American Glory

The 2002-built MS American Glory was the oldest vessel in the ACL - American Cruise Lines fleet. This small riverboat was similarly designed to her fleetmates American Spirit (2004), American Star (2007), and American Independence (2010).

The vessel primarily catered to older, well-traveled North American passengers, offering enriching itineraries with numerous port calls and guided shore excursions led by knowledgeable local experts. Thanks to their compact size, ACL ships could access smaller ports, providing guests with exclusive tours to lesser-known scenic and historic sites across the USA.

American Glory’s final identification numbers were 8972338 (IMO) and 366858820 (MMSI). The ship was last AIS-tracked on December 5, 2017, while berthed at the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River (Hampton Roads). Its AIS transponder has remained silent since then.

The vessel underwent its last drydock refurbishment in 2015 and was officially decommissioned in 2019.

History – Construction and Ownership

The 1267-ton, 49-passenger American Glory was US-flagged, crewed, and fully owned by ACL. She was seaworthy and fully compliant with the USA's PVSA (Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886), allowing her to carry passengers directly between US ports without the need to call at a foreign port.

The vessel was constructed in the USA by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, and was specifically designed for overnight river cruising, inland waterway travel, and coastal voyages within the continental United States.

American Glory remained in active service until 2017. On November 4, 2019, she was scuttled (intentionally sunk by a contractor) off Delaware Bay, approximately 28 km (17 mi) from Indian River Bay, south of Cape Henlopen (Delaware State Park).

The scuttling was part of an artificial reef initiative supported by the Delaware State Government. Now resting on the seafloor, the vessel serves as a habitat for marine life and a site for scuba divers and snorkelers, who can explore her silent decks and empty cabins.

The Delaware Artificial Reef Program maintains 14 publicly accessible reef sites in Delaware Bay and along the state’s Atlantic coast, where the seabed is largely featureless. Launched in 1995, the program aims to support reef fish species such as seabass, scup, tautog, spadefish, and triggerfish by sinking large structures to create new marine habitats. Donated materials have included concrete, large rocks, tires, tugboats, ferries, decommissioned military vehicles, and hundreds of NYC subway cars (primarily at Redbird Reef since 1996).

Decks and Cabins

ACL’s American Glory had 4 passenger decks and could accommodate 54 guests in 27 staterooms. The ship offered no suites but included 14 Balcony and 13 Oceanview cabins, all with large windows, interior entrances, and en suite bathrooms. There were also 5 dedicated single cabins and 1 wheelchair-accessible cabin.

Cabin sizes ranged from 150 ft² (14 m²) to 235 ft² (22 m²). About 50% featured step-out balconies, and all accommodations included en suite bathrooms and ample natural light.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

MS American Glory featured a 49-seat Dining Room Restaurant offering regional and seasonal cuisine with open seating. Social and relaxation venues included the Main Deck Lounge, Midship Lounge, and Nantucket Lounge. Complimentary cocktails were served during the pre-dinner social hour.

The ship promoted a relaxed, country-club atmosphere, ideal for guests interested in US history and cultural heritage. Spacious public lounges and observation decks encouraged social interaction among passengers. Additional amenities included a Library Lounge, putting green, fitness area, sunshade, elevators serving all decks, complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet access, and all-American staff and crew. Room service was available twice daily.

Itineraries

MS American Glory’s itinerary program focused on New England, the East Coast USA, and Florida rivers, sailing from homeports like Jacksonville FL, Portland ME, and Providence RI. Regularly scheduled itineraries included:

• 7-day "Historic South and Golden Isles" and "Great Rivers of Florida" from Jacksonville FL
• 7-day "Potomac River Cruise" from Washington DC and Philadelphia PA
• 6- and 7-day "Chesapeake Bay" cruises from Baltimore MD
• 6-day "New England Islands" and 7-day "Hudson River" itineraries from Providence RI
• 6- and 7-day "Maine Coast and Harbors" and 10-day "Grand New England" cruises from Portland ME
• 7-day "Hudson River Cruises" from New York City

The ship also operated special 14-day "East Coast Inland Passage" repositioning cruises, departing Jacksonville FL in spring and Baltimore MD in fall.