[dtennent]

I would avoid the Mississippi River cruises. Went on one several years ago and the cabin was like a closet. I don't know what their other ships are like but I was definitely disappointed. We have cruised on several different cruise lines both ocean and river. It was mentioned before but what is your price point? What do you hope to see? River cruises are usually more intimate and have tours included in the price which are pretty nice. National geographic cruises are expensive and the rooms are smaller but you have professional guides/photographers who help you throughout the trip.

Bottom line - with so many other options, I would try other cruise lines. Pick your price, ship size, and itinerary.

[Mistymom]

My sister qnd her husband just returned from one that started in Nashville last week and loved it so much that they booked another one for Christmas leaving from New Orleans.
They have been at least 40 ocean cruises (even around the world) and several European river cruises, so they are not easily impressed, lol.

[MollyJo]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am looking for any information, good/bad, etc., on this company, they specialize in cruises around the USA. I have never been on a cruise, and thought one of these smaller ones might be a good first choice. Also, any comments regarding time of year for specific cruises would be good, like Alaska in winter may not be a good choice but summer is great, you get the idea.
Thank you in advance, VT

Pay extra for VIP boarding/departing, less hassle

[Luggage]

All very interesting, one thing I've never tried but would love to is when you rent about yourself go to the English canals on the riverboat

[txfan]

We’ve only done music cruises. Non-stop bands and the stops as well: Sixthman - Music Festivals on Sand & Sea - Live Loud

[papillon]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am looking for any information, good/bad, etc., on this company, they specialize in cruises around the USA. I have never been on a cruise, and thought one of these smaller ones might be a good first choice. Also, any comments regarding time of year for specific cruises would be good, like Alaska in winter may not be a good choice but summer is great, you get the idea.
Thank you in advance, VT

ACL cruises exclusively within the United States, which means it is subject to US employment laws, OSHA, etc. ACL is expensive compared to other International cruise lines because it is subject to US laws and pays its employees better wages, etc.
It is a way to see parts of the US that you wouldn't normally see if traveling by car.
Regarding time of year for specific cruises, use the same judgement you would use if traveling to that region by car.
Ocean cruising, River cruising, domestic cruising--all are different experiences. All are wonderful.

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Luggage

All very interesting, one thing I've never tried but would love to is when you rent about yourself go to the English canals on the riverboat

They are very popular holidays.
But.
If your ideas about navigating roundabouts are how you intend to drive on our roads, please bring plenty of medical insurance!

[Xander7]

We loved our cruise on ACL. It was from Providence to Albany . There were 47 passengers on the ship. Wonderful food and good stops along the way. We docked overnight in NYC and they were able to get us tickets to a Broadway Play. Expensive, but we’ll worth it.

[AviatorEd]

I have done 4 cruises with American Cruise Lines. I have four more booked for next year. They are first class. American built ships, American crew, American ports. No need to fly International. A great way to see our country. I have over 500 days on cruise ships, of all sizes. Loved every one of them. For first-time cruisers, it is hard to go wrong by going to Alaska, regardless if you go on a big or small ship. While you are in Alaska, do a land tour as well.

[Rhohner]

We did ACL about three years ago. We sailed the San Juan Islands out of Seattle! One of the BEST cruises EVER! ACL is on a par with Viking, in my opinion. The food was always amazing, it is all inclusive with wine and beer served with dinner and cocktail hour everyday before dinner and a tour in every port also included. We’ve cruised with RCL, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America and Viking. ACL beats most except maybe Viking. Although on the expensive side, it is well worth it and a very good value for the price.

[Samcat13]

villagetinker" You did good. You got 5 answer about the company. We love river cruises. Been on a lot.

[cjmaddeninc]

We just got back from a cruise on the Mississippi— the ship was very nice — the staff was friendly and always available to answer questions or help — the food was plentiful and very good — if you enjoy cocktails, they were available at no charge during, lunch, dinner, cocktail hour and the show at night — the nightly entertainment was also very good — open seating for all meals so you can sit with different people at every meal — besides breakfast, lunch and dinner they also have snacks and drinks available 24/7 in 2 of the lounges — we enjoyed it so much we booked another trip for next June

[Shellshack]

We lived on the Mississippi and have seen the ACL "cruise" boats but have never taken the cruise. Very nice boats. Seem expensive.

We cruise quite a bit and enjoy it very much. To us there are roughly two kinds of cruises. Destination cruises and "get the hell out of here trips".
The destination trips are places you want to visit, such as the Baltic, Israel, Antarctica, Hawaii, etc. The other kind are the ones are the Caribbean cruises where the ports are similar, beaches, water activities etc, but they are close and relatively inexpensive.

The notion of large and small ships is hard to explain. The Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas was the largest cruise ship in the world when built about 30 years ago and is now the smallest ship they have. The mega ships, 6,000 people, have diving shows, Broadway shows, ice skating shows, shopping malls, casinos, and loads of other entertainment which we enjoy on the Caribbean trips. The "smaller ships", around 2,000 people, are good for destinations. some people even like smaller ships around 1,000. Some ships have interesting lectures on the ports you are visiting. The 3 day weekend cruises are not a good way to get a taste of cruising as they are usually younger people enjoying a party weekend, with not very good ports. Good for them just not us.

Remember, when cruising you are seeing port cities for one, occasionally two days from 8am to 5pm.

We have never river cruised, we believe it will be too confining with little entertainment choices, but intend to try it in Europe. Looks relaxing and expensive.

Alaska is a great first cruise. Shop, shop shop, for the best deals and have a good time.

[Jean G]

I’m a Travel Agent. They do have a good reputation. They are great for people who do not want to travel to Europe. I specialize in River travel if you would like to call me. There is no charge to you for my services. Jean Gafford 678-908/7557

[Calisport]

We went as a group on American Cruise Lines paddleboard ship on the Mississippi river. The crowd tends to be elderly. and I don't think the food was very good. It's definitely an eat, drink and sleep cruise. I think we all would have rather spent a few more nights hanging out in New Orleans than being on the ship.