VESSEL REVIEW | American Eagle – American Cruise Lines welcomes coastal catamaran to fleet

American Cruise Lines (ACL) has taken delivery of its newest catamaran cruise ship, the 241- by 56-foot (73.4- by 17-metre) American Eagle. Built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding of Maryland as the lead ship of ACL's new Coastal Cat-class, the vessel was designed to offer the qualities of expedition adventure cruising with the refinement, luxury, stability, and land proximity of river cruising.

The catamaran is the first in a series of 12 featuring a proprietary hybrid ocean/river catamaran design that allows for smooth sailing along rivers, lakes, bays, and protected coastlines all across the United States, including the Alaska Inside Passage, while the shallow draught will permit navigation along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. ACL said American Eagle is a practical alternative to ocean expeditions, allowing guests more time to explore each port in depth.

The newbuild has accommodations for 100 passengers and 50 crewmembers in spacious single rooms, standard rooms, and suites, some of which are also fitted with balconies, wheelchair access, and floor-to-ceiling windows. ACL said the choice of colour palettes, furnishings, and artwork in the interior spaces reflect the culture of New England, Chesapeake Bay, and the Southeast where the ship will primarily operate.

There are also observation areas, a lounge with a 270-degree view, a restaurant, a fitness centre, a cafe, a sun deck, a games room, a guest laundry area, and space for kayaks and a tender for local exploration at the vessel's numerous stops. Guest access between the different decks is via stairway and two lifts located amidships.

American Eagle was formally named in late August 2023. Prior to its christening, the vessel had already completed its inaugural cruise by sailing on an eight-day Cape Cod itinerary beginning and ending at Boston and including stops at Martha's Vineyard, the Massachusetts towns of Gloucester, Plymouth, and Provincetown, and Newport in Rhode Island. Sister ship American Glory, the second in the Coastal Cat-class, will enter service on ACL's East Coast itineraries before the end of this year.

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