AMERICAN CRUISE LINES PASSENGERS VISIT MASSACHUSETTS MARITIME ACADEMY

The Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) can officially claim a new title: Port of Call. American Cruise Lines (ACL) added a stop at the Academy to its new summer Cape Codder cruises.

American’s small ship cruises are destination focused and the company is always researching and adding unique shore-side activities and explorations for its guests. With a number of new ships and itineraries added across the country, American has included stops at MMA for its newest New England itinerary. American’s 175-passenger small ship, American Constitution, has been operating the Cape Codder cruises this year where guests have had the opportunity to visit MMA.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the crew and passengers of the American Constitution to the Academy,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “We know what a special place this is and are happy to share our beautiful campus, our outstanding program, and our unique training facilities with people who have a love of the sea.”

During the two-hour excursion, American’s guests explored MMA’s impressive grounds through a private tour led by Academy Cadets and staff. Guests experienced MMA’s state-of-the-art, 360-degree full bridge simulator, viewed the Emergency Response Operations Training Center, and learned about the Academy's green technologies and niche maritime facilities. A unique part of the tour was hearing from guest speakers, Ed Moxon and Liz McCarte of the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center who presented the history of wireless communication related to the maritime industry.

“American Cruises are destination-focused, providing unique educational experiences for guests,” said Elizabeth Simmons, Vice President External Affairs, Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “On this new excursion to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, guests saw firsthand how today’s Cadets are educated and trained to pursue rewarding careers on land and sea. It has been great to welcome guests from across the country and showcase the next generation of maritime professionals. ”

The American Constitution’s first visit to MMA took place on Wednesday June 2nd, and had one additional stop on June 9th.

American has worked closely with MMA and is supportive of the American Maritime Industry. The company has a number of MMA grads working on board its ships or in operations and looks to continue to recruit graduates of the Academy.