The American Legend completed its first year of coastal cruising for American Cruise Lines in late November.
Built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, the 100-guest vessel debuted as the fourth in ACL’s Coastal Cat series.
Following the American Liberty, which entered service in August 2024, the Legend embarked on its maiden voyage on November 25, 2024.
Sailing from St. Petersburg, the weeklong cruise included visits to destinations in Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Keys.
Part of ACL’s regular lineup of winter cruises, the itinerary is highlighted by visits to Punta Gorda and Marco Island, from which passengers can embark on shore excursions to Everglades National Park.
In addition to a full day of cruising in the Gulf, the cruise also features an overnight stay in Key West.
The American Legend continued to offer the itinerary on a regular basis during most of the 2024-25 season.
Before repositioning to the East Coast, the ship was christened at a special ceremony in Key West in late February 2025.
Key West Mayor Danise DeeDee Henriquez served as the American Legend’s godmother, joining American Cruise Lines President and CEO Charles B. Robertson for a traditional bottle smash on the top deck.
During its inaugural summer season, the vessel offered a series of cruises in the New England region, including ACL’s “Yankee Seaports” and “Cape Codder” itineraries.
In 2026, the ship is set to offer a similar schedule, starting the year on Florida’s Gulf Coast before repositioning to Chesapeake Bay for spring cruises.
In June, the American Legend arrives in New England for itineraries to Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and more.
The deployment also includes a series of fall foliage cruises in the Hudson River in October ahead of a winter season in the Southeast.
Between November 2026 and March 2027, the American Legend offers the “Southeast Sea Islands” cruise, which sails to destinations in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.