American Cruise Lines, the largest U.S. cruise company, has announced that three new cruise ships now under construction for its fleet. The new ships, which are being built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD, will continue to raise the standard for cruising in the United States. American Cruise Lines has always chosen to build new ships, as it considers refurbished boats unable to meet guest expectations for comfort, spacious staterooms, and modern amenities.

American Constellation, the first one to be delivered, has a capacity of 170 passengers and is scheduled to begin cruising in May of 2017. Construction is currently 9 weeks ahead of schedule and the ship is now being outfitted with passenger details including marbled tile bathrooms and large sliding glass doors in each stateroom. Recently the signature red, white, and blue stack was lifted into place on the top deck. Uniquely designed to navigate the coastal waters of the U.S., this new ship features active wing stabilizers, the latest green propulsion technology, and many modern amenities. It will also feature the largest staterooms in the industry with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Much of American Constellations’ inaugural summer season will be spent on a new 10-night round-trip itinerary from Boston, MA to many popular destinations, including Bar Harbor, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.

The sister ship to American Constellation is also well underway, is scheduled to be completed in 2018, and will carry 170 passengers. Steel is now being fabricated for a third ship which will be the lead in a series of new riverboats destined for the American rivers. This new, modern riverboat will carry approximately 195 passengers. American Cruise Lines will be relaying the details and renderings of this new riverboat in the near future.

“American Cruise Lines ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly in America,” says Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “By continually designing and building brand new ships, we are able to exceed the expectations of seasoned European river travelers right here in the U.S.”