Canada & New England American Independence (formerly Independence) Canada & New England Cruise Reviews

We, with two other couples who also were celebrating 55 years of marriage, were looking for a domestic, low key, intimate cruise. This well fit the bill although it was quite expensive relative to other luxury options......but we understood a small vessel simply had to be more expensive. The cruise met or exceeded many expectations, friendliness of staff, cleanliness and size of state rooms and ...

Every minute on this cruise was wonderful. I have traveled by car and RV on the Maine coast, but never from a cruise ship. It was just magical. Breathtaking scenery, wonderful meals, deliciously cooked, presented perfectly, and served expertly. So many choices every day for every meal. Lots of excursion options, great speakers on board, all was outstanding. The staff were all helpful, ...

Turn around time for the cruise is only 2 hours and not enough time to get the ship clean in between cruises. WiFi, only available if you stand next to the public router. Staff in the dining room, young and not well-trained. Choose different tables until you find a staff that has experience. Cruise Director and Social Director is very good. We found very nice younger passengers we ...

This was truly Small ship crushing at its finest. We had been on the coast of Maine when we lived in New England and decided seeing it from the water side would be fun and it was great. The dining was all we wanted and more than we expected. The chefs were incredable. The Fourth of July “lobstah” and clam bake by the ocean in Rockland was “all you could eat” goodness. The entertainment was ...

This cruise was chosen so we could see the beautiful coast of Maine and the pretty little towns tucked in the bays. It didn't disappoint-such charming villages and friendly people! The staff on the independence is extraordinary! They are competent, friendly, fun and thoughtful. First Mate Andrew Harrison is skilled, knowledgeable and willing to share information about sea life as we spotted ...

We starting looking at cruises after we both retired last year. Europe was appealing but with all the trouble there we started looking at domestic cruises. Since neither of us had spent any time in Maine we opt'd for this one. From the beggining it was apparent that the everyoen at American Cruise Lines was focused on making this special for us. One week prior to departure i got a email from ...

This is small ship cruising. About 100 passengers. More mature passengers, kids/teens would be bored. Great size for getting into interesting places. Second cruise on this line. Super attentive, available, informal, active crew. Goes out of their way to make you welcome. As an example, the Captain is widely available, and greatly interacts with the passengers. He normally joins the passengers ...

The food was fairly well done. We have been on a lot of European river cruises and the food was, I think a little better. Not too easy to get ice tea. I don't drink any more so no wine for me. The wine was the same low end brand all need guts,but o cannot comment on the quality. There seemed to be plenty of it. Captain could not have been more friendly as were the servers and the cabin girls. Good ...

Embarkation in Portland, Maine went smoothly but upon entering the ship and cabin we were very disappointed. Upon the suggestion of another couple with us, we were led to believe that small ship cruising would have "highly personalized service" and an "accommodating crew will anticipate your every need and provide you with an unequal level of attention". The cruise up the Maine coast was geared ...

Returned from a 6 night New England Island cruise that departed from Providence, RI to celebrate my 60th birthday. We went on a Star Clipper cruise a couple of years ago and realized we really like smaller ships. The Independence has a capacity of about 100, though there were about 74 on our cruise. We found the cruise caters to a much older crowd than what we were looking for. Our fellow ...