American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce its newest ship, Independence, is complete and preparing for its Maiden Voyage. On Sunday, June 6, Independence arrived in Baltimore Harbor and is spending the week there while the crew readies the ship for its first passengers. Independence will depart on Saturday, June 12, for its 7-night Maiden Voyage on the Chesapeake Bay. Departing from Baltimore, ports will include Annapolis, St. Michaels, Oxford, Yorktown/Williamsburg and Tangier Island.

“American Cruise Lines has been extremely pleased with the progress of Independence. It was completed ahead of schedule at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, and passed its sea trials with flying colors,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “Our passengers have been very excited about this new ship, in fact, over 60% of the Maiden Voyage passengers have previously sailed with American Cruise Lines.”

The Independence has a number of important differences from American Cruise Lines’ other ships, including a wider beam and active wing stabilizers. The wider beam allows for larger staterooms, public spaces, and private balconies. After its Maiden Voyage, Independence will cruise north and spend the summer in Maine, departing from Portland on American Cruise Lines’ very popular 7-night Maine Coast & Harbors cruise.