The following is text of a news release from American Cruise Lines (ACL):
(GUILFORD, Conn.) — American Harmony, the second in American Cruise Lines' series of five modern riverboats, has arrived in the Port of New Orleans. The ship will remain docked in its home port until it departs on its inaugural Mississippi River cruise on Aug. 17.
The 345-by-60-foot American Harmony recently completed sea trials and received its Coast Guard certification. The newbuild from Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., was completed 23 days ahead of schedule.
The new 190-passenger riverboat is slightly larger than the series flagship, American Song, and offers the same design and state-of-the-art technical features that are hallmarks of the brand. American Harmony showcases the opening bow and retractable gangway that is unique to all of American’s new modern riverboats, as well as a multi-story glass atrium in the center of the ship.
The riverboat has six decks, including a fifth deck with 10 more large veranda suites. Boasting all-balcony staterooms throughout the ship, American Harmony also offers grand suites at over 800 square feet (with separate living and sleeping quarters), owner’s suites at 645 square feet, and single staterooms at 250 square feet.
Propulsion is provided by two Caterpillar 3512E Tier 4 main engines rated at 1,810 hp, two Veth VZ-1250-CR z-drives, and two Veth VT-400 bow thrusters rated at 544 hp each.
The vessel is American Cruise Lines’ second modern riverboat and third Mississippi riverboat — ACL’s third modern riverboat, to be named American Jazz, will be launched later this fall. In 2020, American Cruise Lines will have two modern riverboats and two Victorian-style paddlewheelers operating on the Mississippi River.
