ACL-American Cruise Lines, the USA's largest cruise company renowned for its smaller ships navigating coastal and inland waterways, will soon sail to Charlotte Harbor Florida. Tenders will transport passengers to Punta Gorda Florida, as revealed by Sean Doherty, tourism director, during an announcement on August 18th.
Starting in December 2023, the voyages depart from Saint Petersburg Florida on the newbuild/2023-launched motorized catamaran American Glory. On the 6th day, the vessel reaches Charlotte County, utilizing its tender boats to reach Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda.
American Glory's inaugural cruise departs on December 20th from St Petersburg FL, with the Charlotte Harbor stop on Christmas Day. An inaugural celebration is planned, and passengers can explore Peace River Wildlife Center and Alligator Bay Distillers. Captain Ralph Allen, owner of King Fisher Fleet, may offer excursions on his smaller boats. These boats navigate shallower waters than ACL's larger catamarans.
The voyage also includes visits to Marco Island and Key West FL before arriving in Punta Gorda. Passengers can explore attractions like the Military Heritage Museum and Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens. The cruises are expected to boost the local economy. Weekly cruises are scheduled until March 8th, 2024, resuming on November 25th, 2024, through March 22nd, 2025. Cruises for 2025, beginning November 22nd, have already been posted.
American Glory is one of all 12 sisterships/identical catamarans built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding. American Eagle and American Glory entered service this year, and in 2024 will be joined by American Legend for Gulf Coast USA voyages.