American Cruise lines is a cruise industry leader in smaller ships.There ships sails on the east coast of the United States from Main to Florida. American Cruise Lines are giving there passangers an opportunity to get a close look at most of the east coast that is inaccessible to lager ships. American Cruise Lines destinations include the coast and harbors of Main, The New England Islands, the Hudson River, the Chesapeake Bay, the Great river of Florida, and Historic Antebellum South. Itineraries are designed to allow our passengers to experience intimately each area's local culture, fascinating history and natural splendor. 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. Enjoy yours traveling in comfort and style with American Cruise Lines.

Bit of History.

 American Cruise Lines was established in the boom of 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. 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, The  American Star joins the fleet, and there is already talk of new ships beyond that. 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).

The Fleet

All American Cruise Lines ships are of American Build, American flagged, and American crewed. All of the line's vessels were built at its own shipyard in Salisbury, Maryland and those 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. 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. Refreshingly casual, flexible and unregimented - American Cruise Lines ships provides an intimate ambience conducive to camaraderie.

 Curl up with a book in the library, chat with new friends in one of the lounges, or watch the passing scenery from one of the open observation decks.