NATCHEZ, Miss. – American Cruise Lines’ plans for building a Natchez dock for its riverboats is moving forward with construction expected to start later this year or in 2026, said CEO Charlie Robertson.
In addition to building a dock that’s estimated to cost up to $4 million, ACL has committed to provide $500,000 for enhancing the Silver Street area along the Mississippi River where boats anchor, said Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson.
Robertson met Tuesday with Gibson and the Natchez Board of Aldermen, which approved the lease for ACL to use the city-owned riverboat landing.
Robertson noted ACL has been bringing its riverboats with tourists to Natchez since 2012, and “We look forward to being in Natchez this year over 100 times and with about 20,000 guests.”
ACL’s wharfing facility at the end of Silver Street has been on the drawing board since 2020. Viking – the other cruise line that brings riverboat visitors to Natchez – has also had plans to build a separate dock there. However, Viking needs to relocate its dock to the boat ramp in front of The Camp restaurant and Under-the-Hill Saloon, Gibson said.
ACL’s docking facility is being built at the family-owned company’s expense, but it will be available for the general public’s use for people to view the river and sunsets, Gibson said.
Robertson said dock construction could begin next autumn or winter but, depending on river levels, “could be as late as next summer.”
The Mississippi River mooring facility’s design and placement are subject for review and approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which regulates river structures, and the Mississippi Department of Archives & History and the Natchez Preservation Commission, which evaluate alterations to historic sites such as the Natchez Under-the-Hill area.
ACL’s fleet of Mississippi River ships include American Melody, American Serenade, American Symphony, American Splendor and American Heritage. The Connecticut-based company pays Natchez a per-passenger fee each time it docks in the city.
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