American Star cruise ship christened at ceremony on Bangor Waterfront

BANGOR – American Star, the newest member of the American Cruise Lines fleet, was officially named Friday on the Bangor Waterfront before more than 50 city officials and residents. The four-deck, 215-foot-long ship will sail nearly all of ACL’s “Maine Coast and Harbors” cruises scheduled for 2007.

The coastal cruise uses Bangor as a home port and visits boutique ports such as Bar Harbor, Rockland, Castine and Camden. The weeklong excursion aboard the American Star costs passengers between $2,670 and $5,050, depending on the cabin they select.

First lady Karen Baldacci took over naming duties for her husband, Gov. John Baldacci, who was unable to attend the ceremony because of pressing tax reform issues at the State House.

“I christen thee, American Star,” Baldacci said as she smashed a bottle of champagne wrapped in an American flag across the new ship’s pristine white bow.

Baldacci said she was encouraged by what the new ship meant for the Bangor region.

“Maine is open for business, and American Cruise Lines is a testament to that,” Baldacci said. “When visitors come to Maine and witness the beautiful scenery and warmth of the people, they come back.”

Bangor Mayor Richard Greene also spoke enthusiastically about ACL during the ceremony.

“We are very, very pleased to have you here,” he said.

Greene said in an interview that the new ship would give great exposure to the city.

“This is a huge value to us. We’ve been working on developing this waterfront area for many years,” Greene said. “It’s a pretty amazing vessel.”

The newly named cruise ship has a passenger capacity of 100 and features 52 luxurious staterooms – each fashioned with flat-screen satellite televisions and DVD players. The ship also features a free computer kiosk for passengers, an elevator to all decks, four large lounges and a glass-enclosed dining salon large enough to accommodate all passengers in a single seating. The top deck offers deck chairs in both the sun and shade, as well as two pieces of cardio gym equipment.

The American Star carries twice the capacity of ACL’s other cruise ship that will use Bangor as a home port, the American Glory.

Charles Robertson, chairman and chief executive officer of ACL, said at the ceremony the Bangor cruise was the fastest-selling itinerary of the company.

“Except for a couple of cabins, we are all sold out,” Robinson said. “Most of our passengers are coming from the West Coast and learn about the cruise by word of mouth.”

American Star took its maiden cruise from Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp. in Maryland to Bangor on June 2, but makes its inaugural cruise from Bangor on Saturday.

ACL nearly single-handedly revived cruising in Bangor, after one of its ships sought refuge from rough waters up the Penobscot River in 2002. The off-course cruise ship was greeted by Bangor city officials with brownies and root beer, and entertained with a brief oral history of the area. The presentation convinced the company to add Bangor to its schedule as a home port.

The latest addition to Bangor’s cruising revival is Bangor Harbor Cruises. The company, owned by Capt. Steven Pagels, announced a series of summer pleasure cruises, including a sunset cruise, leaving from the Bangor Waterfront for the 2007 season. Pagels also owns Downeast Windjammer Cruises, Bar Harbor Ferry Co. and Cranberry Cove Ferry Co.

For more information visit www.americancruiselines.com or www.bangorharborcruises.com.