ACL American Constellation

The 2017-built MS American Constellation is the first of American Cruise Lines' "Coastal Class" vessels, with its sister ship, American Constitution (2018).

This "ocean ship" design was later adapted for inland and river cruising, resulting in the company's "Modern Riverboat" fleet, which includes American Song (2018), American Harmony (2019), American Jazz (2020), American Melody (2021), American Symphony (2022), and American Serenade (2022).

History - Construction and Ownership

The shipowner, American Cruise Lines (ACL), is the largest river cruise company in the USA (headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut) and has been operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruises along the USA's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes), as well as voyages along the East Coast USA, New England, West Coast USA, and Florida.

All ACL vessels feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges, outdoor deck spaces, gourmet cuisine, a top-quality enrichment program with many complimentary land tours and excursions, and highly personalized service by an all-American staff and crew.

All ACL ships are USA-flagged and are built at the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury, Maryland.

The new coastal riverboat set sail in April 2017. The name "American Constellation" was inspired by the many American ships named "Constellation," which have honored the United States. The original US Naval sailing frigate of 1797, USS Constellation, and the newest ship of American Cruise Lines were both constructed at Maryland shipyards. American Constellation departed for its first cruise from Constellation Pier, next to where the retired USS Constellation is currently docked.

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Constellation has 6 passenger decks (accessible via one elevator) and a total of 90 staterooms. The ship offers 9 cabin categories. Most accommodations are Balcony rooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding doors leading to a private step-out veranda. There are no connecting rooms onboard.

The smallest cabins, including the studios and single-occupancy rooms, start at 250 ft² (23 m²). Other staterooms range between 305-330 ft² (28-31 m²). Veranda Suites are 405 ft² (38 m²). Owner's Suites measure 445 ft² (41 m²). The largest staterooms are the two Grand Suites located aft on deck 3. Each measures 900 ft² (84 m²) and features two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors opening to a wrap-around balcony, a separate bedroom/lounge area, and a marble bathroom with a double-sink vanity.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

American Constellation features a single-capacity, open-seating dining room. This is the main restaurant onboard, with floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers, elegant furniture, 4- and 8-seat tables, and luxury dining amenities. Most of the cuisine is American fare. The menu highlights itinerary-inspired gourmet specialties and fresh food. Breakfast is served buffet-style, with made-to-order items. Lunch offers soup, a choice of 3 dishes, and chef's salad. Dinner includes soup, salad, and 3 entrées. The wine list features a selection of domestic wines. Dietary needs are accommodated upon request.

The ocean-capable American Constellation, with full active wing stabilization, accommodates 163 guests. The ship caters to discerning vacationers seeking an intimate, high-end experience aboard a smaller vessel. The well-appointed rooms, some of the largest ever seen in service, include room service and tastefully furnished private balconies. Additional features include kayaks and Zodiacs, offering guests alternative ways to explore historic American destinations.

The ship's main public venues include:

• (Deck 1) Vestibule/lobby level, Ship's Office, Dining Room Restaurant, Galley/Kitchen
• (Deck 2) Lounge/midship-starboard
• (Deck 3) Library Lounge/midship-starboard, Chesapeake Lounge/forward
• (Deck 4) Pilothouse/Wheelhouse, Upper Lounge & Library (midship-starboard), Sky Lounge (aft, with outdoor terrace seating)
• (Deck 5) Fitness Room/midship Gym, Lower Sun Deck/aft
• (Deck 6) Upper Sun Deck with outdoor seating and Mini-Golf/Putting Green

Itineraries

The American Constellation's itinerary program includes two new American Cruise Lines itineraries—one from the USA to New England and the other along the southeast USA's Intracoastal Waterway.

• The 10-night/11-day "Grand New England" cruise itinerary starts in Boston, MA and visits Provincetown, MA, Newport, RI, Martha's Vineyard, MA, Kennebunkport, ME, Camden, ME, Bar Harbor, ME, and Rockland, ME.
• The 10-night/11-day "Grand Historic South" cruise itinerary is roundtrip from Charleston, SC and visits Wilmington, NC, Beaufort, NC, Savannah, GA, Sapelo Island, GA, Jekyll Island, GA, Amelia Island, FL (Fernandina Beach), and Beaufort, SC.

ACL cruise deals include a pre-cruise hotel package, all shore excursions (organized daily), cocktail hour (each evening), cruise accommodation, gourmet meals, Afternoon Tea service, room service (breakfast only), onboard enrichment and entertainment programs, and Wi-Fi (shipwide coverage).

The ship features a modern propulsion system with two azimuth thrusters ("Z-drives") manufactured by Veth (Holland). These 360-degree rotating propellers (one forward, one aft) provide the vessel with enhanced maneuverability and berthing flexibility.

The ship is powered by two Caterpillar marine engines running on low-sulfur diesel. These advanced engines are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions (COx, NOx, SOx) and soot particles compared to other vessels in the US river cruising market.

The ship's namesake is the 2002-built cruise liner Celebrity Constellation.