American Cruise Lines is to build four new riverboats for U.S. river cruising.
Construction has already begun on two ships, with the first scheduled to begin cruising in spring 2015.
The first two new riverboats will carry between 150 and 200 guests and will cruise the Mississippi River system and the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
The remaining two will be launched by 2017.
At least one of the four new ships will operate cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers from the Pacific Coast to the Idaho border and will be specially built for cruising in the Pacific Northwest with historic accents and modern conveniences.
Every stateroom is designed to have panoramic views, private balconies, and room service. The art collection is being carefully selected to highlight the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Native American tribes who helped them.
The itinerary will be similar to American Cruise Lines’ existing itinerary on the Columbia and Snake Rivers aboard Queen of the West, which underwent extensive renovation in 2010.
In 2012, American Cruise Lines revolutionized Mississippi River cruising by bringing an unprecedented level of refinement and service to the river through its introduction of Queen of the Mississippi, the first new ship on the river in nearly twenty years.
The additional new ships will have the largest staterooms ever with sliding glass doors for panoramic views, room service, and other amenities unique to American Cruise Lines.
