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Review: american cruise lines.

Posted by David Porter on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 · 14 Comments  

Here is our review of American Cruise Lines after sailing with them on their 8-day Great Rivers of Florida river cruise.

American Cruise Lines (ACL) is the leader in U.S. River & Coastal cruising and the largest domestic cruise line in the country.

The company offers a new fleet of 19 riverboats and small cruise ships, each accommodating just 90 to 180 guests. American is the only cruise line in the world with a fleet of 100% U.S. built & flagged riverboats and small cruise ships.

This distinction enables the company to offer all-domestic cruises that visit only U.S. ports of call along both U.S. rivers and coasts. The Line offers over 50 itineraries, which range from 6 to 60 Days in length, and explore in 35 U.S. states.

American’s small ships cruise along protected U.S. waterways from Alaska to Florida, and major U.S. rivers, including the Mississippi River (Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee Rivers); the Columbia and Snake Rivers; the Hudson River; and Florida Rivers (St. John’s and Tolomato). American Cruise Lines has over 50 years of experience cruising the U.S. and specializes in authentic American experiences, personalized service, and well-curated destination-focused cruises.

One of the ship’s crew members photographing the sunrise at Amelia Island.

Our Ship: The American Eagle

As I mentioned above, American Cruise Lines currently has 19 ships sailing on America’s rivers and coastal waterways. Here is a breakdown:

• Independence Class (3 ships) – these are the cruise line’s oldest ships, built in 2005, 2007, and 2010 and can accommodate 90 passengers. While I don’t know for certain, my guess is that maybe these ships will be retired as ACL continues to build out its Coastal Cat fleet.
• Coastal Class (2 ships) – These ships, built in 2017 and 2018, carry a maximum of 170 passengers and operate on both coasts of the United States.
• Classic Paddlewheelers (4 ships) – for those of you who might enjoy a little nostalgia, these ships operate on U.S. rivers and all four were remodeled in 2022.
• American RiverBoats (6 ships) – These ships built from 2018 through 2023 are ACL’s new series of American Riverboats.  They hold a maximum of 180 passengers and offer guests a modern experience and large staterooms.
• Coastal Cats (4 ships) – These are ACL’s newest line of ships. They hold a maximum of 100 passengers, with a very low draft, and offer guests entry into America’s coastal regions and rivers that have not been available heretofore. ACL plans to build 12 of these ships. Two are currently sailing, with two more arriving in 2024.

Carol with our character actor/tour guide in St. Augustine

Carol and I were very impressed with the American Eagle from the moment we stepped on the ship. The colors were bright and modern, but what is immediately most impressive is that their entry-level staterooms start at 300 sq/ft., and the ship holds a maximum of 100 passengers. Many other companies building small European-style river cruise ships are stuffing entry-level guests into staterooms that are 135 sq/ft. But here, you are certain to enjoy a stateroom that is over twice that size.

And for those of you who enjoy suites, the American Eagle offers four Sky Suites at 470 sq/ft and two Grand Suites at 620 sq/ft. Tip : book early to get a suite; they always sell out first.

We also found the ship to have enough public space aboard to comfortably accommodate everyone without any of the crowding found on other ships.

Public Spaces

• Restaurant – American specialties with plenty of space for all to be seated.
• Sky Lounge – The perfect place to read a book, play a board game, or hang out with new friends. And each morning, this is the spot for early risers to enjoy a continental breakfast.
• Lookout Cafe – Located just outside the Sky Lounge is the Lookout Cafe. It was a wonderful spot to enjoy the cruise on the very back of the ship, but it was also the spot where I could get an early-morning breakfast sandwich before the restaurant opened.  Carol and I enjoyed all of our breakfasts in the Sky Lounge and Lookout Cafe.
• Chesapeake Lounge – This communal space offered space to seat everyone and was used primarily for lectures on our journey, complimentary bar and hors d’oeuvres each night, after-dinner music, and was also the spot for our Super Bowl Party.
• Bow Terrace – This small space, just outside of the Chesapeake Lounge, offers a wonderful place to enjoy your morning coffee or an afternoon cruise with the wind in your hair. Carol and I spent quite a bit of time here as we sailed the Intercoastal Waterway.

