We had a wonderful “small ship” experience on the American Cruiselines Queen of the Mississippi. The food was fabulous and the crew was top-notch. The ship was only a couple of years old, so rooms were comfortable size and bathrooms were clean and up to date. We had a room with a balcony, which offered space for a nice table and chairs for eating with a spectacular view, or to just enjoy the peacefulness of the river. Once on the ship we didn’t have to pay for another thing! Shore excursions at each stop were included at no additional charge and offered a variety of enrichment opportunities from museums, art and history to local flavor. At St. Louis, the boat docked right under the arch! All drinks on board were free, from soda and juices, to bottles of wine at each table for dinner. At the evening entertainment we were offered popcorn, ice cream sundaes and cookies and open bar. And then there were the cocktail parties every afternoon. We can’t say enough nice things about this trip. After 20+ cruises on Princess this trip was expected to be just a short fill-in. Boy, did we have a great time! With a passenger count of about 125 people, we experienced personalized service with an extremely happy crew. We booked another trip with American Cruiselines before we disembarked. Can’t wait to go again! Read Less

Wanted to do a river cruise, but didn't want to fly to Europe. Shopped for itineraries, and decided on the Mississippi. Shopped Cruise lines and decided on American Cruise Line. It was a really good package, including a pre-cruise hotel in St. Louis, all-inclusive cocktails and wine, highly rated cuisine, relatively new river boat, and an itinerary that sounded interesting. All-in-all, it matched our desire for a pleasant, relaxing vacation. Came home rested....not exhausted. It was an "age appropriate" experience for us They fed us well, kept us entertained with river talks, wildlife talks, evening entertainment by two very enjoyable entertainers, plus guest entertainers. It was all quite low key, with no high energy razzle dazzle to wear us out. The excursions were all nice, considering that the destinations weren't very exotic. Interesting, but no Taj Mahal.....or Eiffel Tower. We met many very nice folks along the way, and everyone on board seemed to be in the same mellow place as us. Loved it. Would highly recommend it for any active seniors. Read Less

We wanted to live like Mark Twain and watch the world go by while cruising the Mississippi. Our experience was exactly what we wanted! We spent most of our days out on our balcony, eating breakfast, reading and enjoying beautiful scenery. Being pampered by the staff was just a bonus. The food was delicious and the menus were very interesting. Vegan foodies will also enjoy the dining experience. There were a variety of activities aboard like daily river talks, warm cookies, bingo, family feud and happy hour. All of the various lounges were very comfortable with lots of seating and configurations for playing games or cards. The laundry facilities were first rate, and we were even provided the detergent and fabric sheets for free. The exercise room had many pieces of equipment, but most people got their exercise by walking up or down the stairs, which were not too steep and easy to use. We highly recommend this tour! Read Less

This was my second cruise with American Cruise Lines. I was a solo female traveler. I gave myself two days in downtown Pittsburgh and enjoyed myself very much. I stayed at the same hotel as the cruise line's designated night-before stay and appreciated that the hotel transition was smoothly done (Hampton Inn Downtown). We hit a snag the first day; we had to be bused down to Marietta, Ohio (three hours) as the ship could not get into Pittsburgh (too high of water, I believe). This was my first encounter with such a drastic schedule change (this is my fourth river cruise) but I found in speaking with other passengers that it happens. My single cabin was clean and roomy enough for my stuff. I loved having my own balcony! There were lots of places on the ship to go and enjoy the River (inside and outside lounges). I loved JoAnn and Steve who showed their love of the River in their talks and they were great entertainers! I loved the food. I took full advantage of the port and shore excursions (many complimentary) and enjoyed them. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Churchill Downs. I knew next to nothing about the Kentucky Derby and enjoyed learning about it. We were not there during the racing season but got to see some horses during their morning workout. Our young lady guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It is generally an older crowd and I found many pleasant table companions. Read Less

