Chesapeake Shipbuilding delivers American Jazz riverboat

The 190-passenger American Jazz is the latest in a planned series of five modern-style riverboats and is scheduled to debut on the Mississippi. It follows 2019's American Harmony and 2018's American Song.

American said its building plans have continued at full strength, underscoring the line’s confidence in US small-ship cruising and its commitment to introducing new vessels each year.

'Tremendous' outlook for 2021

'The outlook for 2021 is tremendous and we look forward to American Jazz’s first full season on the Mississippi, as well as the introduction of American Melody, the next new ship to follow in our modern riverboat series,' President & CEO Charles B. Robertson said.

Since 2017, American has debuted five new ships, expanding its overall fleet to 12 in 2020, with more newbuilds coming in 2021 and 2022.

Last week, with US Coast Guard officials aboard, American Jazz successfully underwent speed trials, an endurance run and tests in all areas of safety and maneuverability.

Expanses of glass, new wellness/yoga studio

Rising six decks, American Jazz employs vast expanses of glass, allowing for views throughout the ship. Other hallmarks of the modern series include a patented opening bow and retractable gangway and a multistory glass atrium in the center of the ship. Public rooms include several lounges, a grand dining room, fitness center and a new wellness/yoga studio.

Providing space for social distancing, American Jazz and all American’s new ships are designed with numerous outdoor lounges, including casual outdoor cafés and expansive top sun decks. All accommodations and interior spaces have independent HVAC systems, with no shared duct work.

Accommodations include roomy standard staterooms of 300 square feet to 350 square feet, all with sliding glass doors and private furnished balconies. The new ship also offers suites up to 650 square feet and single staterooms at 250 square feet (available without a single supplement).

Artwork by New Orleans' Greg Creason

The vessel will showcase a collection of artwork by New Orleans-based Greg Creason, including original oil paintings and sculptures commissioned by American.