Cruise: New Orleans

Rendering of the new riverboat American Eagle.

Source/American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines (ACL) will soon be introducing its second riverboat to be home-ported in New Orleans. The two new riverboats are the first new ships built specially for the Mississippi River in 20 years. Construction of the 305-foot, 150-passenger American Eagle was recently completed at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland. The new riverboat is now repositioning to New Orleans and is scheduled to arrive later this month. Similar to ACL’s Queen of the Mississippi, it will offer various eight-day itineraries on the Lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Memphis.

"American Cruise Lines’ investment in a second riverboat in the Port of New Orleans illustrates the growing demand for classic River cruising," said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange, PPM®. "American Cruise Lines offers a cruise experience second-to-none on the Lower Mississippi River, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come."

American Eagle will enter service in the spring and feature 84 staterooms, 78 of which feature private balconies.

The American Eagle will primarily operate between New Orleans and Memphis, but the company has announced a number of unique journeys, including a 22-day complete Mississippi River cruise.

"It’s evident that the style of cruising we’re offering is becoming increasingly popular," said Timothy Beebe, Vice President, American Cruise Lines. "We are meeting this growth in demand by introducing new vessels like the American Eagle and a greater variety of sailing options to provide those interested with the most unique and upscale travel experience available on the Mississippi River."