American Cruise Lines

River Cruises

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U.S.A.

North America River

Mississippi River

US River

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Excellent

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American Heritage (formerly Queen of the Mississippi)

American Splendor (formerly America)

American Independence (formerly Independence)

American Constellation

American Star

American Spirit

American West (formerly Queen of the West)

American Constitution

American Pride

American Harmony

American Song

American Jazz

American Melody

American Symphony

American Eagle (ACL)

American Serenade

Comfortable they provided everything

Palermo (Sicily)

I chose this cruise because friends had booked it based on advice from AAA. I didn’t expect much but was so very happy. I call it a “fun-size” ship because I have only traveled on large ocean cruisers before. It was cute & cozy, very comfortable and up-to-date. I stayed in the owners suite. Friends stayed in th AAC double cabin as well as a single cabin. All were located on Deck 3. All were very comfortable and had plenty of room. The personnel were all phenomenal and really made the trip. We had just one day where we did not pull into a port. The cruise director had lots of activities planned. We were never bored at any time. We all really enjoyed cruising the Mississippi River. My favorite excursion was Houmas House. The food was first rate. The only problem we had was the weight we gained from eating & drinking to our heart’s content!

Loved it!

American Cruise Lines does know how to do it right.  From top to bottom every officer and crew is friendly, the food is never ending and great.  Included is a happy hour each night staffed by generous bartenders.  Cindy was our housekeeper, each day, while we were at breakfast, she would get our room straight and clean.  Stevie and Don, our main entertainment did everything from the 50's to the 80's, country, rock, etc. and light jazz for happy hour.  Probably the best part of the trip was retired Air Force Colonel Michelle (aka Mo); she is so knowledgeable, witty and funny, the lessons and stories made the trip.  

This is our 3rd ACL cruise.  We did enjoy it very much.  I would however caution that because the Ohio River is 981 miles long with 21 locks and another 200 or so miles on the Mississippi some of the port calls are too short.  So, just sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.  If you want full or nearly full days at the port stops this cruise might not be for you.

Ohio River

Crew and staff were very friendly and helpful. Training was extremely poor and turnover in kitchen servers lost 40% over the trip with only 20% refilled. This made the hotel manager and his managers to fill in all over the ship. The hotel manager had to show the room help how to properly turn the room down@ night. The bathroom mirror was never cleaned during the 10 day trip. Our room was directly across from the office. Food was cold, slow serving and hot water for tea was warm (even after we complaint). Our room balcony was extremely dirty and took a full day to clean the 2rd floor from all the insects and dirt. The coaches and operators used were great for the excursions but some tours were cut shorth because of timing. Rooms and bar were great. Breakfast Danish only available on deck 4 not in main dining area. Booked another tour for 2023 and found out the dropped the usual pre hotel stay and was offered to use their hotel for $400+ per person. Little ridicules seeing hotels charge by the room. Excursion to Bat manager charges $15 per senior but they charged charge us $20per person. We had a time change on our trip but only a percentage were made aware and not all rooms had clocks (mine didn't and the couple we travel with didn't as well. While in Cincinnati our team was playing a game (within 200 yds from the ship) , the captain went but no one was told we could go . Our room was musty and we had to have it clean and filter changed. Dining servers were working 15 days and taking naps instead of their lunches. John  (hotel manager) and his staff were great in putting out all these issues but everybody was really blaming executive offices for these conditions. Many people on their first trip with American were very upset with the quality of the cruise, they paid top dollar for a poor experience and will not book again. This was our 4th river cruise and our friends were on their 10th cruise and we agree this was a poor showing for AMERICAN CRUISE LINES -with a motto of (Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly). Last but not lease, we were told no WIFI ON BOARD, They were using wifi on their computers and we could use theirs. The printers were working for the guests who wanted to print their boarding passes.

not happy

American cruise line has been my choice for a wonderful cruise two years. It is so easy to relax on board this ship. I had wonderful excursions they provided with bus just for us to go see at each port of call. The food was always good and service excellent. I loved all the professional entertainment they hired to come aboard and kept us dancing, singing and painting with them. This is a very good company to cruise with. I like to stay in shape with a morning stretch in the weight room and use the elliptical machines. We had coffee and several herbal teas to choose from all day. I will be back for more adventures with them because I loved how well I was cared for. There was always a crew member helping us on and off at each port along out round trip to New Orleans, Louisiana.

