American Cruise Lines said Monday it will name its fourth
modern riverboat the American Melody.
The American Melody is expected to begin cruising in late
2020, joining the American Song, American Harmony and American Jazz in the
company's planned fleet of five vessels with a modern design rather than the paddlewheel
design of most domestic riverboats.
In addition to large staterooms with contemporary design and
the latest in technology, the ships feature a bow that opens for a retractable
gangplank.
The American Song was the first to launch last year.
American Harmony is readying for its inaugural cruise from New Orleans on Aug.
17, and the American Jazz is scheduled to join the fleet in 2020.
Details about the fifth planned ship haven't been released.