Name: American Cruise Lines
Rating: 4.5

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Bill Bengtson Vail, AZ

Food and drinks were great. The land tours left something to be desired. The West Point tour was fine, but the FDR tour bus was guideless, depending on the bus driver to organize us. The NYC was ok, but the walking tour of the 9/11 site was lucky not to lose anyone. And people need to use the toilet on the bus, rather than make everyone wait for at the Occulus.

7 years ago

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Cathy Fernley, NV

Previous cruises (Southeast Alaska, Columbia and Snake, Maine Coast and Harbors) have all been very interesting and onboard experience was top-notch. The Cumberland cruise was quite sub-par and I wish I hadn’t spent the money on it. I hope this isn’t a sign of a new format. I had thought ACL was a gem, but my recent experience brings my review down. Food service was very slow and historian lectures were scheduled for daytime when we were out on excursions. Staff was forgetful of customer requests. On the upside, Fort Donelson was very interesting and the Quilt Museum was stunning

7 years ago

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Flo Mizicko Vienna, OH

We enjoyed our trip immensely and booked for next year (our 7th) However this particular cruise had several instances in which nobody seemed to know what to do. It was because of the inexperience of the cruise people. There should be experience personnel on every cruise to help the ones who are doing this for the first time.

7 years ago

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Hare Tanan Northfield, OH

I gave a four star for one reason... entertainment. I like the band, Judy D and the Victory Belles. I would have expected entertainment relating more to the older clientel with music that we could dance to. The restaurant servers were great, the all day alcohol was good at least I could have a drink when I wanted. The side trips that were offered were fine. I was a little disappointed in the slim showing of the captain. I generally have cruises where the captain shows up for the crew introduction and the captain's night. We had no idea who the captain was until we asked.

7 years ago

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John Murray Bainbridge Island, WA

We have cruised several times with ACL and we did the same cruise two years ago - loved ACL. everything was wonderful with the possible exception of the dining room which is too noisy - when the boat is underway - for normal conversation, and that is why we cruise with ACL, to meet people and talk with them. John Murray

7 years ago

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DAN AND CAROLYN ROGERS

American Cruise Line is a premier company. We have never been treated better or enjoyed other cruises like we have on this cruise line. We have done 5 cruises and are looking forward to more! Thank you for making our experiences the best ever!

7 years ago

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JBirtolo Bradenton, FL

We love this cruise line. We've made three cruises so far and already booked our fourth. We love that the ships are small and therefore don't pack in passengers like sardines. And we've always found the crew and attendants to be nice, helpful and of good spirits.

7 years ago

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Rick and Elizabeth Patenaude North Adams, MA

The service met the highest standards one could expect. The crew made the most of a bad situation (Bonnevile Dam closure) and did everything in its power to complete our trip in the best manner possible. The offer to grant a sizable discount on our next trip was a greatly appreciated bonus. KUDOS

7 years ago

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Carl E Henderson

The staff was always friendly and courteous. The food was delicious and there was quite a wide choice for each meal. The entertainment was top notch as well as the "historian" who gave frequent "lectures" about the river, the history of the area, and other information that was great to receive. And the "happy hour" was wonderful.

7 years ago

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wilkyoung@comcast.net San Jose, CA

WE had wonderful service all these people were great help with food Rocio, Arionna, Jessica S, Robyn S Lexie H and DaQbian L and Caitlan P , Berimger . cabin service Kelvana and Kian M. Arts Diane S was very good I learned from her. Cruise Director Tessa, and Hotel Manger Keaton J always help at all time. The Crew on the ship was always help ful and the coast graud was great.

