American Cruise Lines Christens New Ship American Symphony in Natchez

(12:05 p.m. EDT) -- American Cruise Lines has officially christened its newest riverboat, American Symphony, in Natchez, Mississippi.

American Symphony is American Cruise Lines' fifth new riverboat in four years, following the introductions of American Song, American Harmony, American Jazz and American Melody. In early 2023, the cruise line will welcome American Symphony's sister ship American Serenade, as well as two new small coastal vessels, bringing American Cruise Lines' fleet to 17 ships.

The event was held on Tuesday, August 30 at the Natchez Convention Center and featured musical performances and speeches from American Symphony's Godmother Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020 and Miss Mississippi 2018; Tate Reeves, the Governor of Mississippi; Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann; Natchez Mayor Dan M. Gibson; Buz Craft, Mayor of Vidalia, Louisiana (located across the river from Natchez); and Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of 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 hold up to 175 passengers and features five decks, six public areas and 91 cabins spread across six different categories. Other notable details aboard the ship include a four-story glass atrium, a library, fitness room, a wellness-yoga studio and a retractable gangway on the bow that allows American Symphony passengers to disembark in non-traditional locations.

The ship's inaugural voyage is following an 8-Day Lower Mississippi River itinerary, which originally departed from New Orleans on August 27 and concludes in Memphis, Tennessee on September 3.

American Symphony will operate voyages on the Mississippi River that range from one to three weeks in duration, sailing from New Orleans to Memphis, New Orleans to St. Paul, St. Paul to St. Louis, or reverse.