We Loved Our First Experience With American Cruise Lines
We loved our first experience with American Cruise Lines. We took the paddlewheel boat on Ohio River from Pittsburg to St. Louis. A wonderful experience with the right mix of relaxation and activities. The rooms are spacious, including large bathroom, so you can totally unpack everything. Private balcony is great for peaceful viewing–we left our curtains open at night to see the stars and lights along the river. One price includes a 15% gratuity so the only extra tips are for bus drivers/on-shore tour guides, if desired. However, the attention and service from all staff was so superior that we opted to tip some of them a bit extra. Entire crew was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and would drop everything to help with a request or answer a question. We thought the food choices were excellent, and of course all drinks are free. Great Happy Hours with appetizers and fun evening programs/entertainment. The only suggestion I would offer is to read the on-shore activity descriptions very carefully. Some are free and some are not. Sometimes there is some duplication in what they offer, and sometimes you may be able to do a similar route on your own by using the hop-on-hop-off bus route. Be sure to study all information provided.Finally, our trip was enhanced by wonderful weather–but no guarantees on that!
Three Cruises And A Fourth Planned
We have completed 3 cruises with American Cruise Lines and we have another booked for October. If someone had asked us 4years ago about cruising we would have said that we had no desire to take a cruise. Then we went on our first ACL cruise in Puget Sound, we changed our minds about cruising. The small ship cruising made a big difference to us, it reminds us of the experience in a boutique hotel. The customer service people are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful while helping setup the cruise. The staff on the ships do an excellent job delivering top notch service while being friendly and courteous. We have finished each cruise feeling like many of the ship staff had become friends. The food, entertainment and onboard experts that describe the region where you are visiting are all very good as well.
The Ship Was Spotless
The ship was spotless. The employees were well organized, pleasant at all times, and dedicated to passenger safety and comfort. The food was wonderful, as was the wait staff. We thoroughly enjoyed the shore excursions!We look forward to our next cruise, which we have already scheduled!My only request is that you consider in room safes.
Everything was top drawer all the way. Food was the best I have had on the many cruises I have had the pleasure to enjoy.
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American Cruise Lines Creates The Culinary Cruise Collection
American Cruise Lines, known for their small ships that cruise the rivers and waterways in the U.S., has added a series of Culinary Cruise Collection voyages to their current itineraries. These special cruises will emphasize the trademark cuisine of specific cruising regions, including Alaska, New England, the Chesapeake Bay, the Mississippi River and the Pacific Northwest.
Culinary travel offers a unique sensory dimension to the usual cruise vacation experience. American Cruise Lines recognizes the importance of onboard enrichment and unique shoreside cruise experiences and combines these two elements for their new culinary cruise offerings. There is even a combined culinary and wine cruise on the Columbia & Snake Rivers aboard the newly refurbished Queen of the West.
Beginning as soon as June 30, 2012, there is the Crabfest Cruise, plying the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay. An array of tantalizing cruises continue through July 27, 2013 culminating with an authentic Alaskan King Crab extravaganza in where else butthe pristine, secluded inland waters of Alaska, sailing round-trip from Juneau.
Theme cruises are extremely popular as they add an extra element of connectivity among our already like-minded guests, said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. This particular collection pays tribute to the culinary delicacies for which several of our cruising regions are so well known. If theres one thing that brings people together, its food.
American Revolution Cruise On The Constitution
American Revolution Cruise on the Constitution.Great excursions.Wonderful entertainment! Spacious and clean cabin. Excellent cleaning staff. The dining room servers were very good. Sometimes a little stressed. The food was very good..Gained 5 lbs on a 10:night cruise. Gave this 4 stars because our wine selection was hit or miss. That being said, we booked an East Coast Inland Passage cruise for next year. We truly loved this experience. It was our first with ACL.One example of the outstanding customer service: A passenger who had to use a scooter to get around did not get off the ship. The cruise director asked him why he didnt get off. He told her it was too difficult. She then got him a wheel chair. Had a crew member wheel him down the gangplank and help him to get on a tour boat. That was really impressive to us.
