American Star

The 2007-built MS American Star cruise ship is one of the oldest ACL-American Cruise Lines ships - together with American Spirit (2004) 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 the USA's largest river cruise company (headquarters in Guilford Connecticut) operational since 1991. The company specializes in cruise shipping on the 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 the 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).

American Star small cruise ship entered service in June 2007. She is similar to ACL American Spirit and offers the same unique cruising style, hallmark of the company of American Cruise Lines. No matter where she goes to – charming small towns or gracious southern ports, American Star brings guests to spots of magnificent beauty and historic interest. Each passenger is able to unwind on board in the friendly atmosphere created by the American staff.

Decks and Cabins

ACL's American Star ship has 4 passenger decks (3 with cabins) and accommodates 100 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 smart HDTV (with DVD), 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 Star has one Grand Dining Room (with open seating) that offers regional and seasonal cuisine. Other options for a drink include Maindeck Lounge, Midship lounge and Chesapeake lounge.

American Star clientele consists of well-traveled Americans. The onboard atmosphere is casual and friendly. Various port visits are offered every day. Due to its smaller size, American Star can visit the smallest ports 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, guest lecturers. American Star has a Library Lounge, putting green, fitness, sunshade, lifts (serving all decks).

Itineraries

American Star itinerary program is based on cruises along the USA East Coast departing from Charleston, Jacksonville, Baltimore, NYC New York.

ACL cruise deals are inclusive of the Internet (Wi-Fi), all tours/excursions, flight and coach transfers, live evening entertainment, daily expert lecturers, food tastings, 24-hour coffee/tea, replenished daily bottled water, room-service (twice daily).

American Star is a coastal passenger ship similar as design to the FLEETMATE American Spirit. Because of their smaller sizes, most ACL ships can visit smallest ports featuring historic architecture, museums and amazing shore excursions.

American Star offers small-ship travel vacations along the US East Coast and also river cruises in the USA. The list of itineraries and departure ports includes: 7-day "Historic South and Golden Isles" from Charleston SC and Jacksonville FL, 14-day "East Coast Inland Passage" from Florida (Jacksonville), 6-day "Chesapeake Bay" from Baltimore MD, 7-day "New England Islands" from Providence RI, 7-day Fall Foliage "Hudson River" cruises from NYC (New York).