American Spirit

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

History - construction and ownership

The shipowner American Cruise Lines (ACL) is USA's largest river cruise company (headquarters in Guilford Connecticut) operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on USA's largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes) as well as in cruises along the US East Coast, US West Coast and Florida. All ACL vessels feature some of industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor deck spaces, gourmet cuisine, top-quality enrichment program with many complimentary land tours and excursions, highly-personalized service by all-American staff and crew. All ACL cruise ships are US-flagged and built by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury (Maryland USA).

Cruise itinerary program

American Spirit itinerary program is based on 7- and 11-day Alaska itineraries departing from Juneau AK and Seattle WA.

Cabins

ACL's American Spirit ship has 4 passenger decks (3 with cabins) and accommodates 102 guests in a total of 47 staterooms (1 Suite, 25 Balcony, 21 Oceanview, no Inside) in 6 cabin grades. The boat has 2 single cabins. All staterooms have large picture windows, interior entrances and en suite baths. Other amenities include satellite HDTV (with DVDs), individual climate control, desk, stationary, closet, 4-drawer dresser.

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

Shipboard facilities and amenities

MS American Spirit has one Grand Dining Room that offers regional and seasonal cuisine (with open seating). Other options for a drink include Maindeck Lounge, Midship lounge and Cascade lounge.

American Spirit clientele consists predominantly of well-travelled older North Americans. The onboard atmosphere is casual and friendly. Various port visits are offered every day. Due to its smaller size, American Spirit can visit the smallest ports with historic architecture and museums during the shore excursions. Room-service is available twice a day. Internet access and Wi-Fi are complimentary. Other amenities are the free cocktails before dinner, American staff & crew, Library Lounge, putting green, fitness, sunshade, lifts (serving all decks).

American Spirit is a coastal passenger ship similar to design to the fleetmate American Star. Because of their smaller sizes, most ACL ships can visit less-accessible riverports with historic architecture, museums and culture-rich shore excursions.

American Spirit cruises in Alaska with departures from Seattle WA and Juneau AK. The list of the itineraries includes:

• 7-day "Puget Sound and San Juan Islands" from Seattle
• 7-day "Southeast Alaska" from Juneau
• 11-day "Alaska Inside Passage" cruises departing from both Seattle and Juneau.