By
Rebecca Gibson |
American Cruise Lines is to name its latest ship American Constellation.
Currently under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, US, American Constellation is nine weeks ahead of schedule and is expected to be delivered in April 2017.
The name, American Constellation, was inspired by the long line of American ships named Constellation who have represented the US, including USS Constellation, the original US Naval sailing frigate of 1797. Both USS Constellation and American Cruise Lines’ newest ship were built in Maryland shipyards, and American Constellation will leave for its first cruise from Constellation Pier, right next to where the retired USS Constellation is docked.
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Equipped with full active wing stabilisation to allow her to operate in the ocean, American Constellation will accommodate 170 guests in staterooms with furnished private balconies and room service.
American Cruise Lines has also recently launched America, its largest ship on the Mississippi River. America’s week-long maiden voyage started in New Orleans on 7 May and took guests to various ports before returning to the US city. Guests enjoyed special celebratory entertainment and complimentary shore excursions, and also received commemorative gifts embellished with the ship’s name.
“The much anticipated inaugural season of America is off to a fantastic start,” said Drew Godfrey, the ship’s hotel manager. “Guests are truly enjoying the period inspired ship with its warm and inviting décor.”
America’s debut brings the line’s fleet up to eight small ships, four of which are authentic paddlewheelers and four are coastal cruisers. With America now accompanying Queen of the Mississippi on the Mississippi River, the line was able to reposition the American Pride to the Columbia and Snake Rivers to join Queen of the West, making American Cruise Lines the only company with two riverboats on both rivers.
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