American Cruise Lines Christens New Mississippi Riverboat
American Cruise Lines held the christening ceremony for American Symphony on August 30th in Natchez, Mississippi. This is a significant milestone for the cruise line as the new riverboat is American’s 5th new modern riverboat in 4 years.
The riverboat was delivered on time and will help expand American Cruise Lines presence on the Mississippi River.
American Cruise Lines and the City of Natchez hosted a joint celebration for the country’s newest ship by welcoming cruise guests, as well as the communities of Natchez and Vidalia, to be a part of the official christening events.
A festive presentation was held at the Natchez Convention Center which included musical performances by the Victory Belles, as well as speeches and special appearances from American Symphony’s official Godmother, Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020.
Other state and city officials and dignitaries were on-hand to witness the event.
Immediately 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.
Godmother Asya Branch was joined by honored guests, Cynthia and Denise Patterson in christening the ship. Cynthia and Denise are sisters and American Cruise Lines’ Eagle Society members with 28 cruises with American Cruise Lines.
“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. Natchez, Vidalia, and all the towns along the way make the Mississippi the best cruising river in the world. We are so grateful for all the community involvement in tourism on the river and we are honored to make Natchez the Godmother City of American Symphony,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.
American Symphony can accommodate up to 175 guests, and every stateroom has a private balcony. The riverboat features 5 decks, an opening bow and retractable gangway.
The innovative Deck 5 features a skywalk with an ellipse skylight that is cantilevered over the café below on Deck 4. American Symphony also offers spacious lounges both inside and out, a grand dining room, fitness center, and a wellness-yoga studio.
The sister ship to American Symphony, American Serenade will debut in early 2023. Soon after, the cruise line will add 2 small Coastal Cats.
American Cruise Lines will then have 17 small ships in the fleet plying rivers in 34 states.
American Symphony will continue to cruise the Mississippi River throughout 2022, including festive holiday cruises in December, and continue cruising a full season on the Mississippi in 2023.
