b'VESSEL:American Legend All Americans new Coastal Cats are being built by Ches-BUILDER:Chesapeake Shipbuilding apeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md. American Legend OPERATOR:American Cruise Lines will begin cruising the U.S. in late 2024 and will be the TYPE:Cruise ship nineteenth new small ship in Americans flee. American Cruise Lines announced in 2023 that construc- AmericanLegendwillfeature56stateroomsandsuites, tion began on American Legend, the fourth new Coastaleach with a furnished private balcony. The nimble go-any-PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT OPPOSITE PAGE:GILBERT ASSOCIATES INC., AMERICAN CRUISE LINES, CONRAD SHIPYARD, ALL AMERICAN MARINE Cat in the companys Project Blue series. First announcedwhere ship will offer spacious lounges inside and out, an in January 2022, the Project Blue series is a set of 12 smallopen-air top deck for spectacular views, and multiple din-ships designed to sail almost any domestic cruise itinerary.ing venues. The ships unique hull form allows for a wide The100-guestvesselwillbebuiltforcoastaloperationactivity platform at the stern, equipped with kayaks and a and feature the hull design that is a hallmark of the series.large tender for in-depth adventure directly from the ship. BUILDER:Conrad Shipyard, LLC Conrad expects to deliver the first ferry to San Juan, Puer-OPERATOR:Puerto Rico Maritime Transit Authorityto Rico in late 2024.TYPE:Passenger and cargoferryThe passenger amenities incorporated into the ferries were ConradShipyard,LLCwasawardedacontractbythedesigned with comfort and convenience in mind, enhanc-Puerto Rico Maritime Transit Authority (PRMTA) foring the overall guest experience. With modern propulsion the construction of four cargo and passenger ferry vessels.systems,andadvanceddesigntechniquesforoptimum Both companies are PVA members. The ferries, designedspace utilization, these ferries will serve residents for de-to carry 300 passengers and 300 short tons of cargo, willcades to come. Conrad previously built and delivered two operate between the Municipality of Ceiba and the Mu- ferries to PRMTA which are still operating in and around nicipality Islands of Vieques and Culebra in Puerto Rico.Puerto Rico. 43 DECEMBER 2023'