Leisure Group Travel, Cruises – by Cindy Bertram, September 16, 2024
The 100-passenger American Liberty offers a variety of East Coast itineraries. She is the line’s third Coastal Cat, with the fourth coming in November.
American Cruise Lines’ new ship, the American Liberty, was christened August 15 in Newport, Rhode Island. She is the company’s latest Coastal Cat, one in its new series of 100-passenger ships.
The christening celebration took place on a beautiful sunny day at Fort Adams State Park, where all of ACL’s small ships dock when visiting Newport. The American Liberty’s inaugural cruise was a “New England Islands” sailing roundtrip from Providence.
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Naming and Christening Ceremony for the New Cruise Ship
The American Liberty’s christening ceremony included officials from Sail Newport and Fort Adams State Park, community members and cruise guests, along with ACL executives and crew members. Charles B. Robertson, the line’s president and CEO, gave opening remarks. Also speaking was the American Liberty’s godmother, Clare Harington, Vice Commodore of the New York Yacht Club.
The Victory Belles, a musical trio, entertained guests with patriotic music as everyone gathered on the ship’s top deck for the official blessing and naming ceremony. The christening was followed by a traditional New England lobster bake at Fort Adams State Park, where guests enjoyed a discussion and demonstration of the region’s ancient Native American cooking process.
Robertson said, “We are honored to be able to host this event in Fort Adams State Park, with our fantastic partners from the community and Sail Newport. We are especially honored to have Vice Commodore Clare Harington of the New York Yacht Club serve as godmother of the American Liberty. We look forward to further developing partnerships in Newport and many other historic coastal towns along the Eastern Seaboard.”
Lookout Café
An Overview of the American Liberty
Accommodating just 100 guests, the American Liberty has a unique catamaran bow and features four decks. Accommodations all have private balconies, and these include spacious single and double occupancy staterooms as well as suites. In addition to the main restaurant, the ship has a casual cafe and indoor and outdoor lounges, plus a walking track and fitness center. Areas on the ship include the following:
- Deck One – Chesapeake Lounge, Restaurant, Galley, Guest Laundry
- Deck Two – The Chart Room, The Fitness Center, The Study, Bow Terrace
- Deck Three – Sky Lounge, Lookout Cafe
- Deck Four – Sun Deck, Walking Track
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Where the American Liberty is Sailing?
On her inaugural cruise, the American Liberty called at New Bedford, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, and Block Island, Newport and Bristol in Rhode Island.
In addition to her “New England Islands” cruises in September, the American Liberty offers a mix of East Coast itineraries, including:
- Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises, roundtrip from New York City
- Historic South and Golden Isles Cruises, between Charleston, South Carolina and Amelia Island, Florida, from November 2024 through spring of 2025
Sky Lounge
More About the Coastal Cat Series of Small Cruise Ships
American Cruise Lines has been expanding its fleet across the United States, and this includes the 100-passenger coastal ships that are part of the line’s Project Blue Series. They are being constructed by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.
The American Liberty is the third in the Project Blue Series of ships, called Coastal Cats. The first Coastal Cat, the American Eagle, debuted in August 2023, and the American Glory debuted in November 2023. ACL’s fourth Coastal Cat, the American Legend, will debut in November 2024.
These innovative ships are expanding an array of domestic itineraries across the country as the demand for American Cruise Lines’ specialized cruise experiences continues to grow. All the coastal itineraries keep close to land and only visit ports of call in the United States.
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About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines, the largest river cruise line in the U.S., has ships on the Mississippi River and waterways around the country. The fleet sailing has been built on the company’s 50-year history of delivering curated all-American explorations.
The line offers luxury river cruises in 35 states and sails exclusively in the U.S. It operates the only 100% U.S.-flagged fleet of small ships and riverboats in the world.
By the end of 2026, ACL will have seven new ships joining its fleet. In addition they’re also working on the larger, five-deck Patriot-Class ships, which will accommodate 125 guests and have larger staterooms. The first two Patriot-Class ships, the American Patriot and American Pioneer, are set to debut in 2025.
Chesapeake Lounge
Why Consider the American Liberty
As the newest Coastal Cat ship in ACL’s fleet, the American Liberty offers diverse itineraries, from East Coast sailings roundtrip from New York City to the popular Historic South & Golden Isles cruises between Charleston and Amelia Island. Like the other ships in the fleet, the American Liberty is all- inclusive – all meals and snacks are included, along with cocktails and beverages, enrichment and shore excursions, and tips and fees.
With her unique catamaran bow, a beautiful top deck affording beautiful views, comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges and private balcony staterooms, the American Liberty is definitely worth considering for your next group cruise.
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By Cindy Bertram
Photos courtesy of American Cruise Lines