American Independence

The 2010-built American Independence cruise ship is one of the oldest vessels in the ACL-American Cruise Lines fleet, alongside American Glory (2002-2019, scuttled), American Spirit (2004), and American Star (2007). The riverboat was last refurbished in 2018. American Glory (2001-built and same class) was scuttled in 2019.

In 2023, the vessel was renamed from "MS Independence" to "American Independence". The boat's namesake is Independence of the Seas (2008-built), operated by RCI-Royal Caribbean.

Although sharing the same design as American Star and American Spirit, American Independence is slightly larger, offering more spacious rooms and public areas. The ship is also fully stabilized.

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner American Cruise Lines (ACL), headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut, is the largest river cruise company in the USA. Founded in 1991, ACL specializes in cruises on the country's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes), as well as coastal voyages along the East Coast, West Coast, and Florida. All vessels feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor decks, gourmet cuisine, a top-tier enrichment program with many complimentary land excursions, and highly personalized service provided by an all-American staff and crew.

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

In 2010, MS Independence joined similar, though slightly smaller, fleetmates Spirit, Glory, and Star. Unlike her sisterships, American Independence is equipped with Rolls Royce stabilizers.

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Independence has 4 passenger decks and accommodates 104 guests in a total of 52 staterooms, including 3 Suites, 33 Balcony, 9 Oceanview, and no Inside cabins, across 6 cabin categories. The ship also features 7 single cabins. All staterooms have large picture windows, interior entrances, and private bathrooms. American Independence boasts some of the industry's most spacious accommodations, with elevator access to all decks. In-room amenities include smart HDTV (with DVD), large picture windows, individual climate control, desk, stationery, closet, 4-drawer dresser, and service by an all-American crew.

Cabin sizes range from 205 ft² (19 m²) to 350 ft² (33 m²).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Dining is offered in a single Grand Dining Room with open seating, serving regional and seasonal cuisine with fresh meats and seafood. The dining room accommodates all guests at once. Additional lounge venues include the Maindeck Lounge, Midship Lounge, and the Passenger Deck Lounge.

The onboard atmosphere is casual and welcoming. Port visits are offered daily, and thanks to her smaller size, American Independence can access lesser-known ports. Room service is available twice daily. Wi-Fi and Internet access are complimentary. Additional amenities include smart HDTVs, DVD players, individual climate control, and complimentary cocktails before dinner.

Recreational facilities include a Library Lounge, putting green/mini-golf, fitness center/gym, and sunshade areas.

The ship primarily caters to older, well-traveled North American guests. American Independence offers a casual and friendly "country-club" ambiance, engaging itineraries with numerous port calls, and guided shore excursions led by knowledgeable local experts. Her smaller size enables visits to charming, lesser-known destinations across the USA.

Itineraries

The American Independence operates 6-day New England cruises from Providence RI, 6- and 7-day cruises from Baltimore and Portland ME, and 7-day voyages from Amelia Island, Charleston SC, and Jacksonville FL. There are also 14-day sailings between Jacksonville and Baltimore, as well as Hudson River cruises departing from New York City.

Key themed itineraries include the 7-day “Historic South and Golden Isles” roundtrips from Jacksonville and Charleston, the 14-day “East Coast Inland Passage” (Jacksonville to Baltimore MD), 6-day “Chesapeake Bay,” 7-day “Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage” (from Baltimore), 6- and 7-day “Maine Coast and Harbors” (from Portland ME), and “Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruises” departing from New York City. A 6-day “New England Cruise” also sails from Providence RI.

Following the COVID crisis, ACL became the first US cruise line to resume operations, with American Independence departing on March 13, 2021, from Jacksonville, Florida.

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