We booked this cruise with a friend. Always wanted to see the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, we only had about 2/3 of the river experience before we were diverted to bus travel. A member of our party called American to verify that we would get the total cruise experience (due to the low river), and was reassured that everything was in place for a complete experience. We checked in at our designated hotel the night before, and our documents informed us that we would get as far as Vicksburg. amd would then be forced to travel on buses to finish our trip to Memphis.

Saturday, we had a buffet breakfast in the Intercontinental Hotel, which was good, and so was the help. We were then loaded in subgroups onto buses for the trip to the boat. Embarkation was uneventful, and efficient. The cabin was roomier than most, but the bathroom was tight and minimal. Storage was better than most, as well.

Sunday, we were at Houmas House, and Monday in Baton Rouge. Meals were staffed by mostly new and inexperienced, but very friendly staff. The quality of the meals was all over the board. Tuesday was St. Francisville was next. Wednesday was Natchez, MS, which has a beautuful basilica, and wonderful residents, who were very friendly and helpful. Day 6 was Vicksburg, where the boat actually put down about 1/2 hour trip south of Vicksburg. In light of the "new" change to our itinerary (we subsequently found out that they had been doing this for a number of weeks prior to our embarkation), we had a half hour bus ride just to get into Vicksburg, to the "hop on-hop off" shuttle concept was scrapped, and anyone wishing to go to town or on a shore excursion was limited to boarding the bus in the morning, or after noon, and returning to the ship before lunch, or before dinner. Read more