My father-in-law had heard our "river stories" as we came home from other American Cruise Line vacations. (We are ALL IN for small ship cruising!)  At the last minute, two weeks before the proposed sailing, we asked him if he wanted to come for his 96th (he is a medical marvel!) birthday.  He 'fretted' about whether he would be able to handle the tours and the airport travel.  4 days before we left he finally gave the 'green light' and I booked the trip.  As single rooms are often booked quickly (because guests are never lonely even if they start out alone!) we were very fortunate that there was still a single room left.

I couldn't have designed the trip to be more perfect.  I am still basking in the utter success and his constant reminders that "I can't thank you enough!" 

 From the very beginning he felt like a 'rock star."  He couldn't get over how attentive all the staff was and how they made him feel "so important".  (This was a common response from guests but we made him think he was extra special!)  Of course wearing his WWII hat was an instant conversation starter from strangers that would soon be our new friends and companions.  (He wasn't the oldest guest - there was a remarkable woman who was 100 cruising with her son!)

When he saw the plush motorcoaches that picked us up from our pre-cruise stay at the Guest House at Graceland (a cocktail and a little rockin' Elvis music in the lobby puts you in the vacation spirit!) he knew he need not worry about getting around.  The bus drivers follow the boat, via land, and effortlessly transport you to excursions.  Each one had a local guide that would give you a history of the city or town you were visiting while you travel to your destination.

If the walk to the top of the pier or to a riverfront museum was a challenging, the crew was always ready to provide you a bottle of water and a golf cart ride to your bus or destination.  

Our Dad, Mario got into the entire flow of the ship experience - from the excellent food (and MORE food!) the availability of top shelf wine and liquor), the destination lectures by historian Jordan Wells, to the different people he met from around the country and the world (England, Scotland and Australia were represented).  He even made souvenirs for his daughter and grand daughter in the arts and craft sessions! (I think it was to be surrounded by alot of 'creative' women!)  And of course he LOVED the daily cocktail hour with "Stevie Fingers" playing Jazz and the nightly entertainment features.

The absolute finale was a visit to the WWII museum in New Orleans where we disembarked.

If he wasn't feeling important before (HE WAS!) he swelled with pride at this excursion.  This is a not to be missed stop if you are in the Lower Mississippi, especially if you have a loved one who was part of the 'Greatest Generation.'  Man, woman or child they all played their part and this experience will give them the perspective of how vital their role was in not just American history, but in the overall freedom of the world.

As a final note, this cruise line hires AN ALL AMERICAN CREW!  It was exciting to see a woman who started out in the dining room get promoted to a pastry chef on the last three days of our cruise and to hear the staff's dreams of moving up within a company that often promotes from within.

Thank you, American Cruise Line and the entire staff of the AMERICAN HERITAGE for making this one of the greatest memories of our father's life!

PERFECT 'BUCKET LIST' CRUISE FOR OUR FATHER

We wanted to travel on the Mississippi and learn about the South and the Civil War.  The cruise and the excursion were reasonably good. but the last day was a disaster.   We docked in Tunica Mississippi which was 45 miles from downtown Memphis.  We were not advised of this change in advance and had signed up for two bus tours to see Memphis and the museums.  We spent over four hours total driving between Tunica and Memphis with the result that we did not get to see the Sun Records museum in  the afternoon and most of the other attractions that were advertised for this tour.  The staff's  response was that "we couldn't have helped this," but if we had been advised in advance we could have made arrangements to stay in Memphis and taken an afternoon bus back to the ship.   Staff's response was inexcusable particularly when were not advised in advance about the extended travel time to Memphis.  We were considering booking another cruise on American Cruise Lines, but this last day experience changed our minds.

Reasonably Good Cruise until the Last Day.

In March 2022 My husband and I took a wonderful Cruise on American CruiseLine. The trip was on the American Heritage, and we traveled down the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans. 

We began our trip exploring on our own. I wish I had taken the precruise option.  Many people I met did and had an awesome experience. We visited a few places on our own. We went to Sun Studios, and Beale Street to hear some great Blues and sample the barbeque. All were wonderful but we missed the great experience of Graceland. People who took the pre-cruise package stayed at the Graceland hotel! 