On July 7th this year, my wife and I boarded the American Cruise Line Queen of the Mississippi for what we thought was going to be a wonderful and relaxing Ohio River cruise experience as promise by the information advertised on the latest sales catalog and expecting a nice relaxing and adventurous cruise. Unfortunately, this cruise was the cruise from HELL. My wife and I are seasoned cruisers (Large Ships, European river cruising and American Cruise Line). This was the worse cruise we have ever taken as well as being taken to the cleaners by ACL. Before you book with American Cruise line please check out “American Queen Cruises”. www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com Please read all the negative comments and you will find mine similar to the problem’s others had. We contracted ACL for 10 stops and a cruise itinerary that resulted in stopping at all of the schedules cities as advertised in their cruise catalog, instead we cruised the river for more than 5 days and missed stops and excursions in 4 cities and only 1 day in Louisville instead if 2. Other MAJOR Issues: Dining & Food served On the first day, ACL’s the head chef came to 0ur table and told everyone if you wanted something special cooked let him know and he would prepare it: THAT WAS LIE #1. On about the 5th day for lunch I requested shrimp and grits which is a staple served on the America (another ACL BOAT). Our server (who was really wonderful and professional) came and told me he did not know how to prepare it. 2 days later it was on the menu – this time our server told us was he did not have all the ingredients the first time. Let’s break this one out – Grits, served every day at breakfast (which I had every morning) – shrimp – served with a number of meals – Cajon spices – most soups he prepared had Cajon spices incorporated in them I guess if you are going to lie to ACL’s passengers at least he needs to get his lies straight. On this cruise, this was some of the worse meals I have ever had (this is my 10th cruise both in the US and Europe). I was unable to consume at least 5 meals served – the meals served were not fit for human consumption – other guests were also complaining about food coming out of the kitchen. In 2 of the cities we stopped at, my wife and I had to go off the ship and dine at the local establishments to get a quality meal. ACL’s cook (he was not a chef in any stretch of the imagination) put out some of the world’s worse meals I have ever had in my life. The cook was probably fired from a CCC level diner. Unethical & Lack of Integrity with ACL’s Personnel Upon going to our stateroom, we were greeted by Guest Services Manager in our stateroom. We had asked her to replace the Pinot Noir wine with a Merlot which she did. Towards the end of the cruise, July 16, when I had had enough of the poor food coming out of the kitchen. So, at lunch I asked our server for a simple cheeseburger. We were discussing the cheeseburger with our server when the Guest Services Manager came up in a huff and asked what the problem was. I explained all I wanted was a simple cheeseburger. The guest services manager became ugly and tried to bully me into eating what was severed on that meal. I immediately got up and went and searched for the Hotel Manager. I was explaining to him the situation and told him I wanted to file a complaint against the guest services manager for what she did and wanted it in her personnel file. About half way through our conversation. The Guest Services Manager stomped up to us and broke into our conversation and started shooting her moth off very rudely. That was the last straw. I called and filed a formal complaint with the Manger for the Ohio and Mississippi river. Nothing happened. Later that evening I noticed the Merlot was gone. A staff member came in our room and STOLE the wine. So, now ACL has a member of their staff entering a guest room (outside of housekeeping) without our permission and stealing our wine. So not only did they enter illegally but also committed theft. Cruise issues The regional manager for the Ohio and Mississippi river came on board and talked to the passengers during the cruise trying to explain that there were issues with the river and we were going to miss some of our stops and the schedule was going to change slightly. Several passengers inquired on what authority this decision was made. The regional manager for the Ohio and Mississippi tried to evade the question and point back to corporate. The passenger’s inquiring about the source of information were getting irritated and wanted a substantial answer. I observed the regional manager for the Ohio and Mississippi and watched him continually lie through his teeth to ACL’s paying passengers. He talked to us like we were dumb and stupid and would believe whatever we were told because as he said came from corporate. The passengers asking the questions were highly intelligent people So, is this the new ACL Company Model, take the passenger’s money, change the schedule on the fly, lie to the ACL guests, steal item’s out of their room, bully the guests, feed them food not served at any decent restaurant? There was another couple we met that had their air conditioner leak and drip water in their bed. ACL refused to correct the issue. Their solution – put a bucket in your bed to catch the water. Ships Amenities Cabins The cabins were very small and the bathrooms were the size of two port-a-potties next to each other. The shower was so tiny a large person could not fit into it. House keeping made the bed and replaced the towels and nothing else. This was the poorest house keeping service I have seen in all of our cruising. Cappuccino Machine in the Sky lounge. A paying passenger would expect little things like a Cappuccino Machine to be functional 24x7, especially in a lounge most used by them. The Cappuccino Machine in the Sky Lounge never worked from day one and then after 5 days of complaints the crew removed and never replaced it. When guests asked the crew about when the Cappuccino Machine would be fixed – their reply was “You can use the one in the Wheel House Lounge” -- Really, go down 2 decks because ACL can’t provide something as simple as a working Cappuccino Machine. Ship’s Maintenance Crews washing Sky Lounge in morning while cruising. A couple of days while cruising the passengers were unable to sit outside of the Sky Lounge because the crew was power washing the windows and getting the outside flooring material soaking wet, which basically made the area (a shaded area) totally unusable (unless you wanted wet feet– wet socks, water absorption footwear, etc.) until it dried hours later. 3 of the 5 days while cruising the crew had a very loud compressor going around the Shy Lounge and the deck above which made it very uncomfortable to relax. The burning question I have – why didn’t the crew do the window cleaning and maintenance while in port when most of ACL’s guest were on shore or excursions? Was it necessary to disturb and irate paying customers? Tours The tours were grossly misrepresented and some were missed. This is another example of how ACL defrauded the passengers. Final I brought all of the to the attention to the Senior executives of ACL. Neither did I hear back, they did not return my phone calls or offer us any compensation. They just wanted our money. One thing they made very clear to us and our credit card company who tried hard to get out money back – OUR LAWYERS ARE BIGGER THEN YOURS SO GOOD LUCK. So, once you give them your money it is gone for good. ACL is just a greedy corporation that care mire about revenue that their customers. Hell will freeze over before we will cruise with American Cruise Lines again!! Read Less

