American Harmony ready for its debut

American Cruise Lines' second modern riverboat, the American Harmony, has arrived at the Port of New Orleans, well ahead of its inaugural cruise on Aug. 17.

The vessel joins the American Song, which launched last year on the Mississippi and is now sailing the Pacific Northwest, as the second of five ships planned in a series that brings European-style riverboats to America for the first time.

The ships are larger than those in Europe, offering some of the largest cabins in the industry.

The American Harmony will have the same design as the Song, with all outward facing cabins with private balconies and features including a multistory glass atrium in the center of the ship and a gangway that retracts from an opening in its bow.

The third ship in the series, the American Jazz, will join the fleet next year.