Carol and I enjoyed sailing with ACL on their Great Rivers of Florida itinerary . We sailed on the St. Johns River, the Tolomato River, and the Intercoastal Waterway. We never felt a wave, and Amelia Island and St. Augustine were the stars of the show. One of our clients wrote on our Instagram Page that Amelia Island was her happy place. We had never been, but we’ll be back.

Carol and I sailed with ACL in one of their Vista Private Balcony Staterooms. To see the first impressions video of our stateroom, please CLICK HERE . Be sure to turn your volume up.

Roasted Beef Tenderloin w/ Carolina Stoned Ground Grits

The Cuisine

We found the cuisine aboard the American Eagle to be very good. In fact, every guest that we dined with aboard the ship agreed.

To the right is a photograph of our first meal aboard the ship. I was hoping for some southern grits on this cruise, and my wish was granted on our very first meal.

Each morning, at breakfast, we were given the day’s menu for lunch and dinner. We then made our selections and turned in the cards so that the kitchen would know how many of each item to have on hand. And don’t worry, if you change your mind, they could handle that as well.

And for those of you who might have dietary restrictions, on the first day of sailing, the cruise line offered a meeting with the chef to discuss your individual needs.

Oh, and for those of you who enjoy a treat during the day, there was “Cookie Time” each day at 10:00 and 3:00.

Best onboard service we’ve ever experienced.

I would be remiss if I didn’t bring this up. The experience, the atmosphere, and the vibe that the crew created on this cruise were the best we’ve ever experienced on any cruise ship.

I am struggling with how to explain this. We’ve certainly had outstanding service with friendly staff on any number of the cruises we’ve experienced. But this crew created an atmosphere aboard the ship that, I don’t know, endeared us all to them? And it just wasn’t me.  Every guest that we interacted with felt the same way.  Dare I say that we fell in love with the crew?

For example, from the moment we walked on the ship, Alicia, the ship’s Hotel General Manager, greeted us by name, and she was always magically around, making sure that we were delighted in every way. One passenger commented how she worked miracles to get a prescription aboard the ship, and we found in her a sincere desire to make us feel at home and well taken care of. And again, this just wasn’t me.  We heard the same from many of our co-passengers.

And it just wasn’t her. Wyatt, the ship’s cruise director, the chef, the servers, and the gal that cleaned our room each day were absolutely the best we’ve experienced.  Clearly, they’ve been trained well, and the desire to serve the guests on the ship was a part of the cruise line’s DNA.

Listen, you can have the best ships in the world, but if the staff and crew can’t make you feel at home and well taken care of, then forget it.

I must say, I wasn’t expecting this level of down-home, relaxed, yet professional service.

I want more.  In fact, I didn’t want to get off of the ship. If this ship was doing back-to-back itineraries, I would have begged and pleaded to stay aboard.

Summing It All Up

If I had to put a star on the whole experience, I would give it 4-stars.  They are not trying to be a floating Four Seasons. I would give their down-home cuisine 4.5-stars, and I would give their service 5-stars.

In short, with this level of experience available right here in the good-ole USA, and 50 different itineraries available around the country, and more new ships on the way, this is a wonderful way to cruise close to home. While offering you a wonderful opportunity to explore our country from the perspective of its rivers and coastlines.  I’m hooked, and we will be back.  In fact, I hear the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest calling my name. And oh, what about the ability to visit all of the little towns and villages in the Atlantic Northeast?

I could go on and on, but I’m already approaching 2,000 words.  So, if you have questions, just put them below in the comments section and I’ll do my best to answer them.

How to Book a Cruise With American Cruise Lines

Of course, you can book a cruise directly with American Cruise Lines.

But did you know that booking with Roaming Boomers Travel or Amerian Cruise Lines will net you the exact same price?

Therefore, why not book your American Cruise Lines coastal or river cruise with us and take advantage of our expert advice and service?

We promise to work hard to earn your trust. And with us, you’re always a VIP.

For more information or to book a fun cruise with American Cruise Lines, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request ( click here ), and we’ll reach out to you.

Category: Travel News & Tips · Tags: American Cruise Lines

14 Comments on “ Review: American Cruise Lines ”

Your articles are always interesting and offer good advice. Your first hand experience adds believability to what you publish. We are interested in the ACL cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

We did the Maine cruise last year & the Historic South this year. I could notagree more with your review. A great company. Loved it that all veterans were recognized also.

