First Coastal Cat American Eagle is named in Massachusetts festivities

Carol Robertson, wife of the late Charles A. Robertson, American Cruise Lines’ founder, served as the godmother, using one of her handmade, ribbon-wrapped Champagne bottles. American Eagle is named after the company's first ship, which the couple launched in the 1970s.

Innovative design

'American Eagle embodies our commitment to building innovative small ships for America’s rivers and coasts,' said the Robertsons' son, Charles B. Robertson, president/CEO of American Cruise Lines. He predicted 'American Eagle and her sister ships will change the landscape of possibilities for amazing small ship adventures around the USA.'

The four-deck vessels have a hybrid catamaran design to facilitate near-shore operating versatility.

Attendees included captains from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, state representatives, local officials and members of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce

Remarks were also made by US Rep. Bill Keating of Massachusetts' ninth district.

Attendees included captains from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, state representatives, local officials and members of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce.

Plymouth maiden call

American Eagle had just concluded the eight-day 'Cape Codder' itinerary, round-trip Boston, with calls at Gloucester, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Martha's Vineyard, Provincetown and Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Newport, Rhode Island. It was the company's inaugural call at Plymouth, a new regular stop on the 'Cape Codder.'

For the remainder of the season, American Eagle will sail the route, along with 'Maine Coast & Harbors' cruises, round-trip Portland, Maine, and 'Historic South & Golden Isles' cruises between Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida.

Next up in the Coastal Cats series

American Cruise Lines plans to build a dozen of the 100-passenger Coastal Cats. Second in the series, American Glory, is scheduled to begin cruising in November and will be followed by American Liberty and American Legend in 2024.