American Canadian Caribbean Line, Inc., (ACCL, Warren, RI) was founded in 1966 after Captain Luther H. Blount discovered the potential and demand for small ship cruising in North American waters, as well as the Caribbean and Central and South America.

An avid adventurer, and ship builder by trade, Capt. Blount was the first to provide small ship cruises to remote and exotic locations, as an alternative to large, overcrowded and impersonal cruises, which sailed only to "tourist-trap" destinations. Essentially, he felt that an ACCL cruise should feel more like "sailing on your friend's yacht." Moreover, Blount firmly believed - as he still does today - that the passengers' money was better spent on getting to exciting destinations, rather than on unnecessary frills that other cruises offered.

30 years on, ACCL has become the benchmark in small ship cruising. With his adventurous mind and passion for exploration, Capt. Blount has established an impressive, year-round itinerary for his three ships, spanning from Canadian Sub-Artic to the southerly tropics of the Orinoco Delta.

Three main factors have contributed to the company's overwhelming success. Firstly, ACCL's ships are built with the adventurous traveler in mind. Their shallow draft (6'3") and patented bow ramp allow passengers to land on deserted beaches and access areas of the world that larger ships - and even other expeditionary vessels - can only view from a distance. Another ACCL feature, the retractable pilot house, allows the ships to pass under low bridges and tricky locks in rivers or canals.

Secondly, ACCL's exciting itineraries cater to nature-lovers, adventurers, historians, snorkelers-essentially destination-oriented travelers. ACCL offers cruises in North America's waterways, including the Mississippi, Great Lakes, Erie Canal; as well as exotic destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, which include the Virgin Islands, Antigua, Nassau, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, Venezuela, Belize and Honduras.

Finally, ACCL's cruises take place in informal and casual settings that encourage passengers to make new friends, and quite simply, relax. Yet, despite the no-frills designs of ACCL's ships - for example there is a BYOB policy to avoid expensive bar tabs - our passengers are treated to fine, chef-prepared meals and a crew that is always there to help with any needs or problems.

The past consecutive five years have seen double-digit growth for ACCL, which is as much to do with the ever-changes and ever-improving cruise schedules, as it is to do with our loyal passengers who keep coming back for more, and spreading the ACCL name among friends. Almost two thirds of ACCL passengers repeat their business with us.

The future of the company bodes just as well. With Capt. Blount at 86 years young still very much at the helm, new itineraries are being planned in exciting destinations, from the Central American islands, to the Maritime provinces and, perhaps most anticipated, a cruise down the Amazon.

The inauguration of ACCL's new Grande class small cruise ship, is a sure sign of things to come. The two new ships in this class, Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner (to sail in mid-1998) are the largest ACCL ships ever (100 passengers) and have innovative features which have become a Blount trademark. At the same time, the ships haven't lost sight of their roots, and have retained the informal and intimate charm that has built ACCL's reputation.

ACCL offers the best of both worlds to its customers: travel to unique destinations in high-tech, modern vessels, with an old-fashioned, personal and friendly approach. It's no surprise, therefore, that ACCL has become a favorite among shall ship travelers.

For more information on ACCL, please call 1-800-556-7450.