December 16, 2013, American Cruise Lines announced that it is building four new riverboats for river cruising.

All four will be sternwheelers and will be built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding, Salisbury, MD.

Construction has already begun on the first two cruise ships, with the first to begin operation in the spring of 2015. The four new ships will enter service between 2015 and 2017.

The first two new riverboats will carry between 150 and 200 guests and will cruise the Mississippi River system and the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

The four cruise ships will bring all the latest amenities and comforts to each area cruised, including the largest staterooms, private balconies, and spacious dining and lounge venues.