7 years ago

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James Hake Marietta, GA

Our first cruise with ACL had a high level of dissatisfaction. A cracked Locke on the Columbia River showed a weakness of the officers onboard. The backup plan was to go to Google and find out where passengers could be sent. We too were doing this - with difficulty because the WiFi was not working. They bused us to Fort Vancouver without coordinating the guides that were present. This could have been more interesting. Busing us 45 min to the Vista was no more than a 10 min view. The officers had little knowledge of Oregon - Willamette Valley, Canon Beach - both within 1 to 2 hours. There was no backup or contingency plan. They genuinely tried and continued to go through the process - it was too late. They brought us back to Portland - where we had come into early. The boat was docked where we embarked - inconvenient to the city, next to a very busy and noisy bridge, and under the direct landing flight path of the Portland Airport. To make matters worse for those of us still on board, another sister boat docked right next to us on our last night - engines/generators on. What were they thinking?

7 years ago

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Joe Parker Kingston, TN

The cruise was interrupted due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. The crew was especially solicitous, making sure that we were making the best of a bad situation. They were very professional and are to be commended. We have already booked our next one with ACL.

7 years ago

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Beach65 New Bern, NC

As corporate is already aware of---our cruise was not the cruise we expected due to the closing of the Bonneville Dam Lock. Although very disappointing--our entire crew worked diligently to make the experience as best as it could be. We appreciated them so very much and made lemonade out of lemons!

7 years ago

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Jack B Shelton

Outstanding experience in every way. The ship staff and crew are young and their inexperience showed occasionally in minor details during the week, but did not detract from the time afloat. Excursions were good, food excellent, and the scenery cannot be described in any terms other than unbelievable.

7 years ago

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Richard R Schumacher

Stateroom cleanliness needs improvement- items from prior guests left in drawers, the balcony was too dirty to walk in bare feet. The bathroom smelled of sewage for the entire cruise. The food was sometimes wonderful but sometimes not so much. The crew were very nice and the service, with one exception, was good. Changes in stops made many passengers irate (but not us).

7 years ago

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Jane L Chase Bethlehem, PA

The trip was wonderful. Food was good for the most part. A lot of things we do not eat but were able to order other items that fit our food needs. Staff was very friendly and if asked for something it was furnished immediately. Scenery was heavenly and really enjoyed the trip.

7 years ago

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Debbie Payson, AZ

Staff was awesome! The ship wasn’t as nice as I expected though. It badly needs a major overhaul! The room was a bit cramped, and the balcony needed to be at least 6” deeper to accommodate a person getting into and out of the chairs. Food was pretty good, but not anything spectacular. I was very impressed by the variety of choices for me that were gluten free. The excursions were nice, well organized, on time, good locations. The exception to that was our “ walking tour” of Port Townsend. The guide assigned to my group, the historian from the museum, wasn’t up to the task. We only walked about 100 yards total, mostly stood in the sun and tried to stay interested.

7 years ago

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Ian Pryke Falls Church, VA

Have travelled with American Cruise Lines four times and have had a good experience in every case. One observation: On most recent cruise the bus accommodation on a couple of the land tours was a little disappointing due to the size of the windows on the busses. Only provided a partial view of a number of the sites that were highlighted.

7 years ago

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Jame & Andrea LeFevre Rogers, AR

It was our 5 th Cruise. We signed up for number 6. Have enjoyed them all. This was the first time on the 175 passenger ships instead of the 100 passenger size. They both are very nice. Don't think I would want anything any bigger however.

7 years ago

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Ray & Yvonne Vogel Fremont, OH

We both enjoyed the experiences of being on a smaller ship with the a smaller number of passengers for eating, connecting with other passengers and accommodations. The meals were varied, delicious and very ample. The excursions were very enjoyable and well timed for also seeing things on our own. The ship entertainment and educational activities about the area were always stimulating and fun.

