Chesapeake delivers third modern riverboat to American Cruise Lines

Acl American Jazz 20201copy

From American Cruise Lines:

(GUILFORD, Conn.) — Following successful sea trials, American Cruise Lines has accepted delivery of the riverboat American Jazz from Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md. The 190-passenger American Jazz is the latest in American’s series of five new modern riverboats and will be added to the company’s fleet on the Mississippi River.

American’s building plans have continued at full strength despite this year’s pause in cruising, underscoring the line’s confidence in domestic U.S. small ship cruising.

“American Jazz and the modern riverboats we currently have under construction demonstrate our commitment to leading the U.S. river cruise market by adding new small ships each year,” said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO of American Cruise Lines. “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.”

American’s small ship fleet has expanded year after year, as the company continues to introduce innovative small ship designs with accommodations that enhance guests’ experiences on the Mississippi River, the Columbia and Snake rivers, and across the U.S. Since 2017, American Cruise Lines has debuted five new ships, expanding its overall fleet to 12 ships in 2020, with more newbuilds coming in 2021 and 2022.

Last week, with the U.S. Coast Guard aboard, American Jazz successfully underwent speed trials, an endurance run, and was thoroughly tested in all areas of safety and maneuverability. The new ship possesses the latest safety equipment, as well as the most environmentally friendly technology in the industry. American Jazz is the line’s third modern riverboat following the successful launches of American Harmony in 2019 and American Song in 2018.

The line's third modern riverboat will showcase a collection of artwork by New Orleans-based artist Greg Creason, including original oil paintings and sculptures commissioned by American.

American Jazz features a patented opening bow and retractable gangway, as well as a multistory glass atrium in the center of the ship. American Jazz offers several spacious interior lounges, a grand dining room, fitness center, and a new wellness-yoga studio. Providing spaces for social distancing, American Jazz and all American’s new ships are designed with numerous outdoor lounges, including casual outdoor dining cafes and expansive top sundecks.

Accommodations aboard American Jazz include standard staterooms from 300 to 350 square feet — l with full-size sliding glass doors and private furnished balconies. The new ship also offers suites up to 650 square feet, as well as single staterooms at 250 square feet. American Jazz is 100 percent private balcony, and offers independent HVAC air systems in each stateroom and all interior spaces on board (with no shared duct work).

By Professional Mariner Staff