ACL American Glory has recently marked her first anniversary of service for ACL-American Cruise Lines, symbolizing a key milestone in the company's innovative “Coastal Cats” series.
The USA-flagged and crewed vessel was constructed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding (Maryland USA) and began revenue operations on November 28th, 2023.
As part of the groundbreaking “Coastal Cats” class, the catamaran-type American Glory is specifically designed for coastal cruising and destination-focused experiences.
The 5-deck ship has 56 staterooms and accommodates max 109 guests. After its completion, the vessel commenced her maiden journey with a repositioning cruise from Baltimore MD to Florida, signaling the start of an inaugural season in the Gulf of Mexico.
During her first season, American Glory introduced 7-night roundtrip itineraries from St Petersburg (Florida), (themed "Florida Gulf Coast and Keys") highlighting the Gulf Coast's natural beauty and cultural richness.
The ship's christening ceremony took place in Key West FL on January 21st, 2024, with the city’s Mayor, Teri Johnston, serving as godmother.
Following its Gulf Coast deployment, the American Glory transitioned to New England for the summer, showcasing picturesque coastlines across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire. These itineraries blended scenic landscapes with maritime history and visits to charming coastal towns. Autumn brought another highlight as the ship hosted Hudson River cruises in September and October, offering guests a front-row view of vibrant fall foliage and historic riverfront communities.
The success of the American Glory has been instrumental in ACL’s fleet expansion efforts. It joined the fleet alongside the American Eagle, the first in the “Coastal Cats” series, which also debuted in 2023. By 2024, ACL added 2 more vessels, the American Liberty and the American Legend, further advancing its vision for small-ship cruising.
Looking forward, ACL plans to introduce 5 new ships between 2025 and 2026. These include the riverboat American Encore and 4 additional coastal vessels: the American Pioneer, American Patriot, American Maverick, and American Ranger. This strategic expansion underscores ACL’s commitment to providing immersive, destination-oriented cruises across the United States.