Shipboard Facilities And Amenities
MS Independence has one Grand Dining Room that offers regional and seasonal cuisine . 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.
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 shore excursions. Room service is available twice a day. Internet access and Wi-Fi are complimentary. Other amenities are smart HDTVs, DVDs, individual climate control, free cocktails before dinner. MS Independence has a Library Lounge, putting green, fitness, sunshade.
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.
Atlantic Far East Line
In January 1974, both Independence and Constitution were sold to the Atlantic Far East Line Inc., Monrovia, being part of the massive C.Y. Tung group. Independence was renamed Oceanic Independence and after a refit commenced cruising with a new passenger capacity of 950 passengers. However, Constitution, renamed Oceanic Constitution, was laid up at Hong Kong on August 4, 1974. Oceanic Independence continued to cruise until being laid up as well at Hong Kong on January 17, 1976. In November that year there were rumors that the ship was to be sold to Shannon SA, of Panama, but this did not happen. Oceanic Independence remained laid up and was renamed Sea Luck I for a short time but soon after renamed Oceanic Independence once more.
Owner’s Suite Private Balcony
Experience complete comfort in this spacious private sanctuary where you can feel right at home. At 350 sq. ft. the Owners Suite is quite roomy and features a full-size bathroom. Enjoy a large sitting area, writing desk, closet, and a private balcony offering expansive views from a stunning vantage point.
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Highlights Of The Mississippi
âEverything was wonderful. I cannot remember having such a great time. The entire staff was great and so accommodating. I loved this trip. I have been on cruises on big ships and there is no comparison. It was so much nicer on a smaller boat. We had the chance to meet and probably had a meal, a drink or excursion with almost everyone on board.â
â Cindy E. – Frederick, MD
American Cruise Lines Departs On First Voyage Since Pandemic

American Cruise Lines Independence has departed on the cruise lines first sailing since the pandemic. The 100-passenger ship is operating an eight-day Historic South & Golden Isles itinerary. It departed on March 13 from Amelia Island/Jacksonville and will finish the sailing at Charleston.
American Cruise Lines resumed our domestic cruise operations on March 13. With our new protocols in place, we remain dedicated to the safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit. We look forward to exploring this beautiful country again aboard our small 100-190 passenger modern riverboats and small coastal ships, the cruise lines Public Relations Manager, Alexa Paolella, told Cruise Industry News.
A second sailing will depart on March 21 onboard the American Jazz. The American Jazz will cruise from New Orleans to Memphis, along the Lower Mississippi River.
The cruise line stated that all its initial 2021 cruises will be sailing voluntarily at 75 percent capacity. COVID-19 protocols are being enforced onboard.
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American Cruise Lines: Unbiased Reviews And Tips
An American-flag coastal and inland river company manned by an all-American crew, American Cruise Lines operates 13 vessels offering a high level of comfort while undertaking a varied menu of over 35 itineraries. Routes explore the U.S. East Coast from Florida to New England, the Mississippi River system, Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, and North to Alaska and cruises within Southeast Alaska.
American Cruise Lines has built all its vessels in its Chesapeake Bay shipyard, hence there are many similarities between ships. Sister brand, Pearl Seas Cruises, operates the Pearl Mist on the Great Lakes, in eastern Canada and along the American East Coast.
The fastest growing cruise line under the U.S Flag also offers the largest cabins, many with balconies, and dedicated single cabins and operates along the Mississippi River system, U.S. East Coast, Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Additional ships are due in 2022, and some of the original fleet has been renamed.
Queen of the West. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
FLEET
Queen of the West Columbia & Snake Rivers
American Spirit Puget Sound
American Star American Eastern Seaboard
Independence American Eastern Seaboard
American Pride Columbia & Snake Rivers, Puget Sound
American Heritage Mississippi & Ohio Rivers
American Splendor Mississippi River
American Constellation Alaska & Puget Sound
American Constitution Alaska & Puget Sound
American Song Columbia & Snake Rivers, Puget Sound
Overview
Why Go?
Highlights Of The Mississippi River Cruise
New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA
- Pre-CruisePackage and Complimentary Hotel Stay
- Day 1New Orleans, LA
- Day 2Houmas House, LA
- Day 3Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 4Oak Alley, LA
- Day 5New Orleans, LA
Begin in the French Quarter of New Orleans and continue to Baton Rouge and Natchez. Explore the “Gateway to the West” via St. Louis, rock ‘n’ roll to Graceland, view Civil War landmarks, and stroll through the museums and art galleries of Paducah.
New Orleans, LA to St. Louis, MO
- Pre-CruisePackages and Complimentary Hotel Stays
- Day 1New Orleans, LA
- Day 2Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 3Natchez, MS
- Day 5Day of River Cruising
- Day 6Memphis, TN
- Day 7New Madrid, MO
- Day 8Paducah, KY
- Day 9Day of River Cruising
- Day 10St. Louis, MO
- Day 11St. Louis, MO
Witness the dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River and treat yourself to Blues and BBQ. Guests can choose their perfect itinerary whether aboard an American riverboat or authentic paddlewheeler.
