American Cruise Lines recently celebrated a significant milestone with the christening of their newest vessel, American Liberty. This event, which took place in Newport, Rhode Island, marks the introduction of the third ship in the company’s innovative Coastal Cat series. The ceremony occurred at Fort Adams State Park, a prime docking location for the company’s fleet when visiting this historic coastal town.
The American Liberty, designed to accommodate 100 passengers, was in the middle of its inaugural voyage when it paused for the event. The ship was sailing a New England Islands cruise, a round-trip journey from Providence, Rhode Island.
“We are honored to be able to host this event in Fort Adams State Park with our fantastic partners from the community and Sail Newport. We are especially honored to have Vice Commodore Clare Harington of the New York Yacht Club serve as godmother of American Liberty. We look forward to further developing our longtime partnerships in Newport and many other historic coastal towns along the Eastern Seaboard.” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, in a press statement.
American Cruise Lines Has Much to Celebrate
Notable speakers at the event included Brad Read, Executive Director of Sail Newport, and Lauren Carson, a Rhode Island State Representative. Both praised American Cruise Lines’s dedication to sustainable cruising practices and continuous efforts to introduce environmentally friendly small ships. The ceremony featured patriotic musical performances by The Victory Belles, adding a touch of Americana to the proceedings.
Following the official blessing and traditional bottle smash, guests were treated to an authentic New England Lobster Bake at Fort Adams State Park. This culinary experience included a discussion and live demonstration of ancient Native American cooking techniques native to the region.
The American Liberty is part of American Cruise Lines’ larger fleet expansion. In 2023, its predecessors, the American Eagle and American Glory, were christened in Massachusetts and Florida. The company plans to launch its fourth Coastal Cat, the American Legend, in November 2024.
These new vessels are part of American Cruise Lines’ Project Blue Series, a plan to introduce 12 new small ships. Like its sister ships, the American Liberty boasts a unique catamaran bow design. It offers a range of amenities typically found on larger vessels, including private balcony accommodations, multiple dining options and fitness facilities.
American Cruise Lines distinguishes itself in the U.S. cruise market by offering itineraries that operate like river cruises, staying within sight of land and visiting exclusively U.S. ports. As the newest addition to the American Cruise Lines fleet, the American Liberty is set to offer a variety of East Coast itineraries, from New England island hopping to fall foliage tours on the Hudson River and explorations of the historic South and Golden Isles.
For more information, visit americancruiselines.com.
