Are There Any US Flagged Cruise Ships?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of cruising, you may have wondered whether there are any US-flagged cruise ships. The short answer is yes, but the long answer requires a bit more explanation.

What does it mean to be US-flagged?

First, let’s define what it means for a ship to be US-flagged. In order to fly the US flag, a ship must be registered with the United States government and meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

  • Being owned by US citizens
  • Being built in the United States
  • Having a crew that is at least 75% US citizens
  • Operating under US laws and regulations

Why are there so few US-flagged cruise ships?

Given these requirements, it’s not surprising that there are relatively few US-flagged cruise ships. In fact, as of 2021, there is only one major cruise line that operates US-flagged vessels: American Cruise Lines.

So why aren’t there more? One reason is simply that building ships in the United States can be expensive. Many cruise lines opt to build their ships overseas where labor and materials may be cheaper.

Another factor is that operating under US laws and regulations can also be costly. For example, American Cruise Lines must comply with environmental regulations that require them to use cleaner-burning fuel than many other cruise lines.

What are the benefits of sailing on a US-flagged ship?

Despite the relatively small number of options, there are some benefits to sailing on a US-flagged ship. For one thing, you can feel good about supporting an American company and American workers.

Additionally, because these ships operate under US laws and regulations, they may offer certain advantages when it comes to safety and security. For example, they may have more stringent safety protocols in place or be subject to more rigorous inspections.

Conclusion

While there are relatively few US-flagged cruise ships, they do exist. If you’re interested in sailing on one, American Cruise Lines is your best bet. And while there may be some limitations and restrictions associated with these ships, there are also some potential benefits to consider.