7 years ago

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Frank Kierchhoff Mission Viejo, CA

The food was marginal at best. Sent back two meals that were not eatable. Presentation of meals was poor.Service was amateurish. Entertainment at night was BINGO and Games??? Not very entertaining.Tours were just OK, Waiting for buses 45 minutes after you have toured the Museum etc. not good. Tour guide was at times confusing, he seemed to be all over the map sometimes very hard to follow. Attention to detail needs work, no plates or forks for appetizers at cocktail hour 3 nights in a row??? Sanitary wipes and towels in exercise room, time changes for events and tours without proper notification, blinking message light on room phone reported but never corrected, place pillow over phone because red light was reflecting on ceiling over bed?? Spending $10k for a cruise expected better quality of service all a round. All that being said were advised by friends that the Mississippi to Memphis cruise was significantly better we are rolling the dice to give American cruise one more shot.

7 years ago

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kingtb Arvada, CO

Our family of eight, two of whom are physicians, took an Alaskan cruise with American Cruise Lines on the American Constellation from Juneau, Alaska starting July 4, 2021. We were told that all passengers would be vaccinated, and we were led to believe that all crew would also be vaccinated for COVID-19. However, while we were tested prior to boarding, passenger vaccination status was never verified by showing vaccination cards. A passenger told one of our group that the she was “half-vaccinated.” It turned out that several of the crew were not vaccinated and had been allowed to go ashore in ports. On the fifth day (July 9) of the 10 day cruise, only a handful of the wait-staff showed up for breakfast. There was no explanation and the morning excursions occurred as usual. We learned at lunch that the trip was going to be cancelled, and we would be returning to Juneau because some crew and passengers tested positive for COVID-19. There was inconsistent messaging about quarantining. We were told to quarantine after lunch on July 9, but breakfast the following morning was served in the dining room. After breakfast, we were told to quarantine again. I am unaware of any contact tracing; and, despite American Cruise Lines’ claims to the contrary, testing was not required prior to disembarking the ship. Our family chose to be tested, and we were all negative. There were reports of an outbreak in Fairbanks related to the cruise; but since others disbursed to various parts of the United States, additional exposures are unknown. Although American Cruise Lines did give us a partial refund for the cruise, they did not reimburse us for over $2500 in additional costs incurred by the eight of us for rearranging airfare and booking hotels. Despite multiple attempts over two months to contact American Cruise Lines by email, phone, and certified letter about this issue, there was never any response about these additional charges. Based on my experience with four other cruises (three on small ships), the outside cabins with balconies were quite nice for the price, as were the amenities. Prior to the interruption, we had been enjoying the cruise, the excursions, and the educational and entertainment programs on board. The officers, managers, and crew were friendly, engaged, and responsive. The food was average. We had notified American Cruise Lines prior to travel that one of our family is vegetarian. We identified this again on board, yet there was never a vegetarian option at any meal. Another problematic area was not providing transportation to the hotel upon arrival. The Juneau airport is outside of town and cab/Uber/Lyft options are limited. With people from our flight and other flights trying to get to town, it took over 1 1/2 hours to get a ride to our hotel. Given our overall experience, we are unlikely to use American Cruise Lines in the future.

5 years ago

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Shirley Marshall Orange, TX

Interesting people, unique places to visit that I never heard of in some cases. I love the laid back way to travel with small groups. The crew was outstanding on all the trips we have taken.

6 years ago

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don wrhel Snellville, GA

2019 was our first cruise with American Cruise Lines. We were so impressed we booked another cruise for 2020. Everything on the cruise was first class. The ports of call and tours were all interesting and informative.

6 years ago

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Alan and Carol Brittingham Louisville, KY

Our American cruises have been blessed with outstanding hospitality, cuisine, scenery, entertainment, tours and camaraderie. We’re excitedly looking forward to our next cruise.

6 years ago

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Carolyn Stevenson Plainfield, NJ

Loved every minute of our river cruise ! Smooth sailing , great food , wonderful people and staff . Looking forward to our next cruise . Thinking of going on Columbia/Snake River Cruise

6 years ago

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cotnere@att.net Naperville, IL

Loved cruising on the smaller boats with the smaller number of guests. Food was superb and the service the best that we have experienced. Very relaxing and enjoyable cruising.

