American Spirit (2004-built) is one of the oldest ACL-American Cruise Lines ships – together with American Star (2007) and Independence (2010). Operating exclusively along the U.S. East Coast, crewed entirely by Americans, and built on the Chesapeake Bay, this small, 100-passenger ship is about as American as they come.
Exploring historic and scenic ports where big ships could never think of calling, it offers a comfortable and relaxing cruise for those who are interested in both the destination and a friendly, well-attended cocktail hour.
Launched in 2005, the American Spirit is a larger version of its 2000 and 2002-built running mates, the American Eagle and American Glory, respectively. The basic premise behind these ships is simple.
Small, American-flagged coastal ships have historically been hand-me-downs with tiny cabins and even smaller bathrooms. Enter American Cruise Lines, which built three modern ships, with more on the way, with a standard of comfort and spaciousness not found in its competition.
American Spirit cruise ship deck plan shows 4 passenger decks (3 with cabins), a total of 47 staterooms, Vestibule (midship Atrium area), Dining Salon (Restaurant), Chesapeake Lounge Bar, Midship Lounge, Library Lounge, Passenger Decks (outdoor spaces), Wheelhouse (Navigation Bridge), Sundeck (with Outdoor Gym, Putting Green, Sun Shade seating area).
Despite the comforts on board, however, the real focus of the cruise is the destination with the ship merely acting as an agreeable means of transport between the ports. These ships were built to nestle into the smallest ports, and they take full advantage of this ability.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATION
Specifications of American Spirit
| Year built | 2004 / Age: 18 |
| Flag state | USA |
| Builder | Chesapeake Shipbuilding (Salisbury, Maryland USA) |
| Speed | 14 kn / 26 kph / 16 mph |
| Length (LOA) | 67 m / 220 ft |
| Beam (width) | 13 m / 43 ft |
| Gross Tonnage | 1955 gt |
| Passengers | 94 – 102 |
| Crew | 26 |
| Passengers-to-space ratio | 20 |
| Decks | 4 |
| Cabins | 47 |
| Decks with cabins | 3 |
| Last Refurbishment | 2017 |
| Sister-ships | American Star, Independence, American Glory |
| Owner | American Cruise Lines Inc |