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All In All The Cruise Was Wonderful
All in All the cruise was wonderful. I want to make note of a couple of things, though. The mattress in our stateroom definitely needs to be replaced. Also, there were seven in our party, and we were all disappointed that we didn’t receive stuffed animal remembrances of our trip. On previous trips we have always received something. As far as seeing the puffins, we didn’t see any. This cruise this late in the season shouldn’t be titled a puffin cruise. It should perhaps be a lighthouse cruise, and we were disappointed that we were with so many other people from other cruise lines. They all got on the ship first, so we didn’t have any prime seats to choose from.
Highlights Of The Mississippi River Cruise
New Orleans, LA to New Orleans, LA
- Pre-CruisePackage and Complimentary Hotel Stay
- Day 1New Orleans, LA
- Day 2Houmas House, LA
- Day 3Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 4Oak Alley, LA
- Day 5New Orleans, LA
Begin in the French Quarter of New Orleans and continue to Baton Rouge and Natchez. Explore the “Gateway to the West” via St. Louis, rock ‘n’ roll to Graceland, view Civil War landmarks, and stroll through the museums and art galleries of Paducah.
New Orleans, LA to St. Louis, MO
- Pre-CruisePackages and Complimentary Hotel Stays
- Day 1New Orleans, LA
- Day 2Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 3Natchez, MS
- Day 5Day of River Cruising
- Day 6Memphis, TN
- Day 7New Madrid, MO
- Day 8Paducah, KY
- Day 9Day of River Cruising
- Day 10St. Louis, MO
- Day 11St. Louis, MO
Witness the dramatic landscapes of the Upper Mississippi River and treat yourself to Blues and BBQ. Guests can choose their perfect itinerary whether aboard an American riverboat or authentic paddlewheeler.
St. Paul, MN to New Orleans, LA
- Pre-CruiseComplimentary Hotel Stay
- Day 1St. Paul, MN
- Day 2Winona, MN
- Day 5Fort Madison, IA
- Day 6Hannibal, MO
- Day 7St. Louis, MO
- Day 8St. Louis, MO
- Day 9Day of River Cruising
- Day 10Memphis, TN
- Day 11Day of Cruising
- Day 12Vicksburg, MS
- Day 14Baton Rouge, LA
- Day 15New Orleans, LA
Pittsburgh, PA to St. Louis, MO
Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN
Chattanooga, TN to Nashville, TN
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What To Expect On Board
Using the freshest ingredients available, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties and take advantage of fresh meats and seafood and in-season fruits and vegetables.
Special menus are available to passengers on restricted diets. Every evening before dinner, a complimentary cocktail hour is hosted with a bar setup and hors doeuvres. Dinner is served with complimentary wine and beer.
American Cruise Lines provides unique, regional entertainment on its cruises, so dont look for splashy entertainers or a casino on board.
Activities are designed to highlight the areas through which you are sailing, including local musicians, demonstrations, minor theatrical performances, and games. Activities and lectures are as rich in history and culture as the ports themselves.
Exercise equipment and a putting green to hone your game are featured on board.
Walks ashore led by the ships naturalist offer a more rigorous workout. There is no spa or salon, but the reception desk may be able to recommend possibilities to you in ports.
American Cruise Lines: Unbiased Reviews And Tips
An American-flag coastal and inland river company manned by an all-American crew, American Cruise Lines operates 13 vessels offering a high level of comfort while undertaking a varied menu of over 35 itineraries. Routes explore the U.S. East Coast from Florida to New England, the Mississippi River system, Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest, and North to Alaska and cruises within Southeast Alaska.
American Cruise Lines has built all its vessels in its Chesapeake Bay shipyard, hence there are many similarities between ships. Sister brand, Pearl Seas Cruises, operates the Pearl Mist on the Great Lakes, in eastern Canada and along the American East Coast.
