My wife and I chose this cruise because the Upper Mississippi River is so beautiful and the cities along the way, quaint and charming. American Cruise Lines offered just what we wanted. Their ship, American Melody one of their newest, was extraordinary. We started our journey in St Louis and traveled to Hannibal, MO the home of Mark Twain. "Mark" joined our cruise and gave lectures and tours on the history of Hannibal and Twain all the way to St Paul MN. The ship navigated the waters and locks each night leaving most of the days available for touring when in port. While on board the American Melody we were hosted by a remarkable crew. We chatted Captain, Officers and Managers. The crew took care of all our needs from dining to staterooms, from touring to just helping us. Courtesy was their mantra. The food was great and presented very professionally by the galley and wait staffs. The American Melody is something to see. Everything sparkled, a credit to the crew who were just showing just how proud they were being on board. Our stateroom was more than adequate with a bathroom that was large by any standard. The furnishings top notch and the colors just right. The American Melody showed us that American Cruise Lines had another winner.