American Cruise Lines christens another small ship

American Cruise Lines, Guilford, Conn., has christened the 241'x56' American Legend, the newest small ship in the company’s Project Blue series. The christening took place in Key West, Fla. last week. The celebration took place while the ship was docked at Mallory Square.

Built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp., Salisbury, Md., American Legend was visiting Key West along one of the company’s popular 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which sail roundtrip from St. Petersburg, Fla., American’s new Florida itineraries are the only cruises exploring the Sunshine State that offer guests the exclusive opportunity to sail the region while remaining fully domestic, similar to ACL’s U.S. river cruises, company officials said.

American Legend accommodates 100 guests, features four decks, and a catamaran bow. Like its sisterships, it also offers elegant interior design, private balcony accommodations, a beautiful top deck for amazing views, comfortable lounges inside and out, a main restaurant and casual café, plus a walking track and fitness center — exceptional amenities for ships of this size, according to an ACL statement announcing the christening.

American Legend’s christening ceremony included speeches, plaque exchanges, and local musical performances. Surrounded by cruise guests, the ship’s official Godmother, Mayor of the City of Key West, Danise DeeDee Henriquez, joined American Cruise Lines’ president and CEO, Charles B. Robertson, for the traditional bottle smash on the top deck.

Also attending the festivities were officials from the city and port, Key West Police and Fire, local excursion partners, cruise line executives, and American Legend’s captain and crew.

“We are honored to host American Legend’s christening ceremony in Key West with Mayor Henriquez and all our community partners,” Robertson said during the christening ceremonies. “American Cruise Lines looks forward to furthering our commitment to sustainable cruising — sharing America’s stories aboard state-of-the art small ships.”

“I am humbled and honored to be the godmother of American Legend. To American Legend, may your sails be filled with the winds of prosperity, your decks be graced with the laughter of travelers, and your journey be marked by endless wonder,” said Danise DeeDee Henriquez, Mayor, City of Key West.

During American Legend’s celebrations, the company was noted for its longstanding commitment to environmentally friendly cruising and continued introduction of new, modern small ships. The passenger vessel was also highlighted for its positive impact on local businesses and tireless dedication to delivering authentic American experiences on all their itineraries around the country. The day’s events were topped off with all guests singing a cheerful rendition of Key West’s unofficial anthem, “Margaritaville.”

American Legend is a example of the ACL’s new U.S. fleet. It exemplifies the operational versatility and exciting new itineraries American’s new small ships offer the domestic river and small ship cruise market, ACL’s statement said.

For the next few weeks, American Legend will continue cruising the company’s Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, then in March it begins sailing American Revolution cruises on Chesapeake Bay, which also cruise the Potomac River, and operate roundtrip from Washington, D.C. Throughout the summer months,

For the next few weeks, American Legend will continue cruising the company’s Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, then in March it begins sailing American Revolution cruises on Chesapeake Bay, which also cruise the Potomac River, and operate roundtrip from Washington, D.C.

Throughout the summer months, American Legend will sail a mix of coastal New England itineraries from famous port cities like Boston and New York. The new ship will conclude the year with exclusive Hudson River cruises in September and October, before returning to Florida for cruises in November and December.