The fastest growing cruise line under the U.S Flag also offers the largest cabins, many with balconies, and dedicated single cabins and operates along the Mississippi River system, U.S. East Coast, Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Additional ships are due in 2022, and some of the original fleet has been renamed.
Queen of the West. * Photo: American Cruise Lines
FLEET
Queen of the West Columbia & Snake Rivers
American Spirit Puget Sound
American Star American Eastern Seaboard
Independence American Eastern Seaboard
American Pride Columbia & Snake Rivers, Puget Sound
American Heritage Mississippi & Ohio Rivers
American Splendor Mississippi River
American Constellation Alaska & Puget Sound
American Constitution Alaska & Puget Sound
American Song Columbia & Snake Rivers, Puget Sound
Overview
Why Go?
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Columbia And Snake River
We had a great time on the ship There were some glitches however. The first night of the cruise, the dining room was overwhelmed. And the last night as well. It isn’t a major thing unless you are trying to grab a quick meal to make it to an excursion. Generally we were at each meal for a minimum of 1 1/2 hours, mostly waiting on our food to be delivered. I think they recognized the issue and additional help was brought in. Our room was great and the entertainment was terrific. Looking forward to our next cruise.
Cruising The Pacific Northwest
The cruise was excellent in every way. The ship was every thing I expected it to be as a historical paddle wheel ship. All of the crew was pleasant and helpful. The food delicious. Many good things can be said about the evening entertainment and the historical speaker.All excursions were well planned & enjoyable. As a distant family connection with William Clark, I was both excited and pleased with the entire trip.Anyone who is interested in history would love the trip. Thank you. Martha Starcke
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American Eagle Features Go Anywhere Technology And Green Credentials
Constructed by the company’s shipyard, Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland, which is also building the 11 other Project Blue vessels, American Eagle features a hybrid catamaran design. Electric power capabilities, combined with a shallow draft will allow it to sail on a combination of lakes, rivers, bays and the U.S. coastline. American Cruise Lines says the fleet will offer the best qualities of ocean expedition adventure cruising with the stability of river cruising and land never being out of sight.
American Eagle Itineraries Will Focus On The East Coast
After the maiden voyage, American Eagle will sail the seven-night Cape Codder round-Boston itinerary and seven-night Maine Coast and Harbors round-trip Portland itinerary for the remainder of the summer.
In fall 2023, it will sail the seven-night East Coast Inland Passage cruise from Charleston and two 14-night East Coast Inland Passage itineraries from Baltimore and Jacksonville respectively.
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Top Reviews Of Cruises From Baltimore
We present the best Baltimore cruise reviews. They are informative and full of photos. All are written by passengers who are generously sharing their experiences.
1. Carnival Pride — Eastern Caribbean cruise from Baltimore. A comprehensive review of a summer cruise. Daily reports cover the ship, the new staggered boarding process, dining at multiple restaurants, entertainment, deck parties, Seuss at Sea, and the destination ports. The cruise went to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport. Lots of good, large photos. Browse our calendar of Carnival cruises from Baltimore.
2. Carnival Pride cruising tips is very helpful information about the Carnival Cruise Line ship in Baltimore. She gives recommendations for the having your documents ready, scheduling kids for Camp Ocean, when and where to eat, things to do and the ports of call.
3. Profile of the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas which is Royal Caribbean’s ship in Baltimore. A comprehensive photo tour of the ship. Interviews with the captain and crew. Reviews of two specialty restaurants on board.
4. Review of an American Cruise Lines Chesapeake Bay cruise from Baltimore. All about a 7-night small ship cruise on the Bay. The ship carried about 100 passengers to several little ports. The large stateroom had plenty of storage. Food was very good and used local ingredients. Complimentary happy hour. New friends were made and everyone had a good time. See all of the American cruises from Baltimore.
