American Cruise Lines has confirmed that, just two months after accepting delivery of the American Jazz, its next new ship is already being readied for launch.

The forward hull section of American Melody was moved from a hull fabrication building to the launch ways earlier this week, where it will be joined to the aft section and launched into the Wicomico River.

The mammoth hull section utilises a heavy-lift ground-transfer system that distributes and levels the load as it moves.

Towering above the shipyard’s personnel on the ground, the hull slowly and almost silently, glides to its destination at the river’s edge.

American Melody, the fourth new ship in American Cruise Lines’ acclaimed modern riverboat series, is on schedule for delivery to the Mississippi River next year.

It will feature the next iteration in the modern series’ contemporary design aesthetic, but the line has not yet released details of the new ship’s interior concept or capacity.

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American Cruise Lines offers sophisticated domestic cruise experiences in more than 30 states around the USA.

The brand is considered the World’s Leading River Cruise Company by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Breaking Travel News earlier spoke to Alexa Paolella, public relations manager with American Cruise Lines, about the award and their plans for next year – find out more here.