I have been on two ACL cruises. The Lewis and Clark cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and the Upper Mississippi cruise. Really enjoyed both cruises. Have scheduled a New England Adventure cruise. Looking into San Juan Islands in Northwest.

We also went on Pearl Seas cruise on the Great Lakes.

Small ship cruising is very enjoyable. I would recommend any of the cruises to mature adults.

You’re back! Thanks again for sharing! 🙂

Thanks for your review- May I ask when (month) you took the Columbia/Snake cruise and if there were any optional excursions you took that you would recommend- Thanks

We did our cruise with another cruise brand in the first week of November. As the optional excursions are constantly in flux, we recommend that you choose an excursion that has interest for you. We really don’t have strong opinions on shore excursions.

We went in July. A couple of years ago. Most shore excursions are included. Went to Mt. St. Helens.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. 🙂

Thank you for the kind words. 🙂 I’ll reach out to you privately to discuss a possible booking.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. We’re looking forward to helping our clients cruise closer to home.

We’re booked (through Roaming Boomers) on their Paddle boat this May going on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. We can’t wait. We will make sure to share our adventures and let you know our experiences. We are anticipating a fantastic trip and can’t wait. We are expecting this to be beautiful and awe inspiring as well as totally relaxing.

Hi Mary Lou,

You’re going to love it. We can’t wait to hear about your journey.

Great review Dave and Carol. We have sailed with ACL twice (Snake River and the southeast coast trip up from Amelia Island). Both were very enjoyable. We are doing the American Revolution cruise in Washington DC in 2 weeks. Again – we enjoy all parts of traveling with ACL. but mostly the crew. I get to know most of them by name – even dined several times with the entertainment duo on board and stayed in touch with both for several months afterwards.

Great to hear from you.

As people learn about these experiences that are available in their own backyards, so to speak, we’re finding interest growing. Carol and I are interested in quite a number of their cruises. When we were on our last cruise, the cruise director said that this cruise in Tennesee was really scenic: https://www.americancruiselines.com/cruises/mississippi-river-cruises/tennessee-rivers-cruise

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Reviews 4.8.

3,438 total

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Everything and everyone was perfect! I have already completed our survey, the only thing my husband added was he would have appreciated a bartender on board who was familiar with mixology, but then I think he's just spoiled! We enjoyed every minute. Thank you to all the crew and staff!

Date of experience : May 03, 2024

3rd Cruise with ACL.

Fabulous cruises. Wonderful, helpful, professional staff and crew. Excellent excursions, well organized. Beautiful, clean staterooms, all with private balcony. Entire ship is spotless. Dining service and food is gourmet and always delicious. First cruise was all it took for us to become repeat cruisers with ACL.

Date of experience : May 02, 2024

My First River Cruise

This was my first river cruise so I didn't know what to expect in comparison with ocean cruising. What I found was that it was much more enjoyable because of the smaller number of passengers. Also, the staterooms were much larger than I expected, the tours, both complimentary and those with a cost, were extremely enjoyable and well planned, as was the entertainment, and lectures. And most important of all was the friendliness, helpfulness, and courteousness of every crew member I encountered.

Date of experience : May 04, 2024

Every adventure was well planned

Every adventure was well planned. Your employees could not have been more helpful and pleasant. The trip was wonderful. Thank You!

Date of experience : May 15, 2024

Our cruise experience was great

Our cruise experience was great! However, I've previously filled out a detailed review and do not wish to continue providing reviews. Please stop these requests for reviews.

Date of experience : May 14, 2024

Very efficient in all respects

Very efficient in all respects. The staff, including everyone I made contact with. Everyone was helpful; personable; and made me feel welcome and valued. The big 3 or 4 of staff were like above with tremendous enthusiasm which is always fun. I must additional point out Alex and Merri (sp) as waiters were outstanding. I had two things I believe could be improved: The toilet paper is ridiculous and you have to use 2 or 3 times more than if it was quality. Also, the TV programming is as bad as the TP. I know you don't want people watching TV but I like to watch before I go to sleep as it was a useless attempt to find good programming.

Date of experience : May 10, 2024

An incredible cruise!

