American Cruise Lines' New Riverboat Sets Sail Ahead of Schedule

(2:11 p.m. EDT) -- American Harmony, the newest modern riverboat built by American Cruise Lines, passed its sea trials and received its Coast Guard certification more than three weeks ahead of schedule. The vessel is now on its way to New Orleans, where it will set sail on its inaugural voyage on August 17.

After 190-passenger American Harmony sails its first eight-night itinerary roundtrip from New Orleans, it will operate various Mississippi River voyages -- nine distinct itineraries, including holiday and theme cruises -- into 2020.

American Harmony is the second of five new riverboats scheduled to be built for American Cruise Lines. Larger than American Song, the first ship in this riverboat series, American Harmony offers the same design and technical features, including a retractable gangway, a bow that opens, a central multi-story glass atrium, indoor and outdoor lounges, a casual dining venue and all-balcony staterooms.

Following American Harmony, the third vessel in the series will be American Jazz, set to launch in fall 2019.