The American Melody riverboat is completing five years of service for American Cruise Lines (ACL) this month.

Built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, the 175-passenger ship embarked on its maiden voyage on September 3, 2021.

As the fourth vessel in ACL’s series of modern riverboats, the Melody spent its inaugural season sailing on the Mississippi River.

For its first cruise, the ship offered the company’s 22-day “Complete Mississippi Cruise,” which operates between New Orleans and St. Paul.

Due to Hurricane Ida, which was affecting the Gulf Coast at the time, passengers boarded the Melody in Natchez.

Before returning to the Lower Mississippi in December 2021, the 5,148-ton ship offered a series of eight-night “Upper Mississippi River” cruises, which sail between St. Louis and St. Paul.

As of today, the Melody is currently offering similar itineraries in the region for 2026.

In 2027, the vessel is also scheduled to offer the “Grand Ohio River” cruise, with two departures in July.

The 15-night itinerary sails between Pittsburgh and St. Louis, visiting destinations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Missouri.

Starting in 2028, the Melody is also scheduled to offer new itineraries in the Arkansas River before kicking off its traditional schedule in the Mississippi.

With departures scheduled between March and May 2028, the ship will operate an eight-day itinerary that sails between Little Rock and Tulsa, visiting destinations in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

In what the company said was a big step forward for its history, the American Melody features interiors and public areas designed by Miami-based Studio DADO.

According to President and CEO Charles B. Robertson, the design vision of the ship is aligned with the company’s mission to provide sophisticated experiences on modern vessels.

Highlights of the vessel’s interiors include a multi-story glass atrium and all private balcony accommodations.