Our 2022 Transparency Report Haslanded
Inexperienced staff, no health care employee, Covid rampant, unfriendly management therefore unhappy workers. Ran out of food and beverage items. Worst trip of my life!
Wonderful cruise was even better than expected. The staff was great, speakers and stops interesting, lovely scenery and good entertainment. I really liked this all-inclusive cruise with all amenities, most side trips, and hotel stay the night before we sailed.
Relaxing,and good employees that made the cruise very enjoyable.
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American Cruise Lines: Only Cruise Line To Dock In Washington Dc In Over 60 Years
Guilford, CTApril 29, 2021 American Cruise Lines announced today that the American Constitution, one of the Lines 175-passenger small cruise ships has begun cruising Chesapeake Bay and making port stops in Washington, D.C. at The Wharf. American Constitution was the first cruise ship to call on D.C.s Southwest waterfront in over 60 years during its inaugural cruise in 2018, and remains the only cruise ship to dock inside our Nations Capital since that time.
This April, American Constitution began operating the Lines popular 11-Day American Revolution cruises which include the exceptional stop in D.C. at The Wharf. Americans curated itinerary explores the shores of Chesapeake Bay, and celebrates this region steeped in American history. Guests can also enjoy spectacular scenic views of the regions famed Cherry Blossoms from the ships private balcony accommodations.
The Wharf has become a vibrant and bustling area along D.C.s historic waterfront. Our guests love docking there and we very much appreciate our partnership with The Wharf Community Association, said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American. From the moment our guests step off the ship, they can immediately start enjoying one of the hottest new spots in our beautiful capital city.
Americans 2021 cruises have voluntary capacity reductions and COVID-19 mitigation practices, including pre-boarding testing and medical staff on board. Review a summary of the plan here.
American Cruise Lines Review
The escalating hassles of international travel turned my attention recently to a type of vacation that has been growing in popularity of late: Small Ship American River Cruising. Specifically on American Cruise Lines, a cruise line that plies the inland waterways of the USA.
As a Connecticut-based empty-nest travel writer with an active, fit 81-year-old teacher-naturalist mother, I sought a trip that could satisfy our particular Mother/Daughter bonding requirements: a short drive, good food, unusual small-town ports, American history, excellent customer service, and lots of local experts. My search led me to American Cruise Lines Chesapeake Bay Cruise. Its one of the companys most popular excursions.
Round trip from Baltimore, the Chesapeake Bay itinerary would take us to Annapolis, Yorktown, Tangier Island, and other small towns on Americas largest estuary during the final days of Fall Foliage, the first week of November.
Though an experienced cruise-ship voyager on mostly multi-thousand passenger behemoths this would be my first time on a small domestic ship.
I admit I was a bit apprehensive. Id read all the reviews, both positive and negative. Friendly. Lots of camaraderie. Great ports of call. Terrific lectures. Pricey. Floating nursing home. Tired décor.
I honestly didnt think I fit the demographic.
American Cruise Lines is small-ship cruising in every sense of the word.
Ships accommodate 49-150 passengers.
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Highlights Of The Mississippi
âEverything was wonderful. I cannot remember having such a great time. The entire staff was great and so accommodating. I loved this trip. I have been on cruises on big ships and there is no comparison. It was so much nicer on a smaller boat. We had the chance to meet and probably had a meal, a drink or excursion with almost everyone on board.â
â Cindy E. – Frederick, MD
Shipboard Facilities And Amenities
MS American Star has one Grand Dining Room that offers regional and seasonal cuisine. Other options for a drink include Maindeck Lounge, Midship lounge and Chesapeake lounge.
American Star clientele consists of well-traveled Americans. The onboard atmosphere is casual and friendly. Various port visits are offered every day. Due to its smaller size, American Star can visit the smallest ports during the shore excursions. Room service is available twice a day. Internet access and Wi-Fi are complimentary. Other amenities are the free cocktails before dinner, American staff & crew, guest lecturers. American Star has a Library Lounge, putting green, fitness, sunshade, lifts .
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