摘要: |
While blue water cruising in the United States is about to resume, river and coastal cruise operator American Cruise Lines (ACL) has been full steam ahead since the spring. The return to sailing has been so successful that ACL has confirmed it will add two more new vessels in 2022. Earlier this year, ACL debuted the American Jazz, and the new American Melody will begin sailing on the Mississippi River in August. All of American Cruise Lines' "modern" riverboats are being built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md. The announcement continues the rapid growth of ACL's fleet and the U.S. domestic cruise industry at large, which according to American Cruise Lines has more than doubled since 2017. With the American Melody and the two ships coming online next year, ACL's fleet will stand at a total of 15 ships: five small cruise ships, four paddlewheelers and six modern riverboats. According to ACL, company leaders also plan to grow its small cruise ship fleet, which serves its coastal itineraries. |