United States Senator Susan M. Collins will christen the Independence, the fifth ship in American Cruise Lines’ fleet on July 4, 2010 in Rockland, Maine.

The naming ceremony launches the first of 13 Maine Coast and Harbors seven-night cruises for the Independence following her maiden voyage on the Chesapeake Bay and a Grand New England 10-day inaugural cruise from Providence, Rhode Island to Portland, Maine. The Independence will homeport in Portland for all of the Maine coastal cruises. Bangor will be the turnaround port for the other New England cruises.

The Independence accommodates 104 passengers with a greater number of balcony staterooms than any of the other four ships. It will have an elevator that reaches all decks, a larger dining room, individual climate control in every stateroom, Internet access, and many other modern conveniences, according to the cruise line.