ACL-American Cruise Lines announced that its new riverboat - American Symphony, had been christened on August 30th in Natchez (Mississippi) - her official Godmother City.
The naming marked the on-time delivery of ACL’s 5th new modern river ship in 4 years and the company’s continued growth on the Mississippi.
The City of Natchez and ACL hosted a joint celebration for the newest ship of the country by welcoming cruise passengers, and the communities of Vidalia and Natchez, to be a part of the official events.
A festive presentation at the Natchez Convention Center included musical performances by the Victory Belles, speeches and special appearances from Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020 and Miss Mississippi 2018, and American Symphony’s official Godmother; the Honorable Tate Reeves (Governor of Mississippi); the Honorable Delbert Hosemann (Lt. Governor of Mississippi); the Honorable Buz Craft (Mayor of Vidalia); the Honorable Dan M. Gibson (Mayor of Natchez); and Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of ACL, among others.
After the celebration at the Convention Center, cruisers and the Natchez community joined ACL at the Ferry Street Landing for the naming ceremony onboard the ship.
The boat's godmother Asya Branch was joined by Cynthia and Denise Patterson in christening the vessel. Honored guests Cynthia and Denise are sisters and ACL's Eagle Society members. Together with their late mother Lois they have sailed on 28 cruises with the line.
American Symphony’s inaugural voyage is following an 8-day Lower Mississippi River itinerary which departed from New Orleans (Port NOLA, Louisiana) on August 27th, and will conclude in Memphis TN on September 3. The new riverboat will continue to explore the Mighty Mississippi throughout 2022, including Xmas holiday voyages, and sail a full season again in 2023.
In early 2023, American Symphony will be followed by sistership American Serenade and two new small Coastal Cats (American Eagle and American Glory), bringing ACL’s fleet to 17 vessels that sail in 34 of the American states.