American Independence

The 2010-built American Independence cruise ship is one of the oldest ACL-American Cruise Lines ships - together with American Glory (2002-2019/scuttled), American Spirit (2004) and American Star (2007). The riverboat was last refurbished in 2018. Being of the same class, American Glory (2001) was scuttled in 2019.

In 2023, the vessel's name was changed from "MS Independence" to "American Independence". The boat's namesake is the RCI-Royal Caribbean's liner Independence of the Seas (2008-built).

Being of the same design as the ACL ships American Star and American Spirit, Independence is larger in size (thus offering more spacious rooms and public areas) and fully stabilized.

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner American Cruise Lines (ACL) is the USA's largest river cruise company (headquarters in Guilford Connecticut) operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on the USA's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes) as well as in cruises along the USA East Coast, USA West Coast and Florida. All ACL vessels feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor deck spaces, gourmet cuisine, top-quality enrichment program with many complimentary land tours and excursions, and highly-personalized service by all-American staff and crew.

All ACL cruise ships are US-flagged and built by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury (Maryland USA).

In 2010, MS Independence joined the similar (though slightly smaller) fleetmates Spirit, Glory and Star. Unlike the sisterships, Independence is equipped with Rolls Royce stabilizers.

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Independence ship has 4 passenger decks and accommodates 104 guests in a total of 52 staterooms (3 Suite, 33 Balcony, 9 Oceanview, no Inside) in 6 cabin grades. The boat has 7 single cabins. The staterooms have large picture windows, interior entrances and private baths. The Independence ship boasts some of the largest staterooms in industry and elevators to all decks. Other amenities include HDTV (with DVD), large picture windows, individual climate control in each cabin, desk, stationary, closet, 4-drawer dresser, American staff and crew.

Cabin sizes range from 205 ft2 (19 m2) to 350 ft2 (33 m2).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

American Independence has one Grand Dining Room (with open seating) that offers regional and seasonal cuisine (fresh meats and seafood). The Grand dining room seats all guests at the same time. Other options for a drink include Maindeck Lounge, Midship lounge and Passenger Deck's lounge.

The onboard atmosphere is casual and friendly. Various port visits are offered every day. Due to its smaller size, Independence can visit the smallest ports during shore excursions. Room service is available twice a day. Internet access and Wi-Fi are complimentary. Other amenities are smart HDTVs, DVDs, individual climate control, free cocktails before dinner.

Facilities for relaxation include a Library Lounge, putting green/mini-golf, fitness/gym, sunshade.

The clientele consists of older, well-traveled North Americans. MS Independence boasts with casual and friendly "country-club" atmosphere, interesting itineraries with numerous call ports, knowledgeable local experts on shore excursions and tours. Because of their smaller sizes, ACL ships can visit smaller ports to offer their guests exceptional tours to little-known scenic sites and most charming places in the USA.

Itineraries

American Independence itinerary program is based on 6-day New England cruises out of Providence RI, 6-day and 7-day from Baltimore and Portland ME, 7-day cruises from Amelia Island, Charleston SC and Jacksonville FL, 14-day from Jacksonville and Baltimore, Hudson River cruises from NYC New York.

ACL Independence ship's schedule lists as destinations/itinerary themes "Historic South and Golden Isles" (7-day roundtrips from Jacksonville FL and Charleston SC), 14-day "East Coast Inland Passage" (from Jacksonville and Baltimore MD), 6-day "Chesapeake Bay" and 7-day "Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage" (from Baltimore), 6- and 7-day "Maine Coast and Harbors" (from Portland ME), "Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises" leaving from New York City, 6-day "New England Cruise" (from Providence RI).

Following the COVID crisis, ACL became the first cruise company to resume operations in the USA with MS Independence departing on March 13th, 2021, out of Jacksonville Florida.

ACL cruise deals are inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel package, all shore excursions (organized daily), cocktail hour (each evening), cruise accommodation, gourmet meals, Afternoon Tea service, room service (Breakfast only), onboard enrichment and entertainment programs, Wi-Fi (shipwide coverage).