American Canadian Line, Inc., (ACCL) was founded by Capt. Luther H. Blount in 1966 to serve a growing market of adventurous travelers who were more interested in exciting destinations than large, crowded and over-adorned cruise ships. ACCL offers 25 different cruises in the Caribbean and Central America (Winter Schedule); and the US and Canada (Summer Schedule). These cruises range from six to 15 days. Because of ACCL's close ties with Blount Industries, Inc., it can maintain a rapid production of new vessels. As a result, ACCL claims one of the most modern fleet of cruise ships in the industry. Carrying fewer than 100 passengers, the three nearly identical vessels in ACCL's fleet are all American built and have U.S. registry. Designed specifically for ACCL's exotic itineraries, all vessels have a retractable pilot house that allows them to cruise beneath low bridges, a stern swimming platform and shallow draft in order to cruise a shallow jungle river in Guatemala or isolated Anegrada. This family-run operation picks out a little-known cruising region then builds the ship to take passengers there. These ships have stern swimming platforms, ideal for snorkelers and swimmers, carry a Sunfish sailboat and small glass-bottom boat for viewing under water. If you seek itineraries which focus on water sports and the local flora and fauna, ports with nary a cruise ship in sight and want to forgo standard cruise ship activities, like bingo, dancing and dressing for dinner, this ships can provide a sublime cruise experience.