Officials of Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Inc., Haddam, Conn., announced that construction has begun on a new coastal cruise ship for American Cruise Lines. The ship, which is to be named America, will be the largest inland coastal cruise ship in the country, and is expected to be completed in the spring of 1982.
The America is being built at the Chesapeake Shipbuilding construction yard in Salisbury, Md. She will be powered by Caterpillar diesels for both the main propulsion engines and generators. The ship's bridge will be equipped with the latest safety and communication devices including radars, sonars, radios, telecommunications, and Loran navigation systems. All machinery is located below the main deck in acoustically isolated spaces employing the latest innovations in soundproofing in order to provide the quietest and most vibration-free operation.
Similar in appearance to its sister ship the Independence, the America will have 43 double, five single, and three triple staterooms. All of the cabins are outside and above the main deck, each with its own facilities and a large, opening picture window. The glass-enclosed Nantucket lounge located on the second deck will give the passengers a panoramic view of the ever-changing scenery, and access to the forward sun deck at the bow of the ship.
The America's operation and schedules will be similar to those of the Independence and American Eagle, both of which are owned and operated by American Cruise Lines. The itineraries, yet to be scheduled, will be of 7, 10, and 14-day cruises and will include the New England Islands, the Chesapeake Bay, and the inland waterways of the East Coast.