This Week in Cruise: American Cruise Lines Launches Newest Ship; Silversea Reveals 2016 World Cruise Details

American Cruise Lines launched its newest paddlewheeler under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md. The ship is being built for use on the Mississippi River, and is currently in Chesapeake Shipbuilding’s East Outfitting Basin where the upper decks and outfitting will be completed.

The launching comes just a few weeks after the joining of the two hull sections, weighing at almost 600 tons apiece. Two more riverboats are on the way after this boat hits the Mississippi River in the spring of 2015.

Silversea Cruises revealed the details of its 2016 World Cruise, a 115-day sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Venice, departing Jan. 5, 2016. Hosted aboard the Silver Whisper, the itinerary visits six continents and 51 destinations in 31 countries, with 13 multi-day port calls along the way and many late-night departures.

Additionally, for guests sailing the full 115 days, there will be three complimentary exclusive World Cruise events. These include a masked ball in Venice, an elegant lunch on a private island in Sydney Harbor, and a chartered jet flight to India's legendary Taj Mahal for a tour followed by lunch and a return flight to Silver Whisper. Plus, three complimentary Silversea Experiences will highlight Easter Island, Halong Bay and the Royal Opera House of Muscat.

Crystal Cruises revealed an East Coast sailing from New York to Miami aboard the Crystal Serenity visiting military training grounds and war memorials as it visits historic areas from Annapolis to Arlington. Important stops include colonial Williamsburg, a tour of the 9/11 Memorial,  Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall and a visit to both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

On board, author and presidential journalist Ken Walsh will share insights and tales from his many years spent as chief White House correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, having reported on five administrations and every presidential campaign since 1984