American Cruise Lines has an ambitious plan to build 12 identical sister ships to sail on U.S. coasts, lakes and rivers.
“Project Blue started as a design challenge to create a boat small enough for New England harbors and stable enough for the Alaska Inside Passage, with a draft shallow enough for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.” explains Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise. “These boats can run almost anywhere, and because there will be 12 of them, they will be deployed all over the United States.”
Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland will build the 109-passenger ships. They will be 241 feet long, 56 feet wide, and feature a hybrid catamaran design that enables both shallow draft access and stable sailing along lakes, rivers, bays, and ocean coasts. “Their go-anywhere agility combines the adventure of an expedition with the luxury of the finest river cruises,” Robertson says.
Each ship will offer 56 staterooms—including a range of standards, suites, and singles—nearly all with private balconies. Observation and sitting areas will be available at the bow, both inside and outside, and each ship will showcase an expansive forward lounge with 270-degree views. At the stern, the ships will have an adventure deck equipped with kayaks, tender, and other activity related options relevant to the itinerary.
The first two ships due in 2023, American Eagle and American Glory, will offer east coast itineraries.