Boat and service was very good at first. But did not follow the itinerary and had to disembark a day early and was bussed 4 hrs to Pittsburgh. The itinerary called for cruising at night but captain would not. If they won’t follow the basic itinerary in ACL Cruise Guide then change it. Lost a full day aboard ship. Letter of complaint was not responded to. Sad. We did very much enjoyed the accommodations, food, service and would have liked to see the 3 ports we missed. Our dissatisfaction is with the home office and the captain. He claimed that the river was too high and strong current. But river heights were normal. He also claimed there was too much drift wood in the river. I and other passengers saw none. The trip should have started in Louisville in order to make it to Pittsburgh. This was our second cruise on ACL. The first was of Maine coast. Excellent Read Less

We are quite elderly and didn't want the hassle of flying to Europe - this was a perfect solution for us - and it was easy and pleasant and educational - the amenities were excellent as was the service - altogether a delightful trip! We also met nice people on board - fun to sit with different ones every meal. We would certainly consider another trip on American Cruise Lines. There were no children on our cruise, but I am sure children would love it too - the waters were smooth and no one got seasick - and the boat was big enough so that children would never be a nuisance by being under foot. We loved the whole idea of this trip and would certainly consider going again to another part of the United States - in fact I am looking forward to doing that soon! A great vacation! Read Less

