ACL American Star

The 2007-built MS American Star cruise ship is one of the oldest ACL-American Cruise Lines vessels, along with American Glory (2002-2019/scuttled), American Spirit (2004), and American Independence (2010). The riverboat was last refurbished in 2017. As part of the same class, American Glory (2001) was scuttled in 2019.

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner, American Cruise Lines (ACL), is the USA's largest river cruise company, headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut, and operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on the USA’s largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes), as well as cruises along the East Coast, West Coast, and Florida. All ACL vessels feature some of the industry's most spacious cabins with private balconies, large lounges and outdoor deck areas, gourmet cuisine, enriching programs with many complimentary land tours and excursions, and highly personalized service by an all-American staff and crew.

All ACL ships are US-flagged and constructed by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury, Maryland (USA).

American Star entered service in June 2007. She shares the same design and cruising style as ACL’s American Spirit and delivers the signature American Cruise Lines experience. Whether sailing to quaint small towns or elegant southern ports, American Star brings guests to destinations rich in natural beauty and historical significance. Onboard, passengers enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere created by the American crew.

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Star features 4 passenger decks (3 with accommodations) and carries up to 100 guests in a total of 47 staterooms (1 Suite, 25 Balcony, 21 Oceanview, and no Inside cabins) across 6 cabin grades. The ship also offers 2 dedicated single cabins. All staterooms include large picture windows, interior entrances, and private en suite bathrooms. Additional amenities include smart HDTV (with DVD), individual climate control, writing desk, stationery, closet, and a four-drawer dresser.

Cabin sizes range from 250 ft² (23 m²) to 350 ft² (33 m²).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS American Star has one Grand Dining Room with open seating, serving regional and seasonal cuisine. Lounges include the Main Deck Lounge, Midship Lounge, and Chesapeake Lounge.

The ship’s clientele typically consists of well-traveled Americans. The onboard environment is casual and friendly, with daily port visits. Due to her small size, American Star can access intimate ports not reachable by larger vessels. Room service is offered twice daily, and Wi-Fi and Internet access are complimentary. Additional amenities include pre-dinner complimentary cocktails, an all-American staff and crew, guest lecturers, a Library Lounge, putting green, fitness area, shaded sun deck, and elevators serving all decks.

Itineraries

American Star’s itinerary program includes cruises along the USA East Coast, with departures from Charleston, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and NYC (New York).

ACL cruise fares include Wi-Fi Internet, all tours and excursions, flight and coach transfers, live evening entertainment, daily expert lectures, food tastings, 24-hour coffee and tea, daily replenished bottled water, and twice-daily room service.

American Star is a coastal passenger ship with a design similar to the fleetmate American Spirit. Due to their smaller size, most ACL vessels can access some of the smallest ports, offering guests opportunities to explore destinations rich in historic architecture, museums, and exceptional shore excursions.

American Star operates small-ship cruises along the U.S. East Coast, as well as select river cruises. Itineraries and departure ports include: a 7-day "Historic South and Golden Isles" cruise from Charleston SC and Jacksonville FL; a 14-day "East Coast Inland Passage" cruise from Jacksonville, Florida; a 6-day "Chesapeake Bay" cruise from Baltimore MD; a 7-day "New England Islands" cruise from Providence RI; and a 7-day Fall Foliage "Hudson River" cruise departing from NYC (New York).