A new Mississippi River overnight riverboat passed sea trials late last week and is on its way to New Orleans to begin its inaugural season, American Cruise Lines announced yesterday.
Guilford, Conn.-based ACL has accepted delivery of the American Symphony from Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md. American Symphony is the fifth riverboat in ACL’s new series and the 15th small ship built by Chesapeake for ACL.
The 175-passenger boat will join the company’s Mississippi River fleet. American Symphony’s first cruise is set to depart Aug. 27, from New Orleans, and ACL plans to christen the riverboat during its inaugural cruise on Aug. 30, in Natchez, Miss.
“American Symphony is part of our ongoing commitment to leading the U.S. river cruise market by introducing innovative small ships every year,” Charles B. Robertson, ACL'S president and CEO said in a statement. “Smaller is better on the rivers. We look forward to American Symphony’s first season on the Mississippi, as well as the introduction of sister ship American Serenade early next year.”
The American Symphony is a sister ship to American Melody. The 175-passenger American Symphony features five decks and 100% private balcony staterooms, including suites and single rooms. The American Symphony also showcases ACL’s patented opening bow and retractable gangway, the company said. American Symphony also features spacious lounges inside and out, a grand dining room, fitness center, and a wellness-yoga studio, ACL said.
ACL's small ship fleet operates on the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake rivers, and across the U.S.
In 2023, ACL said it plans to introduce three more new small ships: another modern riverboat, American Serenade; and two 109-passenger catamaran-hybrid vessels, the American Eagle and American Glory.
