American Cruise Lines’ Newest River Boat Passes Sea Trials

American Cruise Lines took delivery of its newest river boat, American Symphony, after the boat passed sea trials late last week. The boat is now en route to New Orleans for an on-time start to its inaugural season on the Mississippi River.

“American Symphony is part of our ongoing commitment to leading the U.S. river cruise market by introducing innovative small ships every year,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of ACL. “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.”

American Symphony is the 5th riverboat in the line’s new series of modern river boats and the 15th small ship built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding (owned by the same family). It is a sister ship to American Melody which launched last year. Both 175-passenger boats feature five decks, and all staterooms have private balconies, including single rooms. American Symphony also features a 5th deck skywalk with a glass ellipse that cantilevers over the café below.

The riverboat is set to depart New Orleans on August 27 with an August 30th christening scheduled in Natchez, Mississippi.

In 2023, American Cruise Lines plans to introduce three more new small ships: American Serenade, as mentioned above, as well as two, 109-passenger catamaran-hybrid ships, American Eagle and American Glory.