Coastal ship under construction for American Cruise Line

American Cruise Lines (ACL) quietly began construction
months ago on its ninth cruise ship, a coastal cruise vessel scheduled to enter
service in spring 2017.

The vessel will be ACL’s first new coastal cruise ship to
launch since 2010, when the Independence set sail.

The 170-passenger vessel will be among the largest of ACL’s
ships, which range in capacity from 100 to 185 passengers. The line said its
cabins would be the biggest in coastal cruising at more than 350 square feet. Most
cabins will have private balconies.

The vessel will have a fitness room and ship-wide internet
access.

As with all of ACL’s U.S.-based coastal and river cruise
ships, the vessel will feature an all-American staff, and is being  built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in
Salisbury, Md.

ACL is rapidly expanding, as the line also has three river
cruise vessels under construction.