American Cruise Lines, Gilford, Ct., recently launched the American Symphony at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md. It is the fifth ship in the new riverboat class American first introduced in 2018.
American Cruise Lines opened its 2022 season in February. The all-domestic line offers river cruising and small ship coastal cruising in the U.S.
American Symphony will feature the same design and state-of-the-art features showcased aboard 2021 sistership American Melody; including the series' hallmark opening bow and retractable gangway. The new riverboat will accommodate 175-passengers, has five decks, 100%-balcony staterooms, four-story glass atrium, indoor and outdoor dining venues, large fitness centers, multiple spacious lounges, and a top deck showcasing a Skywalk and an ellipse cutout cantilevered over the ship’s 4th deck café below.
Immediately after the launch, the new riverboat was positioned in Chesapeake’s East Outfitting Basin where it will receive its upper decks and outfitting. Chesapeake Shipbuilding has a long history of designing and building innovative new small ships for American Cruise Lines, including the line’s recently announced Project Blue fleet, coming in 2023.
American Symphony will begin its inaugural Mississippi River season this summer, sailing eight-day Lower Mississippi River cruises between New Orleans and Memphis, then transition to Upper Mississippi River sailings between St. Louis and St. Paul. American Cruise Lines offers over 10 different itineraries on the country’s most iconic river, ranging from five to 22 days in length. This year, American Symphony joins the company’s growing Mississippi fleet, which already includes American Melody, American Jazz, American Heritage, and American Splendor.
American Symphony will begin cruising the Mississippi River in August 2022. No additional specifications were forthcoming. Construction is also underway at the yard on the company’s sixth new riverboat, American Serenade.
