American Cruise Lines Announces 3 Ships

American Cruise Lines, whose coastal cruise ship American Constellation is scheduled to launch in April, has announced that it has a total of three new cruise ships now under construction by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md.

The cruise line benefits from its shipbuilding company being under the same ownership, which has made it possible to produce a flock of newbuilds since 2000. Among them are 2015’s Queen of the Mississippi, 2016’s America and the upcoming Constellation. 

In addition to the 170-passenger Constellation, the yard is well into construction of another 170-passenger coastal ship, scheduled for completion in 2018. Meanwhile, steel is being fabricated for a 195-passenger river vessel. 

The five-deck Constellation will take its place among a long line of naval vessels of the same name. Its inaugural sailing will depart from the same pier in Maryland where the retired 1854 USS Constellation is docked as a museum ship. 

“We’re proud to continue our legacy of American-built ships and are positive that Constellation will raise the bar for all small-ship cruising in the U.S.,” said Timothy Beebe, vice president for American Cruise Lines.

Features from spacious staterooms to marble baths, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and private balconies distinguish the modern Constellation, which is designed to utilize green propulsion technology and active wing stabilizers for its coastal journeys. The ship will also be equipped with Zodiacs and kayaks, and is expected to attract European river cruisers. 

“American Cruise Lines’ ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly in America,” Beebe said. “By continually designing and building brand-new ships, we are able to exceed the expectations of seasoned European river travelers right here in the U.S.”

Next year, Constellation will sail new 10-night Eastern Seaboard cruises from Boston and seven-night Inland Waterways itineraries from New York; Baltimore; and Charleston, S.C.

American Cruise Lines’ fleet offers more than 35 itineraries ranging in length from four to 21 nights, visiting regions from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska to New England, the Southeast and the Mississippi River System.

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