American Cruise Lines began construction on its 2nd new river boat, out of planned 5. The new vessel will be a sibling to American Song, which is due to launch on the Mississippi in October 2018.
The second newbuild is scheduled to debut in 2019 summer. Work has started on the new ship at Chesapeake Shipbuilding (Salisbury, MD) where American Song is also being constructed. Itinerary details are to be released soon.
The new river boats are the latest step in the ongoing expansion of American Cruise Lines. The company launched its American Constellation coastal ship this year. Following an inaugural season of Chesapeake Bay sailings and the Grand New England itinerary of the line, American Constellation headed to Alaska for 2018 summer season, where she will sail itineraries ranging from 8 to 15 days.
The sibling vessel of American Constellation, American Constitution, is still under construction at Chesapeake Shipbuilding, with expected delivery date in 2018. That boat will debut with American Revolution itinerary in Chesapeake Bay on April 18.