Celebrating a Year of Adventure: ACL’s Coastal Cruise Ship American Glory Marks Its First Anniversary

American Cruise Lines’ coastal ship, American Glory, recently celebrated its first anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the company’s innovative “Coastal Cats” series. The vessel, which is registered in the USA and crewed by local staff, was built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland and commenced revenue operations on November 28, 2023.

American Glory is a catamaran-type ship specifically designed for coastal cruising and offers destination-focused experiences. It features five decks and 56 staterooms, accommodating a maximum of 109 guests. The vessel kicked off its inaugural season with a repositioning cruise from Baltimore, Maryland, to Florida.

During its first season, American Glory offered 7-night roundtrip itineraries from St. Petersburg, Florida, themed "Florida Gulf Coast and Keys," showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. The ship’s christening ceremony was held in Key West, Florida, on January 21, 2024, with the city’s Mayor, Teri Johnston, serving as the godmother.

After its Gulf Coast deployment, American Glory transitioned to the New England coastline, navigating through scenic states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire. These itineraries highlighted picturesque coastal landscapes along with maritime history and visits to charming towns. In the fall, the ship hosted cruises on the Hudson River, allowing guests to experience vibrant autumn foliage and historic riverside communities.

The success of American Glory has been pivotal for ACL’s fleet expansion strategy. Alongside the American Eagle, which made its debut in 2023 as the first ship in the “Coastal Cats” series, American Glory has set the stage for ACL’s growth. By 2024, ACL added two more vessels, American Liberty and American Legend, contributing to a new vision for small-ship cruising.

Looking ahead, ACL plans to introduce five additional ships between 2025 and 2026, including the riverboat American Encore, as well as four more coastal vessels: American Pioneer, American Patriot, American Maverick, and American Ranger. This expansion reinforces ACL’s commitment to delivering immersive and destination-oriented cruises throughout the United States.

For more information, you can check out the American Cruise Lines and ACL American Glory pages.

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