We boarded the ship and were pleasantly surprised at the ease in boarding. We were checked in and enjoying food almost immediately. I have done several American CruiseLine trips (Hudson River, Pugent Sound, and St Lewis to Nashville) before, so I was aware of the floorplan and felt comfortable immediately. The rooms are very spacious, and we had a balcony. It was spotlessly clean. This was my first cruise since Covid began so I was very concerned with covid protocols. We were all vaccinated but most of us wore masks anyway. All of the staff did for sure. 

The first stop was Vicksburg. My husband is a Civil War buff so we, of course, went to the Battleground. Even I found it fascinating. The guides we excellent! It was a bus tour but we got on and off to hear commentary of specific battles. The monuments were visible from the bus.  

That afternoon we went to see the USS Ciaro, an iron clad gun boat from the Civil War. The ship and museum were incredible. I had no idea so many immigrants were involved in our civil war. We also visited the Coca Cola Museum, and the Depot Museum. Both really cool. 

The second stop was Nanchez. 

We went on the Nanchez Shuttle. We went to Rosalie House the visitors center and shopping. This is one of many complimentary excursions the ship offered. I love how we can have a wonderful cruise without a lot of additional costs for excursions. If I went back I would do the Great River Outdoor Adventure. Everyone loved that! You get your own ATV and see a lot of the ranch. Then they had tomahawk throwing, bullwhip and lasso... sounded like a blast.  

Third stop Saint Francisville  Her we went to Myrtles Plantation, It is just beautiful. It is surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass. But best of all it is Haunted.. Great tour. 

Next on our journey we went to Baton Rouge.  Here we were able to go off the ship and walk along the water to visit the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. We spent hours there. They have a planetarium, a Mummy in a recreated cave and changing art that included amazing artworks created with iridescent bugs! I am an artist so I loved it there. 

Stop four: Houmas House. This place was gorgeous! The architecture beautiful, furnishings wonderful and my favorite part, the gardens were breathtaking. I loved all the original art and sculpture. 

Stop five: Oak Alley Plantation  is a historic plantation located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It is named for its canopied path, created by a row of southern live oak trees on each side of the entrance walkway. planted in the early 18th century. Much of t’s colorful story is based on the history of slavery on sugar plantations. It is a must see. 

We completed our tour in New Orleans. I have been there many times before so I did not do any tours there but as a person who loves the unusual I highly recommend you stay a few days extra. 

NOLA is unsurpassed in yummy food, grilled oysters, beignets and muffuletas. Don’t miss the French Market for last minute gifts and souvenirs'. 

We absolutely loved this trip and would highly recommend it to everyone.

Cruising through History with some Music on the Side

We were looking for an escape but our business schedule only allowed room to travel on the week of February 26-March 5.  I had poured over the American Cruise Line book and realized that the most practical and available cruise was returning to the Mississippi on the newly named and redesigned American Heritage.  

We had been on the ship (formerly known as the Queen of the Mississippi) a year ago and were looking forward to seeing the renovations.  I loved the fact that they didn’t take away the “old world charm” in the main gathering areas, instead keeping the ambience of a paddle wheeler parlor with new furnishings and carpets.  The American design team got this right!

The 4th floor sky lounge (aft) was also redecorated with a sunny atmosphere.  American Cruise Line also utilizes this space as an alternative place to get a fast breakfast or lunch. This proved extremely popular with the guests and the buffet was well attended, with many opting to take their food outside to dine.

The cruise directors, Frankie and Fernando, utilized the outdoor space with new options for early risers.  (I CANNOT ADMIT to participating and only caught the tail end of the ‘mindful breathing’ after I went to grab a cup of tea!) For those who do “seize the day” and the early morning hours I have been told it was a great bonding experience and photo opportunity to watch and capture the sunrise (that I routinely slept through!)

My personal epiphany, after making the choice to come back to the Mississippi, instead of a new itinerary, was that you are fooling yourself if you think you have “seen it all.”  Most importantly, as I sat with my newly made friends in the River Lounge enjoying a nice glass of shiraz and sampling hors d’oeuvres it occurred to me that each cruise is entirely different because of these social interactions, and the itineraries are secondary.

