If you’re an avid cruiser, you might have noticed that many of the world’s most popular cruise lines are headquartered outside the United States. This might leave you wondering if there are any American cruise ships out there.
The answer is yes, there are a few. Let’s take a closer look.
What is an American Cruise Ship
Before we dive into the list of American cruise ships, let’s first define what we mean by “American cruise ship.” Essentially, this refers to a cruise ship that is owned and operated by an American company and is registered in the United States. The ship may or may not actually be built in the U.S.
List of American Cruise Ships
Here are some of the American cruise ships currently sailing:
American Cruise Lines
American Star: This ship can hold up to 100 passengers and sails along the East Coast of the United States.
American Constitution: Another ship from American Cruise Lines, this vessel has a capacity of 175 passengers and sails along the East Coast as well as Alaska.
American Harmony: This new ship is scheduled to launch in 2019 and will sail on Mississippi River cruises.
Blount Small Ship Adventures
Grande Mariner: This ship can accommodate up to 88 passengers and sails along the East Coast of North America as well as Central America.
Grande Caribe: Another vessel from Blount Small Ship Adventures, this one can hold up to 84 passengers and also sails on cruises along North America’s East Coast.
Carnival Corporation
While Carnival Corporation is based in Miami, Florida, it does not have any ships that are registered in the United States. Instead, its ships are registered in countries like Panama and the Bahamas.
Why Aren’t There More American Cruise Ships
Given the popularity of cruising among Americans, you might be surprised that there aren’t more cruise lines that are based in the United States. However, there are a few reasons for this.
One major factor is cost. Building and operating a cruise ship is incredibly expensive, and many American companies simply cannot afford to do so. Additionally, registering a ship in the United States comes with certain regulations and requirements that can make it difficult for companies to operate profitably.
Another reason is that many of the world’s largest shipyards are located outside the U. This means that even if an American company wants to build a ship domestically, it may not be feasible due to lack of infrastructure.
The Bottom Line
While there aren’t as many American cruise ships as there are from other countries, there are still a few options out there if you want to support an American company on your next cruise. Whether you choose to set sail on one of these vessels or opt for a foreign-owned ship instead, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation at sea.