American Legend Christened in Key West, Florida

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GUILFORD, CT—February 19, 2025, American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that American Legend, the newest small ship in the company’s innovative Project Blue series, was officially christened in Key West, Florida last week. The celebration took place while the ship was docked at Mallory Square, just steps from the City’s vibrant town center. American Legend was visiting Key West along one of the company’s popular 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which sail roundtrip from St. Petersburg, Florida. American’s new Florida itineraries are the only cruises exploring the Sunshine State that offer guests the exclusive opportunity to sail the region while remaining fully domestic, similar to the Line’s U.S. River cruises.

American Legend’s christening ceremony included speeches, plaque exchanges, and local musical performances. Surrounded by cruise guests, the ship’s official Godmother, Mayor of the City of Key West, Danise DeeDee Henriquez, joined American Cruise Lines’ President & CEO, Charles B. Robertson, for the traditional bottle smash on the top deck. Also attending the festivities were officials from the City and Port, Key West Police and Fire, local excursion partners, cruise line executives, and American Legend’s captain and crew.

“We are honored to host American Legend’s christening ceremony in Key West with Mayor Henriquez and all our community partners. American Cruise Lines looks forward to furthering our commitment to sustainable cruising—sharing America’s stories aboard state-of-the art small ships,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

“I am humbled and honored to be the godmother of American Legend. To American Legend, may your sails be filled with the winds of prosperity, your decks be graced with the laughter of travelers, and your journey be marked by endless wonder,” said Danise DeeDee Henriquez, Mayor, City of Key West.

During American Legend’s celebrations, the company was noted for its longstanding commitment to environmentally friendly cruising and continued introduction of new, modern small ships. American was also highlighted for its positive impact on local businesses and tireless dedication to delivering authentic American experiences on all their itineraries around the country. The day’s events were topped off with all guests singing a cheerful rendition of Key West’s unofficial anthem, Margaritaville.

American Legend is a superb example of the company’s groundbreaking new U.S. fleet. It exemplifies the operational versatility and exciting new itineraries American’s new small ships offer the domestic River and Small Ship cruise market. For the next few weeks, American Legend will continue cruising the company’s Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, then in March it begins sailing American Revolution cruises on Chesapeake Bay, which also cruise the Potomac River, and operate roundtrip from Washington, D.C. Throughout the summer months, American Legend will sail a mix of coastal New England itineraries from famous port cities like Boston and New York. The new ship will conclude the year with exclusive Hudson River cruises in September and October, before returning to Florida for cruises in November and December.

American Legend accommodates 100 guests, features 4 decks, and a unique catamaran bow. Like its sister ships, it also offers elegant interior design, private balcony accommodations, a beautiful top deck for amazing views, comfortable lounges inside and out, a main restaurant and casual café, plus a walking track and fitness center—exceptional amenities for ships of this size.

A virtual 360-degree tour of the company’s Coastal Cats is available here: American Cruise Lines Virtual Coastal Cat Tour. Information on all ships in American’s fast-growing fleet, including the new Patriot Class ships arriving in June and October, is always available on the company’s main website under the “Ships” tab.

About American Cruise Lines:

American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A. exploring the Mississippi River and domestic waterways around the country. The company’s award-winning small ships and riverboats offer luxury experiences in 35 states that explore the history, spirit, and culture of the United States. American’s rapid introduction of new ships has led to an innovative array of itineraries, amenities, and experiences—including exclusive coastal cruises that operate just like the Line’s river cruises, visiting only U.S. ports of call. In 2024, American is operating over 20 ships, which cruise more than 50 U.S. itineraries and accommodate just 90 to 180 guests.