Entire crew was professional, friendly, and helpful throughout the trip. Cabins had lots of storage space and the balcony gave us extra outdoor space to enjoy the views of the amazing mountains around us!

Date of experience : May 13, 2024

Everything. The staff, the itinerary and excursions, staterooms and food. I traveld with friend who were in the adjoining stateroom and the staff removed the balcony partition so that we could have a large shared balcony.

Afternoon hors d'oeuvres a treat

The ship was very clean. the service was immediate and cheerful, very helpful. The food was very good. Everyone made you feel like there was no question or need that was too small. The availability of free beverages was a surprising, nice, addition. The afternoon hors'd'oeuvres was a really nice addition to the day. The only complaint (very small complaint) was that hot coffee was not always available. Coffee was always available, but sometimes late in the afternoon, it was cold. Of course we could have made it in our room. Getting to New Orleans the day before took a lot of the worry out of the trip. We liked that you planned it that way.

Date of experience : May 01, 2024

Once we went small ship, we'll never go back to the big ones!

The staff were exceptionally caring, competent and fun. The food, as usual, was presented beautifully and tasted as if in a very fine restaurant. Excursions were varied and educational. Love that the rooms are large enough to move around in and offer access to an individual deck on which to relax and enjoy the scenery. We are going again next year to Alaska.

Yes, we will definitely go cruising with ACL again!!!! was our best cruise ever!!

This was our best cruise ever!!! Yes, that is what I said. WE have done (3) three ocean cruises and (3) three American Cruise Line river cruises and ACL has the others beat, hands down. Resort Casual dress, open seating for meals and NO loud party scene are our favorites. So, the answer to the question is yes, we will definitely go cruising with ACL again. In fact, we are already booked for one river cruise this Fall, one next Summer and one the following August, 2026.

Date of experience : May 17, 2024

Your itinerary was very appealing and…

Your itinerary was very appealing and balanced. The service on board was first class in all respects (especially Rhys in the dining room), and all the staff displayed a consistently friendly, hospitable demeanor. My only complaint is the poor service we received from United Airlines in our trip, but that is a United problem. Pay careful attention to flight schedules, and make your own arrangements, not relying on the cruise company.

Date of experience : May 16, 2024

Excellent trip~

Well planned and easy to enjoy. Excellent food and good service all the way around including wait staff, cruise staff, and housekeeping staff. We found the trip to be very informative and interesting. Also, evening entertainment was very enjoyable.

Date of experience : April 30, 2024

Everyone was very helpful

Everyone was very helpful, friendly and couldn’t be more courteous to us through out the trip. Ship was always clean and very organized. One downside was there was no late night sandwiches or room service after dinner is done. Bar is open but sometimes you would like more than chips after drinking.

Date of experience : April 21, 2024

Miranda's expertise made everything go…

Miranda's expertise made everything go smoothly. And she was fair, not singling out anyone or any group for special jokes or attention. (which I have experienced on past cruises). In general the dining room servers seemed better trained and more qualified - and certainly more personable.

Your staff and accommodations were…

Your staff and accommodations were superb. In fact, I signed up for next year. I will be traveling alone and your planned excursions gave me the sense of security I need. Thank you

Beware the Adjoining Cabin Configuration

My wife and I took the American Cruise Line Lower Mississippi River Cruise from Memphis to New Orleans. Sadly, we found the accommodations onboard to be very disappointing. Unknown by us and undisclosed by ACL, we were booked into one of the very few staterooms equipped with a thin door to the adjoining cabin. The absence of any sound insulation in the door proved to be a very significant problem for us. Had we been informed of this configuration at the time of the booking, we would not have accepted this room. This deficiency became an issue because our neighbors were a particularly noisy couple. They were unusually argumentative, bickering late into the night. The sound of their squabbling came through the thin door very clearly, sounding almost like they were in the same room with us. We asked the cruise director for help, but our requests were fruitless. We were forced to endure this disturbance for the entirety of the cruise. What we had hoped to be an exceptional experience turned out to be something far less enjoyable. In the unlikely event that we consider a future ACL cruise, we will certainly not accept a stateroom with this design.

