American Cruise Lines investing millions in pier and dock under the hill
Published 1:08 pm Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- American Cruise Lines’ Natchez dock will likely be similar to its dock at the Port of Kalama on the Columbia River, north of Portland, Oregon. (Submitted)
NATCHEZ — Charlie Robertson, CEO of American Cruise Lines, joined the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen today in their meeting via Zoom and announced his company’s plans to invest between $3 and $4 million on a pier and dock on the Mississippi River.
The dock will be under the hill on Ferry Street, off Silver Street.
In addition, Robertson said his company will give the city up to $500,000 to beautify Silver Street.
Robertson’s company operates three riverboats on the Mississippi River — the American Melody, the American Serenade and the American Symphony. Together, they dock in Natchez more than 100 times a year and bring more than 20,000 visitors a year to the city.
“We are really excited about it (the pier and dock),” Robertson said. “We thank you for having us in Natchez since 2012.
American Cruise Lines also pays the city a per-passenger fee each time it docks here.
Robertson said he would share the dock’s concept drawings immediately. However, because of the planning and work involved, it will likely be “next summer before we are driving piles.”
Gibson said American Cruise Lines is the largest American-owned cruise line operation.
“Charlie is the second-generation owner of the company,” he said. “Thank you for all the years of bringing people in first-class style to Natchez.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, the aldermen unanimously approved a lease agreement with American Cruise Lines for the Ferry Street property.
“We have sent a letter to Viking, welcoming them to continue to use the Ferry Street dock while it is available,” Gibson said. “We told them in the letter we are ready to work with you and we can’t wait for you to build your dock and Natchez can have two docks on the river.”
In other business on Tuesday, Cole Crozier, Meridian Waste’s Mississippi and West Alabama director of operations, introduced himself to the Board of Aldermen.
Meridian Waste last year purchased Arrow Disposal Services Inc. and the city’s waste collection contract.
Crozier brought with him Jimmy Moore and Darryl Stewart, long-time ADSI employees who oversee Meridian Waste’s Natchez operation.
“The majority of the group that runs Meridian Waste — our CEO and COO — have ties to Mississippi. I was born in Brookhaven,” Crozier said. “I look forward to working with everyone here.”
Gibson and several aldermen complimented Moore and Stewart on their work.
“We get a few calls at City Hall, but not many,” Gibson said. “Those we do get, Darryl Stewart takes care of immediately. Y’all have a jewel here in Darryl. Not all communities have someone like Darryl Stewart. He really does the job.”
Ward 2 Alderman Billie Joe Frazier thanked Stewart and Moore and said they are very responsive when needed.
“Ward 2 and all of the city are pleased with the job you all do,” Frazier said.