This article was first published in the 2019 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
When American Cruise Lines debuted American Song on the Mississippi River in October 2018, the brand sparked a revolution in the American river cruise market. Boasting spacious luxury accommodation, multiple lounges, sun decks, a restaurant and other contemporary amenities, American Song is the first of five new vessels that are being billed as the “first modern riverboats in the US”. This August, she will be joined by the 190-guest American Harmony.
Designed to put a contemporary spin on traditional river cruising, all five of riverboats will share the same new elegant and modern interior design scheme and boast multiple onboard innovations. One of the most noticeable features will be an abundance of glass.
“We wanted to bring the outside world in, so we’ve used glass to create a totally new kind of openness that has never been seen on any other US riverboat,” says Alexa Paolella, public relations manager for American Cruise Lines. “American Harmony, for example, has a five-storey glass atrium with a domed skylight, glass walls and sliding glass doors in the staterooms and suites, and expansive windows in the lounges and grand dining room. Guests will be able to find spectacular views wherever they look.”
Although American Harmony features the same design theme as her sister, she will also have a few slight differences. Paolella predicts that her accommodation will be a new favourite with guests. The ship will have multiple cabin categories – ranging from 250-square-feet single cabins, to interconnecting rooms and two over-800-square-feet Grand Suites that are large enough to host private cocktail parties or dinners.
“American Harmony was designed with private balconies in every stateroom and all the cabin categories are huge,” Paolella says. “Of course, the Grand Suites will be the most spectacular, thanks to their secluded sleeping and living areas, double vanity marble bathrooms, two walls of glass and the wraparound balconies.”
Another noteworthy innovation will be American Harmony’s unique opening bow and retractable gangway. “Like the other four modern riverboats, American Harmony will have this amazing (patent-pending) innovation, which will enable her to make bow landings at a dock or riverbank whenever and wherever they need to, giving us a whole host of great new itinerary options,” explains Paolella. “American Harmony will also have the latest safety and navigation equipment and will have a tiny carbon footprint. She, and her sisters, will be the most environmentally friendly in the industry.”
Despite American Harmony’s modern exterior and interior style, her furnishings will be both comfortable and practical.
“No one wants to be on a ship that looks spectacular but does not have the type of interiors that facilitate a truly relaxing vacation experience,” explains Paolella. “All of American Harmony’s common spaces – from the lounges to the restaurant and the library – will be outfitted and furnished to give guests numerous options to relax as they cruise. The various sun decks also offer both shaded and sunny spots – everyone will find an indoor or outdoor space that truly meets their personal needs and preferences on this ship.”
What’s certain, claims Paolella, is that American Harmony and American Cruise Lines’ other new riverboats will offer guests a distinctive – and unforgettable – way to explore the historic waterways of the US. “All five of our modern riverboats will be very spacious and just beautiful – they will be truly unlike anything else on US rivers.”
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| Caption | American Harmony’s five-storey glass atrium is likely to become the central gathering point for cruise guests |