American Cruise Lines (ACL) has revealed details of “Project Blue,” a brand-new fleet of go-anywhere ships for the U.S. market. The company announced plans for 12 identical sister ships that will more than double the nation’s current capacity for domestic coastal cruises. The hybrid catamaran design will allow the boats, according to ACL, to have unprecedented near-shore operating versatility.
The fleet will operate exclusively in the United States, with a focus on small towns and close-to-home adventures. Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines, said in a press statement, “'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. These boats can run almost anywhere, and because there will be 12 of them, they will be deployed all over the United States.”
ACL says the “Project Blue” expansion further reinforces the growing interest in small-ship experiences and personalized cruising. Like all of American’s new ships, the entire “Project Blue” fleet will be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD. The first two "Project Blue" ships are already under construction and are due for delivery in 2023; they will sail East Coast itineraries and will be named American Eagle and American Glory—namesakes of the company’s first two U.S.-built ships.
Each boat in the fleet will accommodate 109 passengers and 50 crew. They will be 241 feet long, 56 feet wide and will have a hybrid catamaran design that enables both shallow draft access and stable sailing along lakes, rivers, bays and the coastline.
Décor on the boats will be done by Studio DADO of Miami. Of the 56 staterooms, there will be a range of standard, suite and singles accommodations—nearly all with private balconies. Observation and sitting areas will be available at the bow, both inside and outside, and each ship will have an expansive forward lounge with 270-degree views. At the stern, the ships will have a new adventure deck equipped with kayaks, tender and other activity-related options relevant to the itinerary. The ships will also have two dining venues, as well as room service.
Visit www.americancruiselines.com.
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