American Cruise Strains calls them “Coastal Cats.” A few of the latest ships of their fleet, they boast a glossy catamaran bow with a shallow draft that enables them extra freedom to navigate and discover inland rivers or coastal areas than bigger vessels.
The primary two — American Eagle and American Glory — have been launched in 2023, adopted by American Liberty and American Legend in 2024. Every accommodates 100 friends on 4 decks, and whereas smaller in dimension, they’re huge on options for friends who need to expertise every part cruising in America has to supply.
We had the chance to take their 8-day, 7-nights “Florida Gulf Coast and Keys” cruise on American Legend, which began with a pre-cruise keep at Tampa’s JW Marriott lodge. A pre-cruise keep is a good possibility, particularly for these friends who might need had a protracted journey day. The cruise goes from St. Petersburg to Key West within the Florida Keys, with stops in between at Punta Gorda and Marco Island, alongside Florida’s west coast.
ACL deserves excessive marks for his or her stage of private service. If you arrive on the lodge, a welcome packet is ready with every part you might want to learn about your upcoming cruise. Whilst you take pleasure in a buffet breakfast together with your fellow friends, your baggage is loaded aboard motor coaches that can take you to St. Petersburg, the embarkation level. Checking in is a breeze, and your baggage is ready for you in your stateroom.
Whereas the ships could also be smaller, their staterooms are bigger, that includes single and double-occupancy rooms and suites that vary from 250 to 650 sq. toes, all with non-public balconies and floor-to-ceiling glass. Our room included a writing desk, wardrobe, LED TV and a big, trendy rest room with bathe. Together with loads of space for storing, there have been ample plug-ins for our energy wants.
So what’s included in your ACL cruise? Nearly every part: All drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, all meals, no less than one complimentary shore tour per port, Wi-Fi, suggestions, gratuities and port prices, plus leisure and onboard enrichment lectures. There are elective premium and signature shore excursions obtainable for an additional cost. One other bonus: Company have free use of laundry to clean up their garments.
The decor on American Legend may be described as “casually elegant,” with impartial colours and furnishings that create inviting areas for rest, dialog and sightseeing. Given its dimension, it gained’t take you lengthy to be taught your approach round. Plan on spending a variety of your time on the primary deck — that’s the placement of reception, the ship workplaces, the primary eating room, the Chesapeake Lounge and bar and the Visitor Laundry. Within the heart is a four-story atrium, topped by a big skylight.
Aft on deck two you’ll discover the ship’s Health Middle and Research, a retreat the place you possibly can learn, play video games or use a pc station. Ahead is the Chart Room, a comfy nook with binoculars and maps, and the out of doors Bow Terrace, offering nice sightseeing alternatives.
On deck three aft is the Sky Lounge, the place they serve breakfast and lunch from the adjoining Again Porch Cafe, and have snacks and drinks obtainable 24/7. The Pilothouse is ahead, and open for friends to see throughout specified occasions. Deck 4 is the Solar Deck, with a strolling monitor and loads of loungers for sunbathing or simply watching the surroundings. Two stuff you gained’t discover on the ship are a on line casino and pool.
Meals is at all times a significant consideration when selecting a cruise, and on American Legend, the meals is phenomenal. The menus mix traditional favorites with regional dishes, and there are sufficient selections to please nearly all people. For those who don’t see what you need, simply ask. There’s likelihood they’ll make it for you.
The principle eating room is open seating, with particular hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll be given menus the place you make your meal choices for that day (to not fear — when you change your thoughts later, there’s not an issue). You may also point out a half-portion, which helps minimize waste. Plan on dropping by one of many lounges at 10 am and three pm each day — that’s when a collection of freshly baked cookies arrives.
One other mainstay of an ACL cruise is the each day cocktail hour within the Chesapeake Lounge, with its 270-degree views by way of wrap-around home windows. Beginning at 5:30 pm, take pleasure in your favourite cocktail, served with a collection of heavy appetizers. Nevertheless it doesn’t cease there. After dinner, the night leisure within the lounge comes with popcorn, sundaes and milk shakes.
On deck three exterior the Sky Lounge the Again Porch serves breakfast, sandwiches and lunch gadgets all through the day. Early risers may partake of a breakfast buffet right here as effectively. An alternative choice is Afternoon Tea, served in the primary lounge on deck one. Backside line: Meals isn’t far-off.
Whereas there’s a printed program of each day actions, we discovered probably the most handy technique to monitor happenings is with their customized microsite. It’s like an app however works like an internet site that you would be able to bookmark in your smartphone. Together with actions, it tracks your shore excursions, shows menus and acts as a private planner.
As famous earlier, one other space the place ACL actually shines is the service they supply. With one staffer for each two friends, you’ll really feel like American Legend is your private yacht with a workers devoted to creating positive you’ve got no matter you want. Personable and pleasant, they usually go above and past. In different phrases, put together to be spoiled.
As vacationers know, there is no such thing as a scarcity of issues to do within the Sunshine State, and ACL provides a lot of shore excursions to reinforce your time right here. We had shut encounters with dolphins at Marco Island, which additionally included discovering fabulous shells on a beachcombing stroll. At Key West, the place we have been docked in a single day, the excessive level of the cruise was taking a seaplane to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, some 70 miles out from Key West within the Gulf of Mexico. Positioned there may be Fort Jefferson, a one-time Civil Warfare jail that held Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set the leg of Presidential murderer John Wilkes Sales space.
Company on ACL cruises are largely older, which simply means sharing extra journey adventures as you make new pals. As of your second ACL cruise, you might be mechanically enrolled within the Eagle Society, their loyalty program. Take 10 cruises (as a number of had on our cruise) and get your eleventh cruise free.
ACL, which has been a frontrunner in American small ship cruising for 50 years, operates a fleet of 20 ships that go to 35 states. Their shipyard is in Salisbury, MD., they usually proudly be aware “all ships are constructed within the USA, flagged within the USA, and crewed by Individuals.”
Need to see extra of Florida? ACL additionally provides a “Grand Florida Coast and Keys Cruise,” a 16-day, 15-night cruise that covers each coastlines. It begins at Amelia Island on the east coast, with stops at St. Augustine, Cape Canaveral, West Palm Seaside and Key Biscayne earlier than reaching Key West and making stops on the Gulf aspect, ending in St. Petersburg.
ACL delivers on their motto: “Small Ship Cruising – Finished Completely.” Whether or not you go for Florida, the Snake or Columbia Rivers, Alaska, New England or the Mississippi, it’s an effective way to expertise the richness and historical past of the cities, points of interest and nationwide parks America has to supply.
(Our because of ACL for internet hosting us.)
PHOTOS by Gerry Barker
American Legend (Cowl Photograph)
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