6 years ago

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Carson Smith Union City, CA

The crew and hospitality staff were friendly and did a great job helping every guest have a great time. The ship was clean and well kept and the food and drinks were excellent.

6 years ago

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Neil Denver, CO

We had a great cruise. The ship was comfortable, entertainment was entertaining and food was good. The kitchen and service in the dining room were at times somewhat unorganized but the experience was still very good.

7 years ago

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Michael Citrus Heights, CA

We loved to crew. They would do just about anything we needed and were very friendly. Most of the tours were great. This is our third cruise and we are signed up for one more.

7 years ago

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Dr. Larry Dukes Hillsboro, OH

Everything was first class. Of the dozen or more cruises I’be been on the food and service was the best. It was our first cruise on American but we already signed for our next one.

7 years ago

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M. Connell San Mateo, CA

Outstanding food in both quality and presentation. Happy hour: food runs out in five minutes with no replacements. Most shore excursions are very good and well organized. Some major mistakes - West Point: saw the sights but gave us no time to see movie or exhibits in the visitor's center -- major disappointment. Ship's representative accompanies about half of the shore excursions. Usually very good ADA service. Would sail with ACL again.

7 years ago

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Barbara Tamblin Rocklin, CA

After cruising the complete Mississippi last year, a 5 star trip, this cruise was a surprising disappointment. There did not seem to be enough experienced staff in charge, excursions overbooked, no body from the staff accompanied any of our excursions leaving the bus driver or local guide "responsible" for groups, we actually gave up seats for very angry passengers

7 years ago

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Sandra Madison, GA

We went on the Maine cruise last year and enjoyed it a great deal, but not the Hudson River cruise. The food and dining staff were wonderful, the cruise director not so. She was a non presence. She never spoke to us or anyone else that I could. She gave misinformation about the disembarkment procedure. The cruise stops were not good. If one did not go on the excursions, one did nothing. I would not recommend the Hudson River cruise. We are giving American Cruise Line one more chance next year , but many on board said, “ Never again.”

7 years ago

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Rita E Northfield, OH

Staff very efficient and helpful. Serving staff very accommodating. Some entertainment was not enjoyable. Victory Belles, Partly Cloudy Trio and Judy D all superior entertainers. Three days of Connie G was an overkill. Dale B gave us great historical information

7 years ago

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Judith Dumin Radford, VA

The cruise was very chaotic due to the leaving of the cruise director. Sarah stepped in and did a wonderful job of picking up the pieces. Gabbi G is an excellent server and always knew my wine choice. Dominic H did a great job cleaning our stateroom.

7 years ago

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James and Martha Mewhirter Vancouver, WA

We felt the galley was under staffed as our service was slow. We would be near last about every meal. Also in the morning going to the tables as you entered the dinning room for fruit, rolls, cereal and yogurt. The dishes were not clean and I informed at least four different staff members.

7 years ago

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John Collie Scottsdale, AZ

The boat is old and made a lot of noise at sea. The food vas very good and the wait staff did a good job serving. Bringing guests aboard for dinner caused us a problem because the dinner ran out of seats. The on board expert was not very interesting as his presentations were his opinions based on his historical background. The nightly entertainment was so so. The tour director was very new and did an excellent job for her experience. You should train better.

7 years ago

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Marilyn and Arnold Lincoln, CA

Maiden voyage so the multiple “glitches” were probably to be expected. Staff tried hard, but seemed over worked at times. Food quality did not live up to expectations. Price of cruise did not match value received for that price

7 years ago

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Paula San Francisco, CA

Ship was clean. Room was clean however bathroom seemed to only be cleaned a couple of times. Food was good. Dining room service could use some improvements. Service usually three hour from start to finish. The dining hours could be extended for a more convenient dining experience. More experience wait staff would be good also. My husband has red wine and iced tea dumped on him twice. The shore excursions were very poor. A big waste of time. Two of the towns we were docked in had nothing to do.

