In June, American Cruise Lines christened American Maverick in Newport, R.I., during the ship’s inaugural New England cruise. The celebration took place on board with guests, crew, community partners, and many employees from the Line’s headquarters in Guilford, Conn.
American Maverick is the newest small cruise ship in the country and the latest in the company’s growing fleet of ships exclusively designed for cruising the U.S. The company has eight additional ships under construction with three to be delivered over the next year. American Cruise Lines also launched the riverboat American Encore, in May.
The christening festivities took place overlooking Newport Harbor with remarks from American Cruise Lines’ President & CEO Charles B. Robertson, American Maverick’s godmother, Susan Renner, American Cruise Lines’ board chair and treasurer. Attendees gathered on the top deck for the official blessing and ceremonial bottle smash, followed by a traditional New England lobster bake at a state park just steps from where the ship was docked.
The 130-passenger small ship features four decks, all-private balcony staterooms, including singles and suites, multiple lounges (including a top deck lounge with a walking track), a chart room, a main restaurant, and a casual café. The vessel also boasts a fitness center among other onboard amenities unusual for cruise ships of this size.