American Cruise Lines is preparing its latest vessel, American Melody, for its inaugural cruise later this month.
The ship was built and delivered on schedule, despite the pandemic, and will start sailing on the Mississippi from New Orleans on August 27.
American Melody will continue to operate Mississippi river cruise itineraries until December.
American Cruise Lines has also announced the names of its fifth and sixth modern riverboats, which are currently being built at a shipyard in Maryland.
American Symphony is expected next summer and American Serenade is expected at the end of 2022.
American Melody and sister ships American Symphony and American Serenade will each accommodate 175 passengers, all with private balcony cabins.
The three vessels bring American’s overall domestic US fleet to 15 small ships – 10 riverboats and five cruise ships.
American Cruise Lines resumed cruising in the US on March 13.