Table Of Content
But that's not what we observed on our Lower Mississippi River cruise. On that sailing, the average age was easily 75, with many passengers older than that. Because the ship has an elevator and the staff makes accommodations for people with mobility issues, it's an excellent choice for those who feel rigorous travel is beyond them.
Current itinerary of American Splendor
Cruising on the American Splendor, enjoy comfortable lounges and large observation decks that provide the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interest in American heritage. Glass enclosed dining salons provide panoramic views of the spectacular scenery you will see on every trip. Although a river sailing on American Cruise Lines costs as much as a luxury line at sea, you won't see the same designer duds onboard.
AAC Private Balcony
Daytime wear is comfortable for tours, with collared shirts and shorts for men, and capris and T-shirts for women. Nighttime is equally casual, with most women wearing a nice blouse and slacks or a dress, and men wearing collared shirts and slacks. There is no formal night, although some men do wear sports coats at the Captain's Dinner, held once per cruise. The line also recommends that passengers bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, a rain jacket and a sweater for cool evenings (or to counter the air conditioning).
Neither value nor luxury but still a good time
For the all-important early morning caffeine fix all rooms come with coffee makers. The new-look interiors on American Splendor celebrate the musical genres of the Mississippi, from jazz and blues to country and rock and roll, with modern elegance and touches from yesteryear, such as white rocking chairs on deck. The American Splendor cruise ship represents a traditional for USA paddle-wheeler steamboat design, also known as "paddle steamer" (since these large river ships were originally powered by steam engines). While on America the paddle-wheel is mounted at the stern, there were also ships with two paddlewheels mounted at their sides instead of at the back.
Rolling down the river on American Cruise Lines’ refurbished paddlewheeler
On American Splendor you can dip a proverbial toe in the water with a four-night taster cruise or sail on a variety of week-long cruises. You’ll be stretching your legs on daily excursions at every port of call; some of them walking straight off the ship into the heart of towns and cities and others on a motorcoach. If you’re an independent spirit you can also head off by yourself. There are two big lounges, the panoramic Sky Lounge and Paddlewheel Lounge, which as the name implies overlooks the wheel. These form the heart of the ship and are used for relaxing and entertainment that befits a voyage along the Mississippi. I’m on American Cruise Line’s newly revamped ship American Splendor, and the banjo lesson is one of many fun and authentic experiences on my sailing along the Memphis-to-New Orleans stretch of America’s best-known river.
Holding 185 passengers, the American Splendor paddlewheel has been cruising the Mississippi River since 2016. You’ll enjoy the comforts of the most spacious staterooms, plus enjoy seven lounges onboard. The enrichment on the ship is first-class, with an enthusiastic river historian who could make even the driest subject riveting. The entertainment is on point for the audience, with musical acts and comedians brought in from New Orleans, Vicksburg and other stops along the river. Don't expect much rock music -- this is an audience that better knows the words to "Old Man River" than "Proud Mary" -- and you'll be fine.
Cabin Review
American Splendor, one of four paddlewheelers in American Cruise Lines’ fleet of traditional and contemporary riverboats, has undergone a facelift. All cabins are outside, with large opening picture windows and en suite bathrooms. All ACL cruise ships are US-flagged and built by the company-owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding Yard in Salisbury (Maryland USA). I have wanted to cruise the Mississippi River for several years and I liked the American Cruise Lines information I read. We left from New Orleans, after staying and touring one night in the great city, and disembarked in Memphis, TN.
The ship has a total of 14 single cabins (for solo passengers) that can be booked with single-occupancy rates (no single supplement). All balconies are of the same size, regardless of the cabin category. Each balcony is with lounge furniture (small round table with 2 chairs).
Caviar, petal-strewn baths & luxury suites: The world’s most romantic cruises
This New Ship Will Sail the U.S. on Some of the Country's Most Beautiful Rivers — Including a 22-day Mississippi Cruise - Travel + Leisure
This New Ship Will Sail the U.S. on Some of the Country's Most Beautiful Rivers — Including a 22-day Mississippi Cruise.
Posted: Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Enjoy floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony, providing panoramic views from every angle. Complete with a cozy sitting area, functional desk, and full-size bathrooms, these staterooms epitomize the ultimate relaxation and comfort on your voyage. Each stateroom comes complete with a desk and chair, dresser, ample storage, and an in-room single-serve coffee brewer for added comfort. ## American Splendor Outside Recreation American Splendor has an expanse of outdoor seating and sun decks, although summer temperatures on the Lower Mississippi can make it prohibitively hot; it's a bit better on the upper part of the river.
American Splendor does not bill itself as a cruise for families, and very few children travel on the line. When they do, the cruise director works to finds activities to interest them; however, the program is not active enough to suit teens, kids or twenty-somethings. There’s one main dining room and you can sit where you want, although for the best views it’s best to bag a table around the sides or back of the ship when you’re sailing. Expect hearty, Southern-style cuisine beginning with the breakfast buffet and menu of cooked-to-order items. Similar to its sister ship the American Heritage, the American Splendor is designed to provide you modern comforts while surrounded by classic elegance and river cruise hospitality.
American Splendor cruise itinerary program is based on Mississippi River roundtrips from New Orleans, including Grand Heartland Cruise. Some of the American Cruise Lines riverboat deals are on themed voyages. Among those themes are "Food and Wine", "Fall Foliage", "Music", the Holiday-themed sailings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Free of charge (complimentary) are the in-cabin WiFi Internet access (shipwide coverage), alcohol (beer and wine at lunch/dinner), unlimited drinks (soda, water, juices, coffee, tea), snacks, room-service. There are also veranda cabins for solo travelers which is a nice luxury if you’re traveling solo.
Aside from all the extra space, they have fridges that come stocked with complimentary wine which you can replenish along the way (see below).
There's a sun deck on Deck 5 and one above that's accessible only by stairs; both have white rocking chairs and cushioned loungers. On deck four, there's a shaded area with rocking chairs, as well as cushioned chairs, sofas and tables with cute lanterns. Rocking chairs are also placed on deck three near the exercise area in the back of the boat, as well as in the front. ## American Splendor Services Embarkation takes place at the front of the ship on Deck 1. Near the elevator bank on Deck 1, there's a list of all passenger and crew names and where they are from.
The lounge near the elevators on Deck 2 has books and jigsaw puzzles. On Deck 4, you'll find the patriotically decorated Mark Twain library with a computer and a printer, plus DVDs to use in your room, and games. Self-service laundry, with complimentary Tide pods, is available on Deck five. Wi-Fi is complimentary and available throughout the ship; it gets spottier, however, the farther up river you go. Travel in pure comfort in our AAL staterooms, located on the third deck.
Additionally, indulge in the convenience of an in-room single-serve coffee brewer, premium toiletries, and complimentary WiFi. The staterooms aboard American Splendor are the most spacious in the small ship cruising industry. All range between 200 and 450 square feet in size, and feature full-size bathrooms and modern amenities. After an invigorating day, your spacious stateroom is a comfortable haven and the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Past American Cruise Lines cruisers and the number of sailings they have done is also posted, as well as information about the river historian and entertainer. You'll also find brochures for places in port, complimentary postcards and other materials about the sailing in this area. This is where you can talk to the hotel director and his staff, book extra-fee excursions or sign up for the Eagle Society, the cruise line's loyalty program.
No comments:
Post a Comment