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

Reply from American Cruise Lines

Thank you for cruising with American Cruise Lines and for taking the time to submit your comments as they are helpful as we continue to improve. We work to provide a meaningful experience and regret that this trip fell short of your expectations. Should you wish to provide additional information, please email [email protected] and we will be glad to review. Sincerely, American Cruise Lines

Experience perfect

All of the staff were smiling; happy to talk with you, answer questions and immediately handle any request. The boat was so clean and handled so well by the captain and his crew. The meals were delicious and the presentation was amazing. Any special requests or needs were given. We signed up for another cruise before leaving the ship!

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

The outstanding help of your employees…

The outstanding help of your employees from our first questions of looking at your cruises to the day we disembarked from our wonder adventure.

It was relaxing abd fun.

It was relaxing , totally taken care of. Staff fantastic. Kalei and. Alex so helpful and caring. Dalkas, the speaker, there are not enough words to describe how fascinating and informative his talks were. Beth the cruise director the best also, went put of her way to assure we received our excursions.

Home » Cruise » An In-Depth American Cruise Lines Review: What to Expect

An In-Depth American Cruise Lines Review: What to Expect

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 a Chesapeake Bay Cruise, one of the company’s most popular excursions, and a subsequent cruise with American Cruise Lines on the Hudson River .

Here’s my American Cruise Lines review.

Table of Contents

Where Does American Cruise Lines Go?

American Cruise Lines offers a wide array of cruises that span the length and breadth of the United States, featuring a range of scenic and culturally rich destinations. On the East Coast, their itineraries include iconic routes along the Hudson River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the storied harbors of New England, allowing passengers to experience everything from the fall foliage of upstate New York to the colonial history of the Chesapeake Bay.

In the Pacific Northwest, their cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers offer stunning vistas of the region’s dramatic landscapes, including the Columbia River Gorge and the rolling hills of Washington’s wine country. Whether exploring the American Revolution’s roots in the Eastern seaboard or following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark in the Pacific Northwest, American Cruise Lines provides a comprehensive view of America’s diverse landscapes and historical narratives.

The Chesapeake Bay Itinerary

Round trip from Baltimore , the Chesapeake Bay itinerary would take us to Annapolis , Yorktown VA , Tangier Island , and other small towns on America’s largest estuary — during the final days of Fall Foliage, the first week of November.

I admit I was a bit apprehensive. I’d read all the American Cruise Lines reviews, both positive and negative. “Friendly. Lots of camaraderie. Great ports of call. Terrific lectures. Pricey. Floating nursing home. Tired décor.”

I honestly didn’t think I fit the demographic.

American Cruise Lines is small-ship cruising in every sense of the word. (Check out what happens when I return for a Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise. )

The company prides itself on being completely American. (Every ship in the fleet is built in the USA, flagged in the USA, with US employees, and itineraries).

The Small Ship Difference

Even before our embarkation date, I could tell that my cruise experience on the 100-passenger ACL Independence would be vastly different from that of the mega ships I’d sailed on in the past.

A few months prior to departure, I’d received boarding passes, luggage tags, and a small, 20-page brochure that included maps, phone numbers, information about towns we’d be visiting, and shore excursions.

Emblazoned on each page was an 800 number to call with any questions or special requests. It seemed so tidy, to the point, and low-key. Almost too easy.

The Independence was docked right in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor — in the very center of the action. We parked in a garage across the street, rolled our luggage one block to within site of the ship, and handed our bags to ACL crew members, who promised to deliver them to our stateroom pronto.

Then we flashed our boarding passes at the gangway, climbed up, received our stateroom keys and name tags (to wear at all times onboard), and, well, that was it. No drama. No hoops. Just a friendly welcome aboard. 

First Impressions of American Cruise Lines Independence

It was a bit after 11am, and Mom needed coffee, stat. No problem. We were sent straight away to the Chesapeake Lounge where coffee, soft drinks, water, and delectable fresh-baked cookies, and other snacks foreshadowed the abundance of food to come. But more on that later.

The Chesapeake Lounge and three other “reading room” gathering spots – one on each of the Independence’s three levels – are furnished in traditional, comfy, New England style.

I found the ensemble of couches and upholstered chairs a perfect place to plop down for lectures or casual conversations with other passengers.

