Cruise Screen

Whoever said, “Everything old is new again,” might very well have been talking about American Cruise Lines. Part of the boom in small, American flagged coastal cruising that started in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, the company operated simple but comfortable ships on US coastal itineraries until they went out of business in the late 1980’s.
Jump to 2000, and the same owner who initially started the line (but sold out before they went under), decides to do it all over again, including owning the shipyard where his ships are built. Using the same name, same logo, mostly the same itineraries and the same concepts, the company was reborn with the then brand-new 49-passenger American Eagle. Since then, the American Cruise Lines has steadily grown, and a newly formed sister cruise line — Pearl Seas Cruises — is due to start service in 2008 (it will take aim at the luxury market).
Sailing exclusively along the Eastern seaboard of the United States, American Cruise Line’s ships are American built and American crewed. The emphasis is on comfortable exploration along sheltered, inland waterways and in the smaller ports and inaccessible to larger ships. Itineraries are scheduled to be in port every day and alongside the dock at night. An onboard lecturer helps to provide a focus on the historical significance and natural beauty of reach region.
The introduction of the American Eagle raised the standard for a small, American-flagged coastal ship. Instead of cramped bathrooms and cabins generously described as snug, you’ll find spacious, 220-square-ft. cabins often larger than those found on mega-ships. Even more unique, almost half of the cabins boast narrow but serviceable balconies.
With such impressive cabins, it didn’t take long for American Cruise Lines to attract passengers who wanted new and off the beaten track itineraries, but didn’t want to sacrifice comforts or space. By 2002, it introduced a sister ship, the American Glory, but with a slightly modified design to add even more balconies. By 2005, they had added a third ship, the American Spirit, which carried twice as many passengers as the first two ships, but still had the same basic layout and design. In 2007, a sister to the American Spirit will join the fleet, and there is already talk of new ships beyond that.
One of the delights of sailing with American Cruise Lines is the lack of hassle. There is no need for ID cards — passengers just walk on and off, with the crew member at the gangway recognizing everyone by face. If you have a friend in one of the ports you are visiting, just let the hotel manager know and it won’t be a problem to have your guest join you onboard for dinner and the nightly lecture. Decide at the last minute you don’t want to do a shore excursion you signed up for? No problem — if you don’t show up, you won’t be charged.
With such a small, cozy ship, getting around couldn’t be easier. If you forget your glasses, you are only a few feet from your cabin, and some passengers don’t even bother locking their door when onboard. Repeat passengers feel at home the moment they step on the gangway, as all ships are basically interchangeable, with not only the same layout but also the same carpets, furniture and decor! As well, complimentary drinks create a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere that is a step above its competition.
Sailing almost exclusively in protected and inland waters, the ships rarely move and make a popular choice for anyone worried about becoming seasick. When they do get into any sort of exposed passages, however, their small size, basic design and lack of stabilizers mean there will be some uncomfortable motion.
Exciting plans were announced in fall of 2006 for the aforementioned sister company. Pearl Seas Cruises, a foreign flagged cruise line, will operate Canadian-built ships on international itineraries. Initially planning to sail to Canada in the summer and the Caribbean and Central America in the winter, these new-builds will be similar in layout and concept but significantly larger and offer a more sophisticated, luxurious experience and include missing amenities such as a spa and gym. 
 