St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA
- Pre-CruiseComplimentary Hotel Stay
- Day 1St. Paul, MN
- Day 2Winona, MN
- Day 5Fort Madison, IA
- Day 6Hannibal, MO
- Day 7St. Louis, MO
- Day 8St. Louis, MO
- Day 9Day of River Cruising
- Day 10Memphis, TN
- Day 11Day of Cruising
- Day 12Vicksburg, MS
- Day 14Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 15New Orleans, LA
Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO
Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN
Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN
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What Sets Us Apart
Complimentary & Inclusive
Our guests enjoy their onboard and onshore experiences while cruising the most fascinating parts of the country and we take care of the rest. Enjoy our complimentary offerings, including breakfast room service, select onshore excursions, all meals, evening cocktails, and more. All tips and gratuities are included with your cruise reservation.
An All-American Experience
We build, flag, and crew our ships right here in the United States. Our pride in the All-American experience we provide is the backdrop and an ode to the historic destinations we visit, especially in New England, with places like Boston, New Bedford, Gloucester, and so many others.
Daily Onboard Entertainment
Learn about maritime history with stories and songs, view hand-drawn maps and illustrations that display the geology of the New England itineraries, understand coastal wildlife, or tap your toes to the piano and banjo. Whether musical or historical, there is something for everyone to enjoy on board.
Private Balconies
Along with the most spacious staterooms in the industry, you will experience breathtaking views and unobstructed scenery on your private balcony. In New England, we recommend soaking up the fall foliage or summertime ocean views while enjoying your morning cup of coffee or evening cocktail.
What Sets American Cruise Lines Apart
Highly personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere prevail onboard our modern fleet of ships. Our accommodating, all-American crew welcomes you with an unequaled level of attention. Each evening before dinner, enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as you mingle with other guests to share the adventures of the day. Set your own pace on your vacation and relax in the casual comfort and exceptional care that is the hallmark of cruising with American Cruise Lines.
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Independence Class Coastal Ships
American Cruise Lines’ modern ships are a testament to premier nautical engineering, luxurious comfort, and river cruising convenience. Our fleet of American riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of-the-art navigation, and safety equipment.
Cruising on our world-class ships, enjoy comfortable lounges and large observation decks that provide the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interest in American heritage. Glass enclosed dining salons provide panoramic views of the spectacular scenery you will see on every American Cruise Lines trip.
Our spacious staterooms are the largest in the small cruise ship industry. These hotel-like rooms feature large opening picture windows, roomy baths, and many offer furnished private balconies. From charming small towns to gracious southern ports, the American Cruise Lines fleet will bring you to your desired destination in luxury and comfort. Single occupancy rooms are available on all of our ships. We can also accommodate three people to a room.
Departure From San Francisco
Oceanic
Oceanic was towed out of San Francisco Bay on February 8, 2008 for Singapore but its destination was changed while en route to Dubai Rumors had been swirling that the ship was ultimately destined for a scrapyard in India or Bangladesh, but had been stopped due to a complaint filed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that the ship was being towed to an overseas scrap yard.
Global Marketing Systems, the last owner of Oceanic, was fined $518,500 for exporting the ship for scrap without prior removal of toxins such as asbestos and PCBs.
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American Cruise Lines Returns To Bangor For First Time In 10 Years
They are scheduled to make 18 stops in Bangor throughout the 2022 season.
BANGOR, Maine – American Cruise Lines made its return to Bangor Monday, docking there for the first time in 10 years.
I was last here as a deckhand in 2008. And so, its especially meaningful for me to come back and and see so much of what I remembered, enjoyed back then, said President and CEO of American Cruise Lines Charles Robertson.
Bangor City Council Chair Rick Fournier says they unanimously approved the lease with the cruise line earlier this year.
To me, its going to create an economic boost for downtown because people are going to, theyre going to want to do some shopping here, as well as the tours and all that, so therell be a good lift for Bangor especially coming out of COVID. This will be a wonderful thing to happen, Fournier said.
Robertson says this ship, the American Independence, has roughly 90 guests on board.
They are scheduled to make 18 stops in Bangor throughout the 2022 season.
Itll be in every week, all summer long. Well cruise through September in Penobscot Bay and through the fall foliage, Robertson said.
Once passengers dock in Bangor, they can head out to explore downtown, the Thomas Hill Standpipe, or Stephen Kings house.
This Memorial Day Weekend, folks were able to enjoy the parade and other events in the area.
This cruise makes other stops in places like Rockland and Bar Harbor.
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The American Cruise Lines Fleet

American Cruise Lines’ modern ships are a testament to premier nautical engineering, luxurious comfort, and river cruising convenience. Our fleet of modern riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of-the-art navigation, and safety equipment. Cruising on our world-class ships, enjoy comfortable lounges and large observation decks that provide the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interest in American heritage. Glass enclosed dining salons provide panoramic views of the spectacular scenery you will see on every American Cruise Lines trip.
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