Fast-expanding American Cruise Lines is building a brand new fleet of 12 identical sister ships that will more than double the company’s current capacity.
The ships, which will feature an innovative hybrid catamaran design to enable both shallow draft access and stable sailing along lakes, rivers, bays, will sail exclusively in the United States on coastal itineraries, focusing on small towns and adventures.
ACL’s unprecedented expansion, codenamed Project Blue, further reinforces the growing interest in small ship experiences and personalised cruising.
The first two ships, already under construction and due for delivery in 2023, will debut along East Coast and will be named American Eagle and American Glory – namesakes of the company’s first two small US-built ships.
Feature: Come sailing with SeaView on American Cruise Line’s stunning steamboat Queen of the Mississippi
Charles Robertson, ACL’s president, 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.”
The first two ships in the American Cruise Lines’ Project Blue fleet will arrive in 2023
He added: “We are proud to introduce another new ship design for exploration of the US. 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.”
Vital Statistics
- 109 passengers and 50 crew
- 241 ft long, 56 ft wide
- 56 spacious staterooms including a range of large standards, suites and singles, most with private balconies
- Observation and sitting areas at the bow, both inside and outside
- Expansive forward lounge with 270 degree views
- New adventure deck equipped with kayaks, tender and other activity related options
- Two dining venues and room service
The entire Project Blue fleet is being built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.