ACL’s American Glory: Celebrating One Year of Redefining Coastal Cruising

American Cruise Lines’ American Glory Celebrates First Anniversary

The American Glory, a vessel from ACL-American Cruise Lines, has recently celebrated its first anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the company’s innovative "Coastal Cats" series. Built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, this U.S.-flagged ship began its operations on November 28, 2023, setting a new benchmark for small-ship coastal cruising.

As part of the “Coastal Cats” class, American Glory aims to provide intimate and destination-focused cruise experiences. With a capacity for 109 guests, the ship is designed to navigate the diverse coastlines of the United States while offering comfort and style. Following its completion, the ship made its maiden voyage with a repositioning cruise to Florida, kicking off its inaugural season in the Gulf of Mexico.

During the first season, American Glory featured 7-night itineraries from St. Petersburg, Florida, showcasing the stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the Gulf Coast. The cruise made stops at popular destinations across Florida and the Keys, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s charm and history. A christening ceremony took place in Key West on January 21, 2024, where the city’s Mayor, Teri Johnston, served as godmother to the ship.

After completing its Gulf Coast itineraries, American Glory moved to New England for summer cruises, highlighting the picturesque coastlines of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire. These cruises combined scenic vistas with maritime history and visits to enchanting coastal towns. Additionally, the ship hosted Hudson River cruises in September and October, providing guests with breathtaking views of fall foliage and historic riverfront communities.

The success of the American Glory has been vital in ACL’s efforts to expand its fleet. It joined alongside the American Eagle, the first in the “Coastal Cats” series, which also made its debut in 2023. In 2024, ACL plans to add two more vessels, the American Liberty and the American Legend, reinforcing its vision for small-ship cruising.

Looking ahead, ACL intends to launch five new ships between 2025 and 2026, which include the riverboat American Encore and four additional coastal vessels: the American Pioneer, American Patriot, American Maverick, and American Ranger. This strategic expansion highlights ACL’s commitment to offering immersive, destination-driven cruises throughout the United States.


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