ACCL Refurbishes Niagara Prince, Grande Caribe

American Canadian Caribbean Line (ACCL), a family-operated small-ship niche line, has completed a $2 million, nine-month refurbishment of its 96-passenger Grande Caribe and 66-passenger Niagara Prince. The 98-passenger Grande Mariner is scheduled for refurbishment in 2010 during its six-month dry-dock.

The refurbishment took place at Blount Boats in Warren, R.I., ACCL’s sister company that built the ships. Improvements include new decor in all cabins with a classic nautical theme and wood-tone interiors. New furniture was installed in the main lounge area of the ships.

The Grande Caribe has been retrofitted with separate shower areas in select staterooms throughout all decks including upgraded head systems. The Niagara Prince is now equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual, including a flat-screen TV monitor in the main lounge.

All ACCL staterooms have individually controlled air-conditioning systems that continuously feed in fresh air and remove “used” air. Guests can continue to choose ocean-view cabins with a porthole or sliding window with hallway or deck access, as well as several interior cabins that vary in size and berth configuration.

From January through October 2010, ACCL offers itineraries that visit canal towns, riverside communities, old-world cities, and tropical vacation destinations while cruising close to picturesque and historic coastlines. Family operated since 1966, ACCL navigates areas usually only accessible by private boat.

All vessels are U.S. flagged and can accommodate up to 98 guests. The fleet is custom-built with Blount-patented innovations such as the retractable pilot house, shallow draft and bow ramp, enabling the ships to travel beneath low bridges and to remote beaches and terrain.