Staterooms on ACL

At first glance, staterooms are on the spare side. They are, however, larger than most on small ships (200-600 sq ft). Even better, private bathrooms sported full showers. Room 305, like all others on the second and third decks, featured a large window and private balcony. 

Incredibly, the sleekly nautical triple-drawer dresser, six smaller drawers in the writing desk, the sizable closet, and three large bathroom drawers held the contents of two large suitcases perfectly.

Mom chose the twin bed “closest to the bathroom,” leaving me with the one nudged up against the wall beneath the window.

The bedding was plump, soft, and dreamy, almost impossible to emerge from in the dawn hour. But emerge I did to sit up and lift the shade to watch, transfixed, the daily sunrise over a calm or choppy Chesapeake Bay. My appreciation for this cocoon of a room increased over the week.

Food and Drink

Overall, food onboard was very good, bordering on excellent in some cases, and missing the mark in others, but surpassing the “Big Ship” cuisine in quality and freshness. Waiters and waitresses are young, but diligent and pleasant.

Chefs provision at each port and utilize local or regional ingredients as much as possible. So, this being a Chesapeake Bay cruise, the emphasis was on crab every which way, seafood, and fresh oysters.

Conceivably, you can eat all day long. Coffee and fresh-baked treats are set out in the Chesapeake Lounge at 6:30 AM, breakfast is served between 7:30 and 9am, lunch at 12:30, drinks and appetizers from 5:30 – 6:30, at which point you sit down to dinner (which includes complimentary wine).

During the evening’s entertainment or lecture, the crew passes around baskets of popcorn, ice-cream sundaes, and root beer floats.

After a full day of gorging, I was astounded to see how many guests nodded “yes” to an 8:30pm hot fudge sundae. Obviously, these were repeat ACL cruisers who knew how to pace themselves.

Distinct Benefits of American Cruise Lines

There are two very distinct benefits to American Cruise Lines when it comes to food and drink. 

One (and many would say the most important) is the daily 5:30-6:30 complimentary open bar that features the most premium brands of hard liquor. For one whole hour, the Chesapeake Lounge turns into a convivial cocktail party, with passed and tabled hors d’oeuvres, and all the wine, beer, martinis, whisky rocks, Bloody Mary’s, or any other drink you can down.

“My bar bill on other cruise lines is sometimes almost as much as the cost of the cruise,” one guest, a frequent floater, told me. “So even though American Cruise Line is pricey, it’s worth it.”

The second benefit is one that is only feasible on a small ship. A convivial,  “if we don’t have it, we’ll fetch it for you” way of thinking. Perhaps you’d like, say, sugar-free chocolate ice cream and the kitchen has only sugar-free vanilla.

The Hotel Manager will go out while in port and purchase whatever you desire (within legal limits, of course). On our trip, this also applied to bottles of preferred Bourbon and Vodka.

On Board Entertainment

It’s not a Carnival. There are no Celebrities. It’s a small ship with intimately sized lectures, talks and music. Just after dinner, at 8:15 every night, we found delightful and insightful programs in the Chesapeake Lounge: crab experts (from both ecological and eating standpoints), Revolutionary War medical practice experts, and piano and dulcimer players.

Storyteller/historian, Doug Weeks , stayed on board to entertain us with his various alter egos. As fur-trapper, Brave Wolf , he spoke of the early Chesapeake Bay settlers including John Smith. Another night, Weeks morphed into Lighthouse Keeper, Peter Bird , injured at Gettysburg, then appointed to keep the fires burning at lighthouses in the Great Lakes and on Chesapeake Bay.

Sure, some of it was corny, but as Weeks channeled Peter Bird, passengers became engrossed in his passionate, detailed accounts. We soon learned that Bird was Doug’s Great-Great Grandfather, and all these stories had been passed down through generations of his family.

Ports of Call

Small cruise ships can dock where the big boys can’t. And so, in Yorktown, we were steps away from the National Park and the riverfront shopping-restaurant district. In Crisfield, “The Crab Capital of the World” and gateway to Tangier Island, we docked a block from the Tangier Ferry that took many of us to that tiny lost-in-time island.

We parked right inside the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael’s, MD and were given free reign to investigate its many buildings. And while the giant cruise ships sat at terminals a bus ride from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, we were right there with the Water Taxis, museums and thousands of land-bound tourists.

