American Cruise Lines christened its latest modern riverboat, American Symphony, on 30 August in Natchez, Mississippi.
In what appears to be a subtle dig and Mississippi newcomer, Viking River Cruises – whose debut on the same US river had been pushed back from early July until 3 September, ACL noted this christening “marks the on-time delivery of American’s 5th new modern riverboat in 4 years”.
American Cruise Lines and the City of Natchez hosted a joint celebration and a festive presentation was held at the Natchez Convention Center for the arrival of American Symphony, which included musical performances by the Victory Belles, as well as speeches and special appearances from American Symphony’s godmother, Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020 and Miss Mississippi 2018; Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, and local dignitaries.
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.
Following the celebration at the Convention Center, both cruise guests and the Natchez community joined American Cruise Lines at the Ferry Street Landing for the christening ceremony at the ship.
“American Cruise Lines led the last decade of river cruising on the Mississippi and, with new boats like American Symphony, will lead the next one,” said Robertson. “We are so grateful for all the community involvement in tourism on the river and we are honoured to make Natchez the Godmother City of American Symphony.”
With its new fleet of riverboats, American Cruise Lines has transformed the US river cruise market to compete on a global scale. American Symphony will be followed in early 2023 by sister ship American Serenade.
Accommodating 175 guests, American Symphony features 5 decks and offers 100% private balcony staterooms, including gracious suites and single staterooms. Her sold-out inaugural cruise was an 8-Day Lower Mississippi River itinerary that originally departed from New Orleans on Saturday 27 August 2022, before concluding in Memphis, Tennessee. The new riverboat will continue to explore the Mississippi throughout 2022, including festive holiday cruises in December, and sail a full season again in 2023.