(GUILFORD, Conn.) — American Cruise Lines (ACL) announced Thursday that it has accepted delivery of American Serenade from Chesapeake Shipbuilding of Salisbury, Md. It is the sixth riverboat in line’s new series and the 18th small ship built by Chesapeake for ACL.
The newest riverboat for the Mississippi River passed sea trials last week and is on the way to New Orleans for its inaugural season. The 180-passenger boat will begin plying the famous waterway this month.
American Serenade’s first cruise is set to depart April 20 from New Orleans. ACL plans to christen the new riverboat during its inaugural cruise on April 23 while visiting Vidalia, La.
“American Serenade shows our continued commitment to small ships for America’s rivers. She has the same spacious features as her five sisterships and a design package that wows everyone who boards,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of ACL.
American Serenade features five decks and offers private balcony staterooms, including suites and singles. The new riverboat features American’s patented opening bow and retractable gangway, as well as an open-air fifth deck skywalk with an ellipse that cantilevers over the cafe below. American Serenade also offers spacious lounges both inside and out, a grand dining room, casual cafe, and fitness center.
A virtual 360-degree tour of ACL’s new riverboats is available here. This year, the company plans to introduce two more new small ships for the U.S. market: the 100-passenger Coastal Cats American Eagle and American Glory.
– American Cruise Lines