By
Alice Chambers |
American Cruise Lines is working with Miami-based Studio Dado to design and outfit its new fleet of 12 small catamaran-style Project Blue cruise ships, the first two of which will be ready at the beginning of 2023.
The new hybrid fleet will combine American-built small ships with luxury river cruising and will be able to access shallow drafts, lakes, rivers, bays and coastlines due to their catamaran design.
Each ship will be 241 feet long, 56 feet wide and accommodate 109 guests. Studio Dado’s design for the 56 spacious staterooms, suites, lounge areas, and dining salons features natural, maritime themes and simple details to compliment the outside views.
“Having been given the opportunity to work on this unique and first-of-its-kind, hybrid vessel we felt the interior is needed to speak to this new way of cruising,” said Jorge Mesa, design lead and founding partner at Studio Dado. “Inspired by traditional sailing, our approach to design was to provide an open-air experience on the water, showcasing stunning views with a nod to American sea exploration along the scenic coasts. Influenced by plush tranquillity, each space onboard the vessel aims to bring the outdoors in, allowing passengers to traverse the sea in an intimate excursion akin to that of a handcrafted sailboat.”
The observation and sitting areas will also contribute to onboard experience, offering 270-degree views as well as a dining salon decorated in a similar minimalist design to the staterooms. An adventure deck will also be located at the stern of the ships.
The first two ships will be named American Eagle and American Glory, after the cruise line’s first two small US-built ships, and debut with East Coast itineraries in 2023.