NATCHEZ, Miss. – August 25, 2022 – The City of Natchez will host a christening event for American Symphony, the newest 175-passenger ship in American Cruise Lines revolutionary American Riverboat Series, on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, and featured guests will be MS Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, Miss Mississippi 2018 & Miss USA 2020 Asya Branch, and New Orleans Restaurateur Dickie Brennan.
“We invite everyone to join us on Tuesday as we christen this beautiful ship,” said Dan M. Gibson, Mayor of Natchez. “August 30 will truly be a historic day as Natchez sets course to become the first city in Mississippi to host originating river cruises on the Mississippi River.”
American Cruise Lines, America’s largest domestic cruise company, recently named Natchez the “godmother city” of American Symphony, with the anticipation that Natchez will become its port of origin by 2025. Coupled with the anticipated restoration of commercial air service to Natchez’ airport for the first time in nearly 30 years, this event marks a major step forward for tourism in Southwest Mississippi.
“In addition to hosting thousands of cruise boat visitors arriving just for the day, we will be welcoming them for overnight stays,” Gibson said. “Traditionally, New Orleans and Memphis have been the only cities in our region with this distinction. Natchez will now be added to that list.”
“Natchez is a city on the rise,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “We can’t wait to christen American Symphony and make Natchez her home port.”
Lt. Governor Hosemann, elected in November 2019 with more than 60 percent of the vote, is serving as Mississippi’s 33rd Lieutenant Governor. He previously served as Secretary of State. Committed to serving the public with open and fair government, Lt. Gov. Hosemann advocates for increasing government transparency, growing small businesses, shoring up Mississippi’s roads and bridges, providing better access to healthcare, and ensuring every child receives a high-quality education.
Asya Branch, a native of Booneville, Mississippi, made history by being the first Mississippi representative to win Miss USA. She was also the first African American woman to be crowned Miss Mississippi USA in 2019, one year after serving as Miss Mississippi 2018 in the Miss America pageant system. Ms. Branch is a talented entertainer and public speaker, using her personal success as a means of advocating for criminal justice reform. Having grown up with a father who was in prison, the issue is very personal to her.
Dickie Brennan, Owner and Managing Partner of Dickie Brennan & Company, is a trained chef and third generation New Orleans restaurateur of the renowned Brennan family. Growing up under the tutelage of esteemed Chef Paul Prudhomme, Mr. Brennan helped New Orleans institution Commander’s Palace lead the American Regional Cuisine movement by introducing the world to Cajun and Creole cooking. Mr. Brennan is currently part of the development team behind the pending restoration of the historic Eola Hotel located in downtown Natchez and is expected to be the food-service partner once the iconic hotel reopens.
Who: American Cruise Lines and the City of Natchez
What: Christening of American Cruise Lines’ American Symphony
When: August 30, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. CST
Where: Natchez Convention Center, 211 Main Street, Natchez, MS 39120
Details: A pre-christening event will be held directly before the christening at the Natchez Convention Center at 10:30 a.m. This event is open to the public and will feature a string ensemble, musical selections by the Victory Belles, speeches by distinguished guests, and other festive elements. The actual christening will follow at the Ferry Street Landing on Silver Street. The boat will arrive from New Orleans, which is its current point of origin, and American Symphony’s cruise season will begin on August 27, with the inaugural cruise concluding in Memphis, TN on September 3.
Press Opportunity: Photo opportunities will occur at the pre-event and at the christening, and Lt. Governor Hosemann, Asya Branch and Dickie Brennan, along with Mayor Gibson and Mr. Charles B. Robertson, will be available for interviews as well as other dignitaries and guests.
For more information about Natchez, visit https://bit.ly/3vv8Qez. For more information about American Cruise Lines, visit https://bit.ly/3zRdVk3.
About Natchez
Natchez, Mississippi, founded in 1716, is the oldest city on the Mississippi River, commanding majestic river views from the river’s highest bluffs. Located 80 miles north of Baton Rouge, LA and 90 miles south of Jackson, MS at the terminus of the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez has grown to be one of the country’s most sought-after cultural tourism destinations. Attracting over 670,000 visitors annually from around the world, Natchez is known for its culture and history and is home to more historic structures than any other city of its size in the United States. It is also the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of the South”, “The Biscuit Capital of the World”, and has been cited on many national rankings recently as one of America’s top tour destinations and best historic small towns. Natchez is quickly becoming known also as “The Hollywood of the South” with many movies being filmed in its dramatic locales, and historic growth is currently taking place in this “Jewel of the Mississippi”. For more information about Natchez, visit www.visitnatchez.org or call 800-647-6724.
About American Symphony
The American Symphony is a sister ship to American Melody, the company’s acclaimed 2021 riverboat. Accommodating 175 guests, American Symphony features 5 decks and offers 100% private balcony staterooms, including suites and single rooms. The new riverboat has an elegant design with a stunning use of glass, allowing for unparalleled views throughout the ship. American Symphony also showcases American’s patented opening bow and retractable gangway, as well as the gorgeous 5th deck skywalk with an ellipse that cantilevers dramatically over the café below. American Symphony also offers spacious lounges inside and out, a grand dining room, fitness center, and a wellness-yoga studio.
Ship photos and tours of all American Cruise Lines small ships and riverboats are available at all times on the company’s main website under the “ships” tab. American’s small ship fleet has continued to expand year after year, as the company continues to introduce ground-breaking small ship designs with exceptional accommodations that enhance guests’ experiences on the Mississippi River, the Columbia & Snake Rivers, and across the U.S.A. Since 2017, American Cruise Lines has debuted 2 small cruise ships and 5 new American riverboats, including brand new American Symphony. In 2023, the company plans to introduce 3 more new small ships; another modern riverboat, American Serenade, as well as two, 109-passenger catamaran-hybrid ships, American Eagle and American Glory.
About American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers river cruising and small ship coastal cruising in the U.S.A. Year after year, American continues to launch the newest U.S. built ships and uniquely curated itineraries for exploring and Cruising Close to Home®. On all American’s cruises, guests discover the history, spirit, and culture of the United States aboard a sophisticated fleet of American riverboats and small cruise ships. American operates 15 ships, all accommodating just 100-190 passengers, which cruise more than 35 domestic itineraries in 34 states. American now offers domestic Flat-Rate Airfare for all its U.S. cruises. Learn more at: www.AmericanCruiseLines.com MEDIA INFO: https://www.americancruiselines.com/media
Comments