American Spirit

The 2004-built MS American Spirit cruise ship is one of the oldest ACL-American Cruise Lines vessels, alongside American Glory (2002-2019/scuttled), American Star (2007), and American Independence (2010).

The riverboat was last refurbished in 2017.

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 cruises on the USA’s largest navigable inland waterways (rivers and lakes), as well as along the East Coast, West Coast, and in Florida. All ACL ships feature some of the industry's largest passenger cabins with private balconies, spacious lounges and outdoor decks, gourmet cuisine, a top-quality enrichment program with many complimentary land excursions, and highly personalized service provided by an all-American staff and crew.

All ACL vessels are US-flagged and constructed at the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury, Maryland.

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Spirit has four passenger decks (three with staterooms) and accommodates 102 guests in a total of 47 cabins (1 Suite, 25 Balcony, 21 Oceanview, and no Interior rooms), available across six cabin categories. The ship also features two single cabins for solo travelers. All staterooms include large picture windows, interior entrances, and en suite bathrooms. Additional in-room amenities include satellite HDTV (with DVD player), individual climate control, writing desk with stationary, 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 Spirit has one Grand Dining Room offering regional and seasonal cuisine with open seating. Additional venues for drinks and socializing include the Maindeck Lounge, Midship Lounge, and Cascade Lounge.

The ship primarily caters to well-traveled older North Americans. The onboard atmosphere is casual and friendly, with daily port visits. Thanks to its smaller size, American Spirit can access smaller ports featuring historic architecture and museums, enhancing the cultural value of shore excursions. Room service is offered twice daily. Complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi/internet access, pre-dinner cocktails, a Library Lounge, putting green, fitness area, shaded sundeck, and elevators serving all decks. The crew and staff are all American.

Itineraries

American Spirit’s itinerary program includes 7- and 11-day Alaska cruises departing from Juneau AK and Seattle WA.

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

American Spirit is a coastal passenger ship, similarly designed to her fleetmate American Star. Due to their smaller size, most ACL vessels are able to access less-visited riverports featuring historic architecture, museums, and culturally rich shore excursions.

American Spirit operates cruises in Alaska, with departures from Seattle WA and Juneau AK. Available itineraries include:

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