Independence is a small cruise ship owned and operated by American Cruise Lines (ACL). She was built in 2010 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland for overnight coastal, river, and inland waterway cruising within the continental United States. Independence, as an American built, flagged, and owned vessel operated by US citizen crew members, is compliant with the Passenger Vessel Services Act and can transport passengers directly between US ports. The vessel accommodates 104 passengers in her 52 cabins, of which 40 have small private balconies. All staterooms have private baths, windows, and interior entrances.