American Cruise Lines orders another riverboat at Chesapeake Shipbuilding

Small ship cruising leader American Cruise Lines is to build another brand new riverboat to meer the high demand for its U.S. river cruises. A contract has been signed and construction has already begun at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., where the company’s 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi nearing completion

The newly contracted vessel will be  American Cruise Lines’ third new riverboat. Though of similar capacity to the Queen of the Mississippi, it will be slightly larger.

“We recognize a considerable strength in river cruising and have observed an increased interest in our U.S. river cruises over the last several years,” said Charles A. Robertson, CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We look forward to introducing yet another new authentic paddlewheel riverboat to meet this demand.”

Mr. Robertson attributes the success of the company’s river cruise business to its “newer, low-density vessels, each built to meet the highest industry standards in comfort, safety and technology.”

American Cruise Lines’ third new riverboat will feature a similar capacity to that of the Queen of the Mississippi and will also boast the most spacious staterooms in the industry, entirely private balconies – all with sliding glass doors, a center atrium with a grand staircase, various lounges and numerous amenities including:

• Fully-functioning authentic paddlewheel
• 300 + sq. ft staterooms
• Private balconies with sliding glass doors
• Various unique lounges, libraries, and cafés
• Fine hotel-style bathrooms
• Room Service
• Wi-Fi in all staterooms
• Satellite TV and DVD player in all staterooms
• Single sitting, open seating dining
• Complimentary cocktail hour

As yet, no decision has been made as to where on the U.S. river system the new vessel will operate.

March 13, 2011