ACL-American Cruise Lines has named two new riverboats under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.
American Beauty (ACL's 29th ship) is scheduled to enter service on the Mississippi River in September 2028.
American Rhapsody (ACL's 30th ship) starts operations on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in April 2029.
American Beauty will initially operate 8-day Upper Mississippi itineraries between St Louis, Missouri, and St Paul, Minnesota. Later in the 2028 season, the ship is scheduled to operate ACL's new 8-day "Gulf Coast" itineraries between New Orleans/NOLA and Pensacola, Florida.
ACL's current schedule lists Beauty's inaugural departure for September 2nd, 2028 (from NOLA), while Rhapsody's maiden voyage departs from Portland, Oregon on April 27th, 2029
American Rhapsody will operate ACL's 9-day "Columbia and Snake Rivers" itineraries linking Portland OR, with Clarkston, Washington. Both ships are being developed as part of ACL's modern Modern Riverboat series, which began with American Song in 2018.
The two vessels will accommodate 180 passengers and feature private-balcony accommodation throughout. The design includes 5 passenger decks, multiple cabin categories including single cabins and suites, and extensive public areas. Among the signature facilities are top-deck bar lounges, walking tracks, chart rooms, several dining venues and wellness facilities.
American Beauty will also introduce a 1,500-ft2 Signature Suite, described by the operator as the largest stateroom on an American riverboat. Standard accommodation averages ~300 square feet, while the vessel will feature a multi-storey glass atrium and observation areas designed around views of the river.
The two new vessels follow the sister ships American Encore (inaugurated in May 2026), American Anthem (scheduled for April 2027), and American Grace (April 2028).
ACL's expansion also includes the Patriot-class fleet, with American Ranger scheduled to enter service in September 2026.