PROVIDENCE, RI — Mayor Brett P. Smiley and American Cruise Lines (“American”) today announced that Providence will be a port of call for its New England itineraries, marking the return of cruise tourism to the city for the first time in four years. This exciting milestone signals a new era for Providence’s waterfront and local tourism economy and will be implemented in two phases.
Starting this May, American Cruise Lines ships will dock at a newly installed, temporary floating dock located at 25 India Street, adjacent to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal. This marks Phase I of the initiative, supported by American, which allows ships to visit while longer-term infrastructure plans are underway.
“We’re thrilled to welcome American Cruise Lines back to Providence,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “This partnership represents a major investment in the future of our waterfront and our local economy. It also reflects a growing recognition of Providence as a world-class destination with deep culinary and cultural appeal.”
Phase II will involve the development of a permanent dock along the Providence River. In collaboration with the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island, American Cruise Lines plans to invest in lasting infrastructure improvements that would allow Providence to become a permanent homeport for the companies New England Island’s cruise.
“For generations, the Fox Point neighborhood has been a gateway to the City of Providence, by land and sea,” said Providence City Councilman John Goncalves, who represents the area surrounding the new dock. “We are the city’s front door, and there’s no better place to welcome the return of cruise tourism than right here in Ward 1. I am grateful to American Cruise Lines and to Mayor Smiley for making this investment in our community.”
American Cruise Lines’ investment in Providence reflects their ongoing commitment to sustainable, community-centered travel and support for local economies throughout their U.S. itineraries. With American’s return, Providence joins a prestigious roster of destinations along the New England coast and re-establishes itself as a vibrant gateway for maritime tourism in the region.
“American Cruise Lines is very appreciative of the partnership between the city and state, said Eric Dussault, Director of Port Development at American Cruise Lines. “As the country’s largest domestic cruise line, and world’s only 100% US-flagged fleet, we are proud to be docking in Providence again. American looks forward to developing a longer-term agreement, investing in the city’s waterfront and providing ongoing economic benefits to the local community.”
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About American Cruise Lines:
American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line in the U.S.A. with 24 small ships exploring the Mississippi River and waterways around the country. The company’s award-winning fleet and domestic itineraries build on a 50-year history of delivering curated all-American explorations. Today, the company offers luxury river cruise experiences in 35 states and operates the only 100% U.S. flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world, all sailing exclusively in the U.S.A.