American Cruise Lines to Refit, Rename Paddlewheel Fleet

American Cruise Lines will enter its four-boat paddlewheel fleet into dry dock for an extensive refit that will include every public space onboard. The boats will reemerge in March with new names to reflect their updated designs.

Much of the new design will be based on the stylings found onboard the company’s newest modern riverboat, American Melody, which launched this past August.

“American Melody’s extraordinary reception, particularly by our loyalty program members, has inspired us to bring the same new aesthetic to our entire paddlewheel fleet,” said Charles B. Robertson, president, and CEO of American Cruise Lines.

It’s a look Robertson calls casual sophistication. American Cruise Lines has always been casual, he said at a press conference at the Seatrade Cruises Global conference in Miami. “Now, we’re adding sophistication.”

For instance, The Restaurant, will be a virtual copy of the same space on American Melody. Cabins will also boast a new modern look, but with touches of traditional riverboat designs.

Public spaces will feature a new look that blends an overall traditional steamboat feel with modern touches. Additionally, the two Mississippi River boats will feature design themes that celebrate the musical genres native to the Mississippi River including Jazz and Blues, and Country and Rock ‘n Roll. The design will also include nods to the Mississippi River’s most famous literary son, Mark Twain.

The line’s two Columbia & Snake River paddlewheelers will highlight Western and Native American themes, including nods to the Lewis & Clark expedition.

Staterooms, suites, and all public spots on the boats will be made over with completely new color palates, luxury textiles and lines, new furniture and carpets, and regionally-inspired artwork.

To reflect their new interior design and to create an all “American” fleet, three of the four paddlewheelers will be renamed following their refits. America, Queen of the Mississippi, and Queen of the West will be renamed American Splendor, American Heritage, and American West. American Pride will retain its original name.

“Both in designation and design, all four paddlewheelers will meet the sophisticated standard we set for U.S. River cruising,” Robertson said.

The two Columbia River boats will enter dry dock in late November, while the Mississippi paddlewheelers will go into dry dock at the end of the year. All will be completed by early March 2022.