American Cruise Lines has announced that the renaming of its small ship fleet is complete and the line will expand to 15 small ships in 2022. American’s plan to rename and redesign its paddlewheel fleet was revealed earlier this year at Seatrade in Miami. Next season, all of the company’s riverboats and small cruise ships will officially carry the “American” brand moniker. The company’s cruise schedules are open to book through 2023.
Riverboats America, Queen of the Mississippi, and Queen of the West, will become American Splendor, American Heritage and American West (American Pride will retain its name). This all-"American" rebranding brings uniformity to American Cruise Lines’ growing fleet, which has doubled in the past five years, and remains the only U.S. fleet of small ships operating domestic U.S. river and coastal itineraries.
Studio DADO, the Miami-based design firm commissioned to do the interiors for American’s newest modern riverboats: American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade will also be completing the upcoming remodel of American’s paddlewheel fleet. The new project will begin this winter and will be finished in time for American’s 2022 cruise season, which operates March through December.
From the staterooms and suites to the lounges and dining rooms, each of American’s classic paddlewheelers will be completely made-over with new color palettes, textiles and linens, new furniture and carpets, and regionally inspired artwork and flourishes. Mississippi River paddlewheelers, American Splendor and American Heritage will continue to pay homage to the "Mighty River," highlighting its historical, cultural, musical and literary inspirations; and the line’s Columbia and Snake River paddlewheelers, American Pride and American West, will continue to feature Western and Native American-inspired themes, including influences from the region’s Lewis and Clark expedition.
The new interior design plan DADO has envisioned for American’s paddlewheel fleet will elevate these classic riverboats to the same standard already showcased on American’s newest modern riverboats—all while retaining traditional elements true to American steamboat history and the American Cruise Lines brand.
For more information, visit www.americancruiselines.com.
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