American Cruise Lines' new 175-passenger American Symphony was christened earlier this week in Natchez, MS. Delivered on time, the new vessel is the fifth modern riverboat for the U.S. brand in four years.
The river line and the City of Natchez hosted a joint celebration—welcoming both guests and residents of the communities of Natchez and Vidalia, MS, to participate in the official christening events. A festive presentation was held at the Natchez Convention Center with musical performances by the Victory Belles and speeches.
Appearing during the celebration were Aysa Branch, the ship's godmother, Miss USA 2020 and Miss Mississippi 2018; Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves; the state's lieutenant governor Delbert Hosemann; Dan Gibson, mayor of Natchez; Buz Craft, mayor of Vedalia; and Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO, American Cruise Lines, among many others.
Immediately following the celebration at the Convention Center, both cruise guests and community residents joined ACL at Natchez's Ferry Street Landing for the christening ceremony. Godmother Asya Branch christened the ship—joined by honored guests, sisters Cynthia and Denise Patterson of Illinois. Together, with their late mother Lois, the Patterson sisters have explored destinations across the U.S. on 28 America Cruise Lines sailings. They're members of the cruise line's Eagle Society.
Tourism on the Mississippi
Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020. (Photo by American Cruise Lines)
"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 Robertson.
Spanning five decks, the new modern riverboat has an elegant design with an abundance of glass throughout the ship to deliver stunning views. All of American Symphony's accommodations—ranging from single staterooms to spacious suites—have private balconies.
A fifth deck skywalk with an ellipse skylight also cantilevers dramatically over the fourth deck cafe below. Guests will also discover spacious lounges inside and out, a grand dining room, fitness center and wellness-yoga studio.
In addition, American Symphony also offers a modern-series hallmark—a patented opening bow and retractable gangway. That makes going ashore a breeze at practically any locale, given that no dock is required.
Sailing the Mighty Mississippi
American Symphony’s sold-out inaugural cruise will follow the current eight-Day "Lower Mississippi River" voyage, which departed from New Orleans on August 27 and will conclude in Memphis, TN, on September 3.
The new riverboat will continue to sail on the Mississippi River through 2022, including festive holiday cruises in December. Then it will be back for a full season again on the river in 2023.
Interested in learning more about the modern riverboats? Here's the cruise line's virtual 360-degree tour.
A Growing Fleet
American Cruise Lines not only sails the Mississippi but also the Columbia and Snake Rivers of the Pacific Northwest, plus other U.S. waterways from Alaska to Florida.
ACL's fleet is growing further. In early 2023, another new modern-series vessel, American Serenade will set sail. In addition, the line will launch two new small "Coastal Cats." Those hybrid cataramarans will sail along U.S. coastlines.
At that point in 2023, the line will operate a fleet of 17 U.S. coastal and river vessels. For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.
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