MS Independence

Launched in 2010, ms Independence is one of American Cruise Lines ships, together with the paddlewheelers Queen of the West, American Pride, American Eagle and Queen of the Mississippi, as well as American Glory, American Spirit and American Star.

History - construction and ownership

American Cruise Lines (ACL) is a small cruise line with headquarters in Guilford, Connecticut, operational since 1991. The 3,000-ton, 104-passenger cruise ship Independence is US flagged, ACL owned and operated by US crew members. The vessel is compliant with Passenger Vessel Services Act. MS Independence was built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding (Salisbury, Maryland, USA).

In 2010 ms Independence joined the similar though slightly smaller American Spirit, American Glory and American Star. Unlike like her sister ships, she is equipped for comfortable cruising with Rolls Royce stabilizers.

Cruise itinerary program

MS Independence itinerary program is based on 6-day New England cruises out of Providence RI, 6-day and 7-day from Baltimore and Portland ME, 7-day cruises from  Amelia Island, Charleston SC and Jacksonville FL, 14-day from Jacksonville and Baltimore, Hudson River cruises from NYC New York.

Cabins

MS Independence has 4 passenger decks and accommodates 104 guests in a total number of 94 cabins (of which 3 Suites, 40 Balcony rooms with small private balconies, 51 Oceanview, 0 Inside) in 6 grades. There are 6 single cabins. The staterooms have large picture windows, interior entrances and private baths. The Independence ship boasts some of the largest staterooms in industry and elevators to all decks. Other amenities include satellite TV (flats with DVDs), large picture windows, individual climate control in each cabin, desk, stationary, closet, 4-drawer dresser, American staff and crew. Cabin sizes are over 200 ft2 (19 m2).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

MS Independence has one Grand Dining Room (with open seating) that offers regional and seasonal cuisine (fresh meats and seafood). The Grand dining room seats all guests at the same time. Other options for a drink include Maindeck Lounge, Midship lounge and Passenger Deck's lounge.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Independence ship 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, Independence 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 flat TVs, DVDs, individual climate control, free cocktails before dinner. MS Independence has a Library Lounge, putting green, fitness, sun shade.

The clientele consists of older, well-traveled North Americans. MS Independence boasts with casual and friendly "country-club" atmosphere, interesting itineraries with numerous call ports, knowledgeable local experts on shore excursions and tours. Because of their smaller sizes, ACL ships can visit smaller ports to offer their guests exceptional tours to little known scenic sites and most charming places in the USA.

• American Cruise Lines Independence is similar as design to the ACL ships American Star and American Spirit. However, this vessel larger in size, offering more spacious rooms and public areas. This ship is fully stabilized.
• The Independence ship's itinerary program as destinations features "Historic South and Golden Isles" with 7-day deals from Jacksonville FL and Charleston SC, 14-day "East Coast Inland Passage" from Jacksonville and Baltimore MD, 6-day "Chesapeake Bay" and 7-day "Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage" from Baltimore, 6- and 7-day "Maine Coast and Harbors" from Portland ME, Hudson River Fall Foliage cruises leaving from New York City NY, 6-day New England cruise from Providence RI.