ACL-American Cruise Lines has announced the christening of American Liberty (the newest/3rd vessel in the Coastal Cat series) in Newport, Rhode Island USA.
The naming ceremony took place at Fort Adams State Park, where ACL's ships routinely dock during visits to Newport.
American Liberty was in the midst of her inaugural voyage, sailing a New England Islands cruise from Providence RI.
The special event included attendees from the local community, representatives from Sail Newport and Fort Adams State Park, and a select group of executives and crewmembers from ACL. The ship’s Godmother, Clare Harrington, Vice Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, along with Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines, delivered remarks. The celebration concluded with a traditional New England Lobsterbake at Fort Adams, featuring a discussion and demonstration of Native American cooking methods.
American Liberty will continue to operate New England Islands cruises through September, before transitioning to other East Coast itineraries. These will include the Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises, departing from New York City, and the Historic South & Golden Isles cruises, sailing between Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida, from November 2024 through spring 2025.
Part of American Cruise Lines’ ongoing Project Blue Series, American Liberty is one of 12 new small ships in the series. The vessel accommodates 100 guests and features 4 decks, a unique catamaran bow, private balcony accommodations, and a range of amenities including a top deck for scenic views, lounges, a restaurant, cafe, walking track, and fitness center. The Coastal Cat series reflects the company's commitment to expanding its fleet with environmentally friendly ships and offering domestic itineraries that operate like river cruises, staying within sight of land and visiting only U.S. ports of call.