ACL-American Cruise Lines’ newest riverboat - American Melody, started 22-day voyages on the Mississippi.
ACL’s domestic itineraries appeal to cruisers who might be fearful about booking a river cruise in Europe amidst the uncertainty of the COVID crisis. Passengers do not have to worry about booking international flights or face the prospect of changing EU travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.
The USA-flagged and crewed cruise line is offering for the first time such a long itinerary, as most USA river itineraries are usually 7-8 days in length. ACL offers other small ship cruises ranging between 5-22 days in length that visit 30+ US states.
The 175-passenger ship American Melody departed along her inaugural 22-day Mississippi River voyage on September 3. The contemporary, all-balcony vessel offers suites, double-occupancy staterooms, and singles.
ACL's 22-day Mississippi River sailings call at 18 ports in 7 states (Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee) offering a taste of history and culture.
The inaugural 22-day voyage on ACL Melody had been scheduled to depart from New Orleans (Port NOLA, Louisiana) to Minneapolis-Saint Paul (Minnesota) but was forced to depart instead from Natchez Mississippi due to Hurricane Ida.
Upcoming departures are scheduled for June 10, 2022; September 10, 2022; and June 9, 2023. During the inaugural season, American Melody passengers will be treated to complimentary pre-cruise nights onboard, festive cocktail parties, special gifts, and Mississippi-inspired gourmet dinners.
In 2022, American Melody also offers 8-day Lower Mississippi voyages between Memphis Tennessee and Port NOLA, Upper Mississippi (between St Louis Missouri and Saint Paul) and a Music Cities (themed voyage) from Memphis to Nashville Tennessee.