The Fleet 
ACL’s roomy and modern ships and the large cabins in particular, are what really differentiate the fleet from competitors with older hand-me-downs within the maritime world. Large enough to offer privacy, they are also small enough to be intimate and allow all the passengers to meet each other over the course of a week.
Attractive without being exciting, the decor relies on muted, simple colours that are pleasing and familiar, but might remind you of a generic lobby in a hotel chain. The main lounge is located forward directly underneath the bridge with tall windows on three sides providing a great vantage from which to watch the passing scenery. As the venue for the popular nightly cocktail hour and the evening lecture, it is the social hub and a convivial spot for board games or chatting during the day.
The dining room is located on the lowest deck all the way at the stern — again with windows on three sides. Two other lounges the size of a cabin and an open air top deck make up the rest of the ship, while an elevator links all four decks.
Half of the cabins even feature balconies, a welcome treat when cruising within sight of scenic coasts. (Even cabins without balconies have large picture windows that open, allowing the cool night air and sounds of the sea to seep in.) Cabins for singles and the disabled are available.
With each vessel virtually identical in terms of layout, decor and facilities, passengers choose their specific cruise by date and itinerary rather than an allegiance to any particular ship. However the American Spirit and the American Star due in 2007 carry 100 passengers as opposed to the 49 passengers the American Eagle and American Glory carry. While this doesn’t affect onboard service or cuisine, it might create slightly longer lines at some of the smaller shore side attractions or make a guided walking tour of a town more difficult. Conversely, it also allows greater variety of people to meet.
Due for delivery in 2008 is the first of the Pearl Seas Cruises’ new-builds that will take the American Cruise Line experience into international waters. Expect the ship to be similar in concept but more sophisticated, with more passengers, more facilities and even larger cabins. It will be equipped with stabilizers and registered in the Marshall Islands. 
 
Onboard 
Life onboard really revolves around two things: going ashore in port every day, and the friendly ambiance highlighted by the 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour with dinner and a lecture following. Meeting your fellow passengers is an important part of the cruise, and the open seating in the dining room encourages everyone to mix.
When not ashore, passengers usually read, watch the shoreline go by or chat with others during the day. Organized activities are minimal, but the nightly talks given by the guest lecturer are eagerly anticipated and well attended.
With the destination so much a part of each cruise, there is usually only a morning or afternoon sailing each day — otherwise you are tied up at the dock. Shore excursions are available for an additional fee, with more than half usually taking the tour. Docking in the center of town means independent exploring is possible, allowing those who want the opportunity to wander off on their own, shop for antiques, have dinner ashore or simply get some exercise walking.
Food is traditional American cuisine, usually prepared well, with some ambitious and creative offerings on the menu. Cocktail hour is very well attended, with many passengers dressing up a bit for the evening. Approximately 10 to 25 percent of men wear jackets on a given evening. 
 
Itineraries 
Itineraries stretch the entire eastern seaboard from Penobscot Bay in Maine all the way to Florida. During the summer, New England Island cruises stop at Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, while the Maine Coast and Harbour cruise sails roundtrip from Bangor, ME. For the first time, seven-night Chesapeake Bay itineraries out of Baltimore will be offered from June straight through the fall. Particularly popular are the October trips up the scenic Hudson River, when the fall foliage bursts with colour and the crisp air is invigorating.
Longer trips are also available sailing south through the Inland Passageway from Baltimore to Florida. November, December, February, March and April see the ships sailing Historic Antebellum itineraries between Jacksonville, FL and Charleston, SC., and a Great Rivers of Florida itinerary roundtrip from Jacksonville. An occasional cruise to Okeechobee Swamp is also offered.
In 2008, Pearl Seas Cruises will introduce cruises to the Canadian Maritimes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as Caribbean and Central American itineraries. 
 
Fellow Passengers 
American Cruise Lines attracts an older, geographically diverse clientele from all regions of the country with a high number of repeaters on every voyage. Children are rare, although the summer New England and Maine itineraries draw a slightly younger crowd.
Many sail American Cruise Line because they simply dislike larger ships or want sheltered waters. For others, the initial draw is the unusual itinerary or an interest in the historical and cultural sites such as museums or homes of historic figures.
There is also a broad range of cruising experience amongst the passengers, from those who are cruising for the first time to frequent sailors on the luxury lines that want to try a different type of itinerary. Most enjoy the slower, less active and low-key pace and the chance to meet new people.
–by Ben Lyons, a New York City-based writer who spends much of the year travelling on smaller, more exotic ships ranging from tall ships to Thailand to passenger-cargo ships to St. Helena. 
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