Though marketed to retired professionals “age 62 and up,” American Cruise Line passengers skew older with a spattering of younger whippersnappers. Interestingly, a good number on the Chesapeake Bay cruise were retired teachers.

On my cruise, there were two very young, well-behaved boys traveling with their parents, aunt, and grandparents, one couple my age (late 50’s), a gay couple, a 13-strong family reunion, two other Mother/Daughter combos, (Doris and Ann Eberlein, Pat and Jeanne McGuire), one Grandma/Granddaughter combo (Kathryn Price and Ida Lu Brown), and lots of conventional pairs ranging in age from 50’s to hearty 90’s. 

Folks From All Over

What amazed me was not so much the range of ages, but the geographic diversity. There were folks from California, Texas, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan – from many US States.

Republicans were thrown in with Democrats, liberals with conservatives, and through the magic of Cocktail Hour lubrication, open seating, and inquisitive minds, everyone spoke to each other. Everyone seemed interested in each other’s stories, and, over the course of the week, I witnessed friendships forming before my very eyes.

This, apparently, is not unusual. On this cruise, I watched as Ida Lu Brown, grandma of 17, great-grandma of 25, great-great-grandma to four, warmed up to Doris Eberlein on the 75 minute ferry boat ride to Tangier Island.

I became very fond of Dawn and Jay Ponce from Yuma, AZ – a retired school Principal and her business-owner husband. “I can tell if you lived closer together, you’d be close friends,” my Mom observed.

“American Cruise Lines attracts kindred spirits – intelligent, curious, friendly,” stated California lawyer, Nancy Duval. Duval was one of four widowed women who met on an ACL cruise three years ago. They’ve been traveling together every year since.

She met retired 5th grade teacher, Laurel Hansen (this time, on her 19th American Cruise Line cruise), retired teacher/librarian Sherry Johnson, and Sally Cobb – all solo at the time. Lone travelers don’t seem to stay lone for long.

Many Guests Return Again and Again

By the end of the week, I was seriously considering signing up for another cruise. Perhaps The Mark Twain Tribute Cruise on the Mississippi. There certainly was incentive – a 15% discount if you put down a deposit before leaving the ship. I didn’t – only because I’ve got too many road trips planned. But I was in the minority. As many repeat passengers were settling accounts – paying for shore excursions and tips – they were also booking future cruises.

Bottom Line

Expect a low-key intimate experience, not the bells, whistles, fanfare, and free-time choices of larger cruise ships.

Expect to socialize. Though you can get away with sequestering yourself in your room, most ACL passengers are welcoming and primed to meet others. (Think: opposite of Middle School). Large dining room tables invite mixed groups. And the daily cocktail hour is friendly and boisterous .

American Cruise Line features an assortment of itineraries on waterways all over the USA. “Theme” Cruises, like the Mark Twain Tribute Cruise on the Mississippi, New England Lobster Fest Cruise, Columbia River Wine Cruise and Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise tend to book up at least a year in advance.

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Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

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2 thoughts on “An In-Depth American Cruise Lines Review: What to Expect”

HI Joan – people wear “Resort Casual” for dinner. Not cocktail attire, but no jeans or shorts, either. Sportcoats for men at night. Daytime much more casual.

Hi Joan!! So glad you enjoyed the cruise. I worked on the harmony (one of the newest ships among the acl fleets) and have to say it was a pleasure reading your article and having the oppertunity to do a little comparison of expirience. Thank you so much for you little slice of insight.

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American Cruise Lines American Jazz Deck Plans & Reviews

American Cruise Lines American Jazz

Activities & entertainment.

• Bow Terrace
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• Self-Service Laundry
• Live Entertainment
• In-Room Entertainment
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American Cruise Lines Review & Tips | with the Archers

Ask a Real Travel Expert host Ken is joined by Chris Archer and his wife Tracy, owners of Good Life Travel Group , to delve deep into their recent adventure with American Cruise Lines. In this comprehensive review, they cover everything from the ship itself to the breathtaking excursions, ensuring you get the full scoop on their journey down the Columbia & Snake River itinerary.

