PHOTO: American Cruise Lines says it is building modern riverboats that will differ from the Victorian-style Queen of the Mississippi pictured. (Courtesy of American Cruise Lines)
It looks like modern riverboats - similar to those sailing on European waterways - are headed for America.
American Cruise Lines has revealed plans to build "a new fleet of modern riverboats" that differ from the Victorian-style paddlewheelers it currently operates.
"The concept for the new riverboats will differ from that of the line's existing paddlewheelers and coastal ships by offering a more contemporary approach to their design," the company said in a press release. The company said they "will add a new dimension to river cruising in the United States, and a wide selection of new river itineraries throughout the country."
The new riverboats will feature glass-enclosed lounges and open deck plans to let in natural light. The staterooms will be "spacious" with "large, furnished balconies."
Though many companies describe their staterooms as spacious, American Cruise Lines' really are. On the Queen of the Mississippi, for example, the staterooms measure 300 square feet. The accommodations will be 300 to 600 square feet on the American Eagle, which is scheduled to enter service in March.
Those two riverboats carry 150 passengers and operate on the Mississippi River system. American also operates the 120-passenger Queen of the West on the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The company also has a fleet of small ships that carry no more than 104 passengers on coastal itineraries
The company said additional details on the expansion and ship designs will be announced in coming months.
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