American Cruise Lines has ordered two more modern riverboats for 2022, taking the number of new builds in the revolutionary modern series, first introduced in 2018, to six.
The yet-to-be-named new builds will follow the arrival of American Jazz and American Melody on the Mississippi River later this year.
ACL continues to lead the rapid expansion of the US domestic cruise market, and has more than doubled in size since 2017.
Including the two new builds announced today, American’s fleet has grown to 15 ships: 5 small cruise ships, 4 classic paddlewheelers, and 6 modern riverboats.
In addition to the Line’s newest modern riverboats, American also plans to continue building new small cruise ships for their popular US coastal itineraries.
“While the pace of our new builds is increasing, we are committed to maintaining the small capacity of our ships, which continue to accommodate just 100-190 passengers,” said Charles Robertson, president of American.
The 175-passenger American Melody begin operations on the Mississippi River in August 2021
The newly announced riverboats will be sister ships to 175-passenger American Melody, beginning operations on the Mississippi this August.
New additions include a fifth deck Skywalk, pictured top of page, which features a walking track cantilevered above the fourth deck, and a elliptical cutout above the riverboat’s outdoor café & lounge – aptly named the Ellipse Café.
American’s modern riverboats also offer private balcony staterooms in every stateroom, large suites and five spacious decks with sky-lit atriums, grand dining rooms, comfortable interior and exterior lounges, and the line’s largest-ever fitness studios.