessels offer accommodations for 125, 100 and 170 guests, respectively. The company’s trio of Independence Class coastwise vessels carry just 90 passengers.
Earlier this year, ACL made waves when it bought the fleet of American Queen Voyages, which filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 21. On April 4, a bankruptcy court in Houston approved ACL’s bid to purchase the American Queen, American Empress, American Countess and American Duchess, along with other assets, like trademarks, web domains and certain business records. According to a statement from ACL, the company “recycled” the Countess and Duchess and is evaluating what to do next with the American Queen. As of late July, the American Queen was near Houma, La., while the American Empress docked in Astoria, Ore.
