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Council to consider lease allowing American Cruise Lines 32-hour layovers at City Park
Summary
The council discussed authorizing the mayor to sign a lease with American Cruise Lines permitting docking access and two ground anchor points at City Park for a proposed 2027 cruise layover; the company would install anchors and landscaping at its expense and pay a modest passenger fee or rent.
Council member Mr. Bowling described a proposed lease with American Cruise Lines that would permit the company to set two ground anchor points at City Park at its expense to enable cruise ships to make roughly 32-hour layovers beginning in July 2027 as part of a Huntsville–Knoxville route.
"They'll pay for that," Mr. Bowling said, describing the company's offer to install anchor points, landscape around them and remove the anchors at the company's cost if the cruise stops operating. He said cruises would include excursions and activities while passengers are ashore and that the city would receive a modest payment tied to passenger counts.
Council asked clarifying questions about infrastructure needs and community impacts; staff said the company does not require a special dock or ramp and will provide its own ramp. No action was taken at the work session; the authorization for the mayor to sign the lease will be added to the Tuesday meeting agenda for a council vote.
