American Cruise Lines
A small US coastal cruising ship with limited facilities
The Ship. This is one of five coastal cruise ships in the fleet of American Cruise Lines, which has its own shipyard in Chesapeake, Maryland. American Star (sister ships: American Constellation, American Glory, American Spirit, and Independence) is built for coastal and inland cruising to destinations unreachable by larger cruise ships. The uppermost deck is open (good for views) behind a forward windbreaker; many sunloungers are provided, and there’s a small golf putting green.
Inside, public rooms include an observation lounge, with views forward and to port and starboard side (complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are offered before dinner); a library/lounge; a small midships lounge; and an elevator that goes to all decks, including the outdoor sun deck.
Cruises are typically of seven to 14 days’ duration. The ship docks in town centers, or within walking distance. The dress code is ‘no ties casual.’ It is extremely expensive for what you get. There are no additional costs, except for gratuities and port charges, because it’s all included.
American Star suits mature couples and solo travelers sharing a cabin and wishing to cruise in an all-American environment where the destinations are more important than food, service, or entertainment.
Accommodation. There are five cabin price grades (four are doubles, one is for solo travelers). All cabins, except those for just one person, have twin beds, convertible to a king-size bed, or king-size beds, a small desk with chair, satellite-feed flat-screen TV, DVD player and Internet access, clothes hanging space, and a modular bathroom with separate shower, washbasin, and toilet (no cabin has a bathtub), and windows that open. Some types of accommodation incorrectly designated as suites (including 23) also have a private balcony; although narrow, these do have two chairs and a small drinks table.
Dining. The dining salon, in the rear third of the vessel, has large, panoramic picture windows on three sides. Everyone dines at a single open seating. The cuisine is all-American, and its ‘Cruise Local. Eat Local’ program includes sourcing produce, fish, and meats as near as possible to each cruise, and supporting local markets and small American businesses. There is no wine list, although basic white and red table wines are included.
Note: on the last morning of each cruise, only Continental breakfast is available (no hot food).
Entertainment. There is no formal entertainment, although dinner and after-dinner conversation with fellow passengers in the ship’s lounge/bar really becomes the entertainment each evening. Otherwise, take a good book.
Spa/Fitness. There is a tiny fitness room with a few bicycles and other exercise machines.