I am an experienced cruiser who knows the coasts and many international destinations, but never have been on or around the Mighty Mississippi. This cruise offered a comfortable ship with an interesting itinerary. The 8-day, 7-night package included a pre-cruise overnight hotel in downtown New Orleans, allowing some time to explore and an easy transfer to Queen of the Mississippi. To see more of New Orleans, I strongly suggest adding 1 or 2 more days in the Big Easy. There is lots to do and see in New Orleans. The Queen is beautiful with cabins like a modern cruise ship and nearly non-stop food opportunities. We sailed with 148 guests, close to capacity. The dining room, lounges and functions accommodated us all without overcrowding. The itinerary was New Orleans to Memphis, with stops every day but one. The river was pleasant, but carries almost exclusively commercial traffic in the lower Mississippi. Lots of tows and barges. Most of the offered excursions were complimentary, and many of them were so-so. Some felt crowded. Ask about "signature excursions" when you call. I didn't go on the "VIP Graceland" excursion and can't comment on that one. My favorite excursion was the Vicksburg battlefield guided tour. Awesome, but would be better if you could get off the coach more often. Dining was excellent; don't plan on losing weight. The cabin review follows. Free wireless internet is available and on par with most cruise ships. It always worked but could get pretty slow, especially during peak hours. A fitness center is available, as is a small guest laundry (free) with 2 washers and 2 dryers. Forget the casinos and swimming pools, it's a small ship. Should you go upriver or downriver? There is a strong current in the Mississippi. It takes a lot of power to go upstream and maintain an itinerary. This means a certain amount of shaking/vibration at high power. I didn't mind, but some cruisers complained about it. A cabin toward the bow is better in this regard. Shouldn't be a issue downstream. We had a great historian and pianist to illuminate the cruise. We also had an excellent banjo/bass combo that everyone enjoyed. The only miss (my opinion) was a jazz combo that made me think of hotel lounges and leisure suits. But they weren't bad. Debarkation was by 8:00 am on departure day. You can book an airport transfer if you want one. If you debark in Memphis, you can expect to arrive at the close-by airport by 9:00 am. I'm glad I took this cruise. Read Less

I wanted to learn more about life on the lower Mississippi now compared to Huck Finn's era, the use of paddle boats and southern plantations. Embarkation was smooth, luggage was treated well and delivered promptly. Disembarkation was very early in the morning and luggage must be in the hall before going to bed on the last night. There were five decks and an 8 person elevator that serve them all. Only 30 percent of the 8 days was ship movement, mostly at night, on this trip. The average age of the 147 passengers was about 65 with the youngest at age 26 year. Thus, not much entertainment for children. Attractions were: Tour of the pilot's room, entertainment every evening, all costs aboard ship were included, NO tipping on the ship, motor coaches pre-arranged for on shore attractions. Admission to on shore sites were of three price categories: 1. Included such as Vicksburg Civil War battlefield admission 2. Medium price ==> $40 to $70 for plantation visits 3. High price (Elvis Pressley's Graceland at $140) The extra benefit there was VIP status which included going to the head of the line, seeing a couple of extra sites, a $15 coupon toward food, souvenirs etc. A great vacation because you can travel without unpacking. Read Less

This was our 11th cruise with American Cruise Lines so we are clearly fans of the concept and experience. You have to understand what you are buying into - same price as Silversea, etc. but a totally different vibe. Yes, wine and beer at lunch and dinner, but nothing high end and very limited selection. One day the bulk chardonnay was not unpacked and the next day it was not chilled. Yes, some top shelf spirits at 5:30 cocktail hour. You book this cruise line for a domestic cruise experience without international airports, very small ships, the opportunity to socialize with other well traveled adults, and get acquainted with the robust young American staff. We will go again - already booked for September in New England - but there were some niggling problems this trip which made my overall rating Very Good instead of Excellent. The chef on this trip was excellent and the food was wonderful. Beverage service, i.e. water and coffee was slow and sometimes we had to ask multiple times for refills or even first cup of coffee with dessert. Pastry chef was great - don't miss the chocolate fudge layer cake, now seems to be a weekly American Cruise Lines tradition on any trip. We picked the same waitress at most meals and she was sweet but undertrained and we had to ask several times for butter, hot sauce and other things which should have been on the table. Ports were small southern towns and there was lots of scenery and quiet traveling. The musical entertainment every night was special and professional - we loved the Victory Belles and the Dan Knowles/Eddie Coffey duo. A real plus this year was extra golf carts in the ports for transport over rough terrain (river levees) to the tour buses - a much needed benefit for a somewhat older traveling crowd. Read Less