March 6, 2016, Salisbury, MD
Chesapeake Shipbuilding announced today that it has delivered the brand new cruise ship, America, to American Cruise Lines of Guilford, CT. The America is designed with luxury in mind and maintains Chesapeake Shipbuilding’s reputation as the premier builder of cruise ships in the United States. The Salisbury, MD yard has built each overnight cruise ship in the United States in recent years, including all new vessels for American Cruise Lines.
The America began its trip to New Orleans, LA immediately following delivery where it will operate 4 to 21 night cruises on the Mississippi River. The riverboat will routinely travel from New Orleans as far north as St. Paul, MN carrying 185 guests in the highest level comfort. The America meets the highest standards for comfort with glass enclosed lounges, the largest-in-class staterooms with private balconies, and a dining facility that enables all guests to dine together while enjoying the highest level of service.
The America is 296 feet in length overall and meets the most modern environmental and safety standards. It features two Caterpillar 3512 main engines with stern mounted z-drive units from ZF marine and three Caterpillar C18 generators producing a combined 1275kw
Chesapeake Shipbuilding currently has two other overnight cruise ships under construction for American Cruise Lines. The destination for each ship has not been disclosed, but the line has announced that at least one will be intended for coastal/ocean service.