American Cruise Lines has named two more U.S.-built riverboats scheduled to enter service through 2029.
The 180-passenger American Beauty will begin operating on the Mississippi River in September 2028, while the 180-passenger American Rhapsody will enter service on the Columbia and Snake rivers in 2029. Both vessels will be built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Salisbury, Md.
The vessels will be the 29th and 30th ships in American Cruise Lines’ fleet.
American Beauty will initially operate eight-day Upper Mississippi River cruises between St. Louis and St. Paul, Minn. Later in the season, the vessel will shift to eight-day Gulf Coast itineraries between New Orleans and Pensacola, Fla.
American Rhapsody will operate nine-day Columbia and Snake rivers cruises between Portland, Ore., and Clarkston, Wash.
Both vessels are part of the company’s modern American riverboat series, introduced with American Song in 2018. Each will have six decks and private-balcony accommodations, including single staterooms, suites and a 1,500-sq.-ft. signature suite.
Other onboard features will include top-deck lounges, walking tracks, chart rooms, restaurants, cafés and fitness centers.
The two vessels follow three previously announced riverboats: American Encore, which entered service in May 2026; American Anthem, scheduled to begin operating in April 2027; and American Grace, scheduled for April 2028.
American Cruise Lines plans to introduce 13 vessels from 2025 through 2029. The program includes two 130-passenger ships delivered in 2025; three vessels in 2026; three in 2027; two riverboats in 2028; and three vessels in 2029. Names and details for two of the 2029 ships have not been announced.
The company said it is introducing new vessels at a rate of three per year while expanding its domestic itineraries. Its fleet operates on more than 50 routes along the East, West and Gulf coasts and on U.S. rivers, lakes, bays and inland waterways.
The 130-passenger American Ranger, the company’s third new ship of 2026, is scheduled to enter service in September. It will operate Hudson River, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay and Florida Gulf Coast itineraries.
American Patriot, delivered in 2025, is operating on the Great Lakes. When American Anthem enters service in 2027, it is scheduled to spend its inaugural season on a 16-day Columbia and Snake rivers itinerary.