7 years ago

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Philip G. Pfefferle

We did the American Revolution Cruise. The cruise was great but with 2 issues. The ships wifi is really bad. So bad in fact to be now usable. The other is that my wife has special diet needs and she met with the chief and they still couldn't get it right.

7 years ago

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Stephen Kerwick Wichita, KS

Excellent new craft. The crew on the Song was exceptionally fine, the best we’ve encountered on ACL to date. Food and drink we’re wonderful and more diverse than our last cruise. Meal times were more flexible as well.

7 years ago

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SR Faithful Woodbridge, NJ

Just called about an 11 night cruise from Baltimore to Williamsburg area. Have you ever been between Baltimore and Virginia in November for $13,000 ($500/person/day)? June? July? But November? There is absolutely nothing in St. Michael’s in November. And, it’s really not all inclusive. Celebrity, here I come.

4 years ago

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Lslondre Playa Vista, CA

In November American Cruise Lines were poorly staffed, poorly prepared except for the shore excursions, and had inventory problems of beef, sour dough bread and Swiss cheese to name three. They seemed to have a cost control program on food and wine. Served $6 bottles of wine as featured. I would rate them a C+.

4 years ago

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Suzanne Perrine Benton, AR

I was on a Columbia River Cruise beginning Sept 18, 2021 on Queen of the West in room 207. I was told it was the last room left on the ship and now I know why. It was more like a narrow hall blocked by a cot. I had a shared veranda (which I thought would be private) with the couple in room 209. My window shade to the veranda had slates missing and was too narrow for the door window. So my room had no privacy. My soap dish kept falling off into the toilet along with the soap and the top drawer to the dresser by the veranda door would not stay shut. After 3 days of asking for assistance, the soap dish was replaced and glued down, the dresser drawer still wouldn't stay shut and the blind was replaced but still too narrow to cover the window. Overall, the ship needed retired. The paddlewheel had slats missing and the remaining ones were badly rotting. The carpet had tears and frays all over the ship, it needed paint and it was a sorry experience. The service the first few days was the saving grace and was excellent, however, in the middle of the trip most of the experienced staff left and was replaced by trainees. The service was awful after that. The food was very bland and either over cooked or undercooked. It was the first cruise I have not gained a pound. That's bad food. I traveled with 4 others and they had similar experiences but nicer cabins. 201, 202. The problem with those cabins was there was no privacy outside their front windows. It was open to everyone if the blinds were open. The shore excursions except for Mount ST. Helens were dull, mediocre and one to Mary Hill Winery was canceled because another American Cruise Line Ship docked at our preplanned dock and we were docked miles away making it impossible to take the tour. I have not been reimbursed for the $50 on the canceled tour and it has been a month. I did take the pre cruise extra day at the Red Lion Inn. It was being renovated and there was only 1 elevator for the entire large hotel. The machinery outside my window was noisy and constant through the day and the hotel was definitely in need of paint and fixing up.

5 years ago

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John Maynard Fairfield, OH

Preferred the smaller ships versus larger cruise liners because: casual environment, friendly crew and passengers, that "homey" feeling, yet professional .

6 years ago

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Dick & Joanne Lakeland, FL

We have really enjoyed our cruises with American Cruise Lines. They have continually supplied a great experience and seem to draw a great group of passengers. Cudos to ACL

6 years ago

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Bob Stromberg Simpsonville, SC

The ships crew was absolutely outstanding. My wife had problems and the crew went above and beyond what would be expected to help her. Could not have asked for more from them.

6 years ago

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Kevin Pringle Los Gatos, CA

The Harmony was a new ship when we sailed on the Mississippi. Crew was very friendly and helpful. Good meals, fun evening live entertainment, very interesting shore excursions and plenty of historical information.

6 years ago

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Frances Husejinovic Ridgewood, NY

I like the service everyone is great. They take great care of you. They are the best especially with single travelers. I recommend them to everyone I talk to.

6 years ago