Salisbury-built American Eagle, the first American Cruise Lines’ Coastal Cat, has passed sea trials with flying colors.
American Cruise Lines accepted delivery of the 100-passenger small ship from Chesapeake Shipbuilding on-time as scheduled. American Eagle is the first of 12 new Coastal Cats American Cruise Lines is planning to build at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury.
The next four ships are already under construction for delivery over the next year.
The new boat is the first in its class and the namesake of American Cruise Lines’ first vessel in 1972.
American Eagle is already on its way to Massachusetts, where it will embark on its first passenger cruise. The new ship will sail a slate of 100 percent U.S. itineraries along the East Coast which will blend the luxury of river cruising with the access and adventure of expedition cruising.
American Eagle’s first cruise is scheduled to depart Monday, Aug. 14, following the line’s popular 8-Day Cape Codder itinerary, round trip from Boston.