ACL-American Cruise Lines is increasing its presence in New Bedford MA (Massachusetts) this year, planning over 50 calls as part of its New England Islands and Cape Codder voyages—up from 36 in 2024 and 25 in 2023—signalling a growing commitment to the port's strategic importance.
To further strengthen this connection, ACL has proposed a park-style “New Bedford Cruise Gateway” to MassDevelopment for the south side of the State Pier. The facility, one of seven redevelopment proposals evaluated, aims to link disembarking passengers to downtown New Bedford and local attractions.
City officials have expressed support. New Bedford’s mayor described the port as a vibrant mix of fishing, recreation, cargo, offshore wind and cruise activity, and stressed that enhanced facilities would bring visitors with disposable incomes into the downtown district.
MassDevelopment hosted a public meeting on July 1 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, during which the consultant Utile Inc. presented a draft reuse study of the pier, opening a public comment period ahead of a projected decision.
ACL operates small, U.S.-flagged ships carrying 90 to 180 passengers across 35 states, according to company executive Julia Riczu. The New England Islands cruises, lasting 8 days and 7 nights, include Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Block Island, Newport, New Bedford, and Bristol, with fares from US$5,240 to US$7,835. The Cape Codder route features New Bedford, Provincetown, Plymouth, Buzzards Bay, Martha’s Vineyard, and Newport, with fares between US$6,350 and US$7,835.
When ships call in New Bedford, passengers can choose guided walking tours or shuttles to must-see destinations such as the New Bedford Whaling Historical Park and Fishing Heritage Center, arranged in partnership with regional tourism authorities.
As ACL widens its schedule in New Bedford and the proposed gateway advances, the State Pier stands poised to transform into a polished regional cruise hub—readying the city for increased economic activity and visitor engagement on the South Coast.