American Splendor (formerly America) Review
This is a waste of money. Don't do it!
Rating by category
Additional details
Sounds idyllic. A seven day cruise up the Mississippi on a brand-new paddle wheeler. It isn't...save your money and do something (anything) else.
The few good things I can say are that the crew and most passengers (average age 75!) were very nice. The common areas are well appointed. The rooms are nice.But...
This is expensive! A standard cabin is about $1,000 a day. We had one of the few owner's suites...$2,000 a day! Tiny bathroom, tiny shower, tiny closet. It was directly above the main venue for nightly entertainment and there is no sound insulation. The noise from below the suite was unrelenting until they finally quit...thankfully early at about 10. Only redeeming value was that it had a lot of floor space and a forward-looking view. Other than that, it is the same as all the other cabins. The restaurant is open seating, most are 6 to a table. At dinner time it is so noisy that you must SCREAM to be heard by the person across the table. Food is mediocre...3 choices of appetizer and entre at dinner. Mediocre wines and mediocre service. Mediocre speakers for their programs..
Cabin Review
Large, with forward-facing view and side balcony. TINY closet, shower, and bathroom. Virtually the same as other cabins except for more floor space. 301 (and 302) is directly above entertainment lounge. Very noisy at night. If you MUST take this trip, and are willing to spend $2,000 a day (double the other cabin prices) go up to 4th floor Owners Suite.
Port Reviews
Baton Rouge
A bus ride to St. Francisville. The brochure had promised a stop here, but the itinerary did not have us in port there. Nice plantation. Silly button store visit. Tour guide provided nothing of interest, historically. Just how much she loved her town, etc.
Oak Alley
Beautiful plantation. A bit of walking required. Great on-site guides and the best stop on the cruise.
Natchez
A visit to an old home...piano player...mimosas. Forgettable.
Vicksburg
A bus ride around the battlefield and then dropped at museum. Really should get a private guide and do this right. It deserves some stopping and getting out to see the battle lines, etc. The town, toured on our own in the afternoon, has some nice antique shops on Washington Street and a good restaurant for lunch (10 South) where you eat outside on the top floor, for a great view.
Memphis
We did this on our own. Skipped Graceland. Went to a great Impressionist Museum, saw Beale Street, and the ducks marching at the Peabody Hotel. The Peabody is a beautiful place.