QC welcomes two riverboats; American Symphony makes maiden voyage

Riverboat history was made in Davenport on Monday morning, Sept. 26. For the first time, two riverboats were docked at the same time at the new River Heritage Park. Two American Cruise Lines boats – the American Symphony and American Melody –  brought a total of about 350 passengers to the Quad Cities as part […]

Riverboat history was made in Davenport on Monday morning, Sept. 26. For the first time, two riverboats were docked at the same time at the new River Heritage Park. Two American Cruise Lines boats – the American Symphony and American Melody –  brought a total of about 350 passengers to the Quad Cities as part of their river cruises. The passengers spent much of the day touring a variety of stores and attractions in the region before the vessels departed. (The Symphony was scheduled to leave at 2 p.m. and the Melody at 5:30 p.m.) “People want to see America again, and making stops in towns like this is the way to do it,” said Frank Klipsch, who is a former Davenport mayor and currently the director of city partnerships and special projects for the American Cruise Lines. He was on hand Monday at River Heritage Park to help greet the two riverboats. Mr. Klipsch, who called the boats “luxury hotels on the water,” said the passengers have been enjoying the many features, food and entertainment offered on the riverboats. And he hopes they will enjoy their few hours touring the Quad Cities community. “These are basically two football fields worth of boats here today. … We hope everybody understands the economic impact of this,” he added. In addition to welcoming the riverboats’ passengers, much of the day’s festivities centered on welcoming the American Symphony to Davenport during what was that vessel’s maiden voyage on the Mississippi River.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce for the American Symphony before a small crowd on a sunny, chilly morning at River Heritage Park. That ceremony, held before the passengers disembarked for their tours, also featured welcoming remarks by city and business leaders, music and a presentation of gifts to the riverboats’ two captains. “We are thrilled to welcome American Cruise Line’s new American Symphony to the Quad Cities regional destination,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, in a news release. “American Cruise Lines is a vitally important partner of Visit Quad Cities and has been committed to our region for many years. We congratulate them and look forward to celebrating this new amazing asset that will be a meaningful part of our world-renowned Mississippi River.” Accommodating 175 guests, American Symphony features five decks and offers private balcony staterooms and has 91 cabins. The new riverboat has an elegant design which employs a unique use of glass, allowing for grand views throughout the ship. The riverboat also offers spacious lounges, a grand dining room, fitness center and a wellness-yoga studio.

Taking a ride on the American Symphony for an upper Mississippi cruise begins at $4,615 per person, according to the American Cruise Lines website. The riverboat has a crew of 43 and cost $30 million to build, according to the riverboat website cruisemapper.com. During welcoming remarks, Marion Meginnis, Davenport mayor pro-tem and Third Ward alderwoman, gave a brief river history of the area. She added that the new riverboats are now “part of the heritage” of the region. American Symphony is the fifth new modern riverboat American Cruise Lines has introduced in just four years.  American Symphony will be quickly followed in early 2023 by sister ship American Serenade, bringing ACL’s fleet to 17 small ships, exploring in 34 states. The American Melody was launched in September 2021. The vessel first visited the Quad Cities in June.