American Cruise Lines has released a video of the 140-passenger Mississippi River sternwheeler it is building, the Queen of the Mississippi, being launched into water. Click to watch the video.

The vessel is being built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., and after the two lower hull halves were joined together, it was side launched into the water. Now, the third, fourth and fifth decks will be added, in addition to electrical cables, piping and joiner work.

The shipbuilding process is ahead of schedule, according to American Cruise Lines President Charles Robertson.

The Queen of the Mississippi is among the vessels aiming to revive the Mississippi River cruise market, which went dormant when Majestic America Line went belly up a few years back. The Queen’s inaugural sailing will occur in August 2012.

The ship will have 75 staterooms, private balconies, a grand dining salon, a Paddlewheel and Huckleberry Lounge, card room, library, Internet lounge, and several smaller lounges.

American Cruise Lines will operate 7-, 10-, and 14-day cruises as far north as St. Paul, Minn., on the Mississippi River and as far east as Pittsburgh on the Ohio River.