On July 4, 2010 American Cruise Line celebrated the naming ceremony for their newest ship - the Independence. The festivities  took place in Rockport Maine. Christened by United States Senator Susan M. Collins, the Independence is the fifth ship in American Cruise Lines' fleet

After the celebration, the Independence kicked off a series of  13 Maine Coast and Harbors
seven-night cruises. Prior to this, the Independence sailed on her 10-day maiden voyage from Providence, Rhode Island to Portland, Maine and featured ports from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine.

 The ship has a number of important differences from other ships that Chesapeake Shipbuilding has built for American Cruise Lines, including a wider beam and active wing stabilizers. The wider beam will allow for larger staterooms, public spaces, and private balconies. The ship  accommodates 104 passengers