American Cruise Lines announced today that construction has begun on the American Liberty, the third new coastal catamaran in the company’s Project Blue series.
Initially announced in January, the Project Blue series is a set of 12 small ships designed to cover almost any domestic cruise itinerary, ACL said. The 105-passenger American Liberty is built for coastal operation and features a similar innovative hull design as the company’s previously announced Coastal Cats. All ships are being built at ACL's Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Salisbury, Md.
The first two ships in the series, American Eagle and American Glory, are scheduled to begin sailing in 2023. American Liberty is scheduled to begin cruising in May 2024.
ACL has grown substantially since the pandemic and has led the resurgence of the river cruise market, the company said. In the past five years, the company has more than doubled its fleet by introducing its American Riverboats series.
American Liberty and the ongoing series of Coastal Cats will feature amenities including 56 staterooms and suites, each with a real private balcony, spacious lounges, and multiple dining venues. The ship’s catamaran hull form also allows for a wide activity platform at the stern, equipped with kayaks and a large tender for in-depth adventure directly from the ship.
American Liberty will begin cruising the U.S. in the spring of 2024. ACL's fleet is expected to number 17 small ships and riverboats in 2023.