In our ‘river bubble’ it is the crew and guests that become our new family – at every step the staff are striving to give us the best experience.  Patricia in the dining room made a point to politely visit each table to make sure the guests are enjoying their meal while keeping an eye on her team and assisting or directing where needed to provide a seamless dining experience for the guests.

The lower Mississippi always has new things to see and learn and Mikalla and Christina carefully plan the excursions so you feel like you have your own personal tour guide making all the tedious arrangements for you.

In summary, I now understand why I made a reservation on an ocean cruise and cancelled it 9 hours later.  I realized it is the SMALL SHIP EXPERIENCE that I have come to embrace.  I love the fact that you can interact with the hotel officers on a personal level (Lydia, Guest Relations Manager or the Hotel Manager, Tammy, at any time could be serving you your drink at the bar).  “Everybody knows your name” is not just a cliché, it is a fact, and this professional crew, coupled with new friends, is the MAIN REASON that I would choose an American Cruise Line Vacation, again and again, to whatever port the river may take me!

Newly named "AMERICAN HERITAGE" debuts on the Mississippi

This is the site of a horse training facility, where the owner, a wonderful ambassador for Natchez, takes problem horses from all over the world and trains them with trust and respect.  We got an amazing demonstration from an ‘equine client’ who was climbing and jumping through an obstacle course.

We were assigned 4-wheelers and had a vigorous ride through the grounds, on both flat land and up and down hills and ravines.  My favorite stop was feeding the cows in the pasture – especially the favorite bovine, Fred, who posed for a great close up for this review!

The fun continued with ax throwing, machete throwing and lessons on roping.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND scheduling this adventure if you visit Natchez!

The Swamp tour was another memorable excursion.  I never had an hour go by so fast as we were looking left to right at alligators, turtles, and a family of racoons feeding on the riverbank.  If you want to feel ‘life on the bayou’ this tour is a must see! We took to the river on American Heritage’s maiden voyage of 2022, after having the interior totally refurbished, for a tour of the Lower Mississippi.

The staff was amazing – attentive is an understatement.  This crew brought their A-game with a healthy does of enthusiasm!  They worked TIRELESSLY to accommodate everyone’s needs – whether overcoming accessibility challenges on excursions for guests, making sure a guest’s favorite ice cream or beverage was available, to helping cruisers with their future travel plans.

Accolades to the senior staff: Tammy Leo, the hotel manager, Lydia in guest relations, and Frankie and Fernando, the cruise directors, who added a variety of choices on the ‘River Rundown’ each day to accommodate varied interests: lectures on ports, local customs and the history of the Mississippi; games, movies, scavenger hunts, stretching classes, and classes by a guest artist.

You could be as busy as you chose to be with morning and afternoon excursions available or relax on the sundecks.

The food was consistently amazing.  Cheers for the chef!  If you didn’t want to have a meal in the main dining room, you could eat in the Sky Lounge where they had a buffet set up for each meal as well as snacks all the time. (Homemade cookies, anyone?)

My absolute favorite excursion was in Natchez where we embarked by bus for the GREAT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE at Circle D Ranch.

A special mention has to be made for the house musicians: The Professors of Pop.  I am a musician myself who played professionally for over 40 years.  I was amazed at the variety and depth of music they could play on their planned performances or, later in the evening, by request.

An awesome cruise which began with a fully engaged staff and always hit the mark with excursion options, musical talent, awesome food and great conversations with other guests.

AMERICAN HERITAGE DEBUTS ON THE MISSSISSIPPI

So many previous passengers had recommended American Cruise Line ships that I had to see for myself.  River cruising has always been  one of my favorite vacations.  ACL topped them all . The dining was superb serving the most thought- through meals every day morning, noon and night. The waiters were so attentive  and  informative about everything being served.  The dining room as well as the entire ship  was immaculate.

The tours were excellent sharing parts of our country that would have been  difficult to see on your own. They really made me appreciate  our country even more actually experiencing the places and conditions our forefathers  experienced. 

Since almost all of the cabins had balconies it made it extremely  relaxing to just  sit outside and enjoy the scenery,  The cabins were spotless and comfortable with plenty of room .The activities were very interesting especially the speaker and crafts that were offered. The speaker was so informative about the ports and tours and the crafts were fun and interesting.

I would highly recommend that these  trips be at the top of you vacations.

A Little Bit Heaven

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