Discover the essence of American Cruise Lines and what sets them apart as Chris and Tracy share their insights on the cruise line’s unique offerings and its history. Explore the captivating stops along the Columbia & Snake River itinerary, including the hidden gems that you won’t want to miss, as well as other itineraries available. Find out who your fellow passengers might be on an American Cruise Lines adventure and the vibrant mix of people you can expect to meet. Learn about the incredible shore excursions that American Cruise Lines offers, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in each destination.

Family Cruising? Chris and Tracy discuss whether American Cruise Lines is a suitable choice for family cruising and the experiences it can offer to younger travelers. 

Discover the optimal times to embark on this incredible journey down the Columbia & Snake River for the most unforgettable experience. 

Take a virtual tour of the stunning American Jazz , the vessel that carried Chris and Tracy on their adventure, and all the amenities it offers, and discover the other ships in American Cruise Lines fleet. Get a sneak peek into the comfortable and well-appointed staterooms that you can call home during your cruise. Learn about the delectable dining options and the fantastic spirits that await you on board, showcasing the best in American cuisine. Discover the array of entertainment options provided by American Cruise Lines that will keep you engaged and entertained throughout your journey.

Find out about the special themed cruises that American Cruise Lines offers, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests.

Chris and Tracy provide insights into what’s included, the value of an American Cruise Lines adventure, comparing it to other travel options such as American Queen Voyages and Viking Mississippi. Learn about the loyalty perks offered by American Cruise Lines and how they can enhance your future travel experiences.

Discover the highlights of their cruise, the moments that left Chris and Tracy in awe. Don’t miss this insightful review filled with expert advice and tips from Chris and Tracy Archer, your Goodlife Travel Experts. If you’re considering a journey down the Columbia & Snake River with American Cruise Lines, this video is a must-watch! 

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Image Video Credits: American Jazz images and clips Courtesy of American Cruise Lines Sacajawea State Park Courtesy of Allen4names, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge Courtesy of Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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• Holland America Line

Moscow mule on the maasdam?

By rachelfran , July 30, 2017 in Holland America Line

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On the August 5 departure out of Montreal and wondering if I'll be able to get this on board?

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Gail & Marty sailing away

Maybe???? 😀

If the ingredients are at the bar, and the bartender knows how to make the drink, you will be able to get it.

If the bartender doesn't know how to make the drink, but you can provide directions, then you can have it made, too. Again, so long as the ingredients are there, the bartender will make anything you want.

Thanks- appreciate the reply but wondering if someone has specific info as to whether they do have the ingredients ...

... wondering if someone has specific info as to whether they do have the ingredients ...

In that case, it might be helpful if you itemized the ingredients. People might not recognize that particular drink, but know about the things that are in it.

Vodka, ginger beer and lime juice. It is likely that the ship would substitute ginger ale for the ginger beer.

freestyling

They also will not have the copper cup which is a must for a Moscow Mule IMHO.

DeeniEncinitas

Hi Taxmantoo!

Your absolutely right! Unfortunately on our cruise to the Med on The Nieuw Amsterdam last September they tried in the Ocean Bar with subsitute ginger ale, no

Copper cup! 😞 Did not taste at all like one!

Hope they have ginger beer for you! My DH said I should bring a copper cup next time LOL!

bluesplayer

You can bring your own ginger beer and copper cup.. tada . Moscow Mules

bluesplayer I am so down with that!!

Doing that this February for sure on our month cruise on The Maasdam.

Actually Ginger Beer has alcohol so per HAL policy it cannot be brought on board. There would be no problem with the copper cup

Your right called HAL. I also figured that.

I got copper mule cups from Wm. Sonoma

A few years go, we do our own mules when we have a party. I'll pass on HAL.

VennDiagram

I've purchased loads of ginger "beer" over the years, and it has not been alcoholic.

Murray's Pop

Agree. Goslings is my favorite. Dark and Stormy with Goslings dark rum.

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I purchased several bottles of ginger beer in Bermuda in May. Was not alcoholic and had zero problem bringing it back on Veendam.

Today's brewed ginger beers are categorized as non-alcoholic drinks because their alcohol content is less than 0.5 percent , which meets FDA requirements. Since ginger beers are naturally fermented, they have less carbonation and often develop a beer-like head when poured into a glass. Bring the FDA classification as non alcoholic

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