By
Alex Smith |
American Cruise Lines’ new modern riverboat American Melody has departed from Natchez, Mississippi, on her maiden cruise along the Mississippi River.
The ship will explore the lower Mississippi in the 22-day ‘Complete Mississippi River Cruise’ itinerary. The cruise had originally been scheduled to depart from New Orleans, Louisiana, but was moved to Natchez due to Hurricane Ida.
American Melody will continue to cruise along the Mississippi throughout her inaugural season, with guests receiving complimentary pre-cruise nights onboard, festive cocktail parties, Mississippi-inspired gourmet dinners and inaugural season gifts. Until the end of December, she will operate several of American Cruise Lines’ eight-day ‘Upper Mississippi River’ cruises between St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as eight-day ‘Lower Mississippi River’ cruises including roundtrip sailing from New Orleans and holiday cruises for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
The ship accommodates 175 passengers and features a multi-level sky-lit atrium, indoor and outdoor lounges, a grand dining room and an outdoor café. A Skywalk on the top deck features an elliptical cutout suspended over the ship’s fourth deck. As with American Cruise Lines’ other modern riverboats, all rooms onboard feature a private balcony.
American Melody is American Cruise Lines’ second modern riverboat to be delivered this year, following American Jazz’s debut in March. Two more modern riverboats, American Symphony and American Serenade, are scheduled to enter the fleet in 2022.