Madison Welcomes American Cruise Lines to Indiana
Madison, Indiana (July 19, 2024) – Today marks a historic day for Madison as we proudly welcome American Cruise Lines’ American Melody and American Heritage boats to our port for the first time. This inaugural port of call celebrates a partnership between the City of Madison, Visit Madison, Inc., and American Cruise Lines to enhance the Madison riverfront and American Cruise Lines guests’ experience. This partnership includes the establishment of the first modern cruise docking on the Ohio River and in the State of Indiana.
“We’re thrilled to have American Melody and American Heritage together in Madison for the first time to mark the start of our bright future together. We believe strongly in the tourism potential of the Ohio River and are grateful for a partnership to build tourism infrastructure in your community. We want our riverboats to celebrate Madison and each of the Ohio River towns for years to come,” said Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO, American Cruise Lines.
American Cruise Lines, the largest river cruise line in the United States, will visit Madison five times this year and 11 times next year. Each visit brings an influx of tourism dollars, with an average spend of approximately $27,000 per visit in direct tourism revenue for our community.
American Cruise Lines' visits to Madison will last an average of 12 hours, allowing guests to experience the charm of Madison both day and night. Visitors will have the opportunity to shop and stroll through the historic district, where they can discover unique boutiques and local crafts, adding a touch of excitement to their visit. As the sun sets, Madison's vibrant nightlife and live music scene will offer an inviting atmosphere, showcasing the best of our community's culture and entertainment.
“Visit Madison is excited to work with American Cruise Lines to provide their guests with an outstanding experience in our community. The premium experiences that we will help cultivate for them will result in a positive economic impact for our events, restaurants, and retail businesses, and draw these guests back to visit Madison again,” said Visit Madison Executive Tourism Director Andrew Forrester.
The collaboration with American Cruise Lines goes beyond immediate economic benefits. It represents a substantial capital investment in Madison's riverfront infrastructure, ensuring long-term enhancement and sustainability. The modern cruise docking facility will accommodate American Cruise Lines' fleet and position Madison as a premier destination on the Ohio River.
"We are thrilled to welcome American Cruise Lines to Madison, marking a new chapter in our city's history. The investment in our riverfront will ensure that Madison remains a vibrant and attractive destination for visitors, both now and for future generations. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will bring to our city," said Madison’s Mayor Bob Courtney.
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American Cruise Lines is the largest river cruise line with 19 ships operating solely in the United States and the only American-owned and operated cruise line. The company was founded in 1972 by shipbuilder Charles A. Robertson and his wife Carol, who built the company from the ground up. American Cruise Line is known for its small ships, personalized service, and enriching experiences.