ACL-American Cruise Lines announced it had signed contracts with Chesapeake Shipbuilding of Salisbury MD, to build two vessels (from the "Modern Riverboat" series) in 2022.
The newbuilds will be the 5th and 6th in the line's revolutionary modern series, introduced back in 2018. Both new riverboats are yet to be named and will follow this year's debut of American Jazz and American Melody on the Mississippi.
Including the 2 newbuilds, ACL’s fleet has grown to 15 vessels: 6 "modern riverboats", 5 small ships, and 4 paddle-wheelers.
In addition to the newest modern riverboats, ACL plans to continue building small cruise ships for their U.S. coastal itineraries. The river and coastal cruises of ACL operate in the same destination-focused style; sailing close to home and in sight of land, along 100% U.S. itineraries.
ACL’s 5th and 6th riverboats will be sisterships to the 175-guest American Melody, beginning operations on the Mississippi River in August. American Melody will showcase the newest interior design concept of American created by Studio DADO of Miami Florida.
The new 2022 ships and American Melody will highlight new architectural elements, such as a 5th deck Skywalk featuring a walking track cantilevered above the fourth deck, and an elliptical cutout above the ship’s outdoor café & lounge named the Ellipse Cafe. The modern riverboats provide 100% private balcony staterooms, large suites, and five spacious decks with sky-lit atriums, comfortable interior and exterior lounges, grand dining rooms, and ACL’s biggest-ever fitness studios.