‘American Eagle’, the first of American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) coastal cat class cruise ships, has undergone sea trials.
ACL accepted delivery of the 100-pax ship from Chesapeake Shipbuilding on-time and on schedule, the company claimed.
‘American Eagle’ is the first of 12 new coastal cat types that the US domestic cruise company is planning to build at the yard. The next four ships are already under construction for delivery next year.
ACL plans to introduce a second coastal cat, ‘American Glory’, in November, 2023.
Following her successful trials, ‘American Eagle’ sailed to Massachusetts, from where she will make her first passenger carrying cruise.
The new ship will sail along the US East Coast, which will blend the luxury of river cruising with the access and adventure of expedition cruising, the company said.
Her first cruise was due to depart on 14th August, 2023, following the line’s eight-day Cape Codder itinerary- a round trip from Boston, Mass.
“’American Eagle’ embodies our continued commitment to building new small ships to explore America’s rivers and coasts,” said Charles Robertson, ACL’s President & CEO.
“It is the flagship in American Cruise Lines new series of small coastal cats, which are unlike anything else available in the US market.‘American Eagle’ and her sister ships will change the landscape of possibilities for small ship adventures around the USA,”he said.
She was delivered a few months after ‘American Serenade’, the company’s sixth new riverboat.
ACL’s small ship fleet has continued to expand year on year with small ship designs.
Accommodating just 100 guests, ‘American Eagle’ is fitted with four decks and a new catamaran bow. She offers an elegant interior design and private balcony accommodation, including spacious single and double-occupancy staterooms, as well as suites.
She also offers a top deck for viewing, comfortable lounges both inside and out, a main restaurant, casual café, and fitness centre, the company explained.
