Name: American Cruise Lines
Rating: 4.9

star star star star star

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!

6 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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).

6 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Phil Baker

Great customer service. excursions well-planned. Only negative was no hot water for showers on two mornings.

5 months ago

star star star star star

Frank Ludwig

the attention to details to make sure everything is perfect or as perfect as can be to make our trip fun, comfortable and enjoyable

7 months ago

star star star star star_border

John S Sipos

We didn't believe that this cruise was on the same level as our previous cruises. Activities were limited and some shore excursions were not as advertised. The Decateur AL tour was rushed through because the driver said she only had 20 minutes. The local guide on the bus couldn't talk fast enough to describe what we were speeding by.

1 year ago

star star star star star

Merry Parker, CO

Cruising done "perfectly". This was my first cruise and I could not be more pleased. What a staff, GREAT excursions and on board activities, delicious food and good entertainmemt.

2 years ago

star star star star star

Lynda and Don Menomonie, WI

Top notch ship from top to bottom. Food, drinks, amenities, rooms, employees, entertainment and ports of interest. We learned so much about the Civil War, the mighty Mississippi and life around that period. Thank you.

2 years ago

star star star star star

Barbara N. Leander, TX

Staff was very congenial and helpful. Leigh Ann our steward was exceptional . Ken our our housekeeper took care of all our needs and Ian one of the deck hands was helpful in assisting me on & off the ship.

2 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Lin A Dallas, TX

One of the worst cruises I have ever been on! I Mississippi River was running low and so I gave American Cruise Lines an extra star for mother nature, but they were ill prepared and didn't seem too concerned about the welfare of the passengers. The landing areas were horrible and most required a golf cart to assist my 98 year old grandfather from the ship up to the transportation area. The problem was the one and only golf cart had a bad battery and would not work the entire time so my grandfather had to walk in horrible areas at times in muddy, uneven areas. The crew did their best, but the command and supervisory staff were terrible at assisting the crew to rectify the situation. The dining areas were well kept, but the food was mediocre at best, and many of the wait staff acted as though they wanted to be anywhere, but on that ship. There were exceptions of course, and we made sure to point them out, but they were the exception, not the rule, on board. The cabin on day one had toenails next to a chair in the main part of the cabin as though someone had just trimmed their nails prior to leaving that day. The veranda area was so dirty and filled with dead insects we didn't even use it. Never going on anther American Cruise Lines boat!

3 years ago

star star star star star

Sharon Camera MI

We love American Cruise Lines. We appreciate the smaller shifts and getting to know all of the people on the ship. We also really enjoyed the excursions and the speakers that are very educational.

3 years ago

star star star star star

Herman Martin Manchester, TN

Enjoyed the hospitality of crew and facilities aboard boat. However, the lack of WiFi was missed during the cruise. Some confusion at the hotel in New Orleans was also a factor.

3 years ago

star star star star star

Frank Marx Middletown, DE

The staff was always helpful and courteous. nothing was to much to ask them. The food was excellent. Happy hour was a great time to meet new people. our cruise was everything you could ask for and more.

3 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Michael Ernest Savannah, GA

My most recent experience --the Alaska Explorer July 2 --13 Hotel Baranof 2 stars- rooms unsatisfactory Ship staff and crew 5 stars Shore excursions 4 stars--sorry we missed Skagway Food -- soup, salads, and Deserts 4-5 stars. Entrees -- all fish dishes were overcooked ( dry and tasteless ) I did not eat the meaty dishes except the OSSO BUCCO which was excellent. I also did not eat the Lobster and Ciopino Most lunches I ate in the port towns

3 years ago

star star star star star_border

Joann Richards Miami, FL

Cleanliness of the ship provided by the ship's crew. The quality of the food provided at meals & finger food at Happy Hour. The quality of the Historian who did a great job. The Coordinator who reminded us of the events & "what was next." The response of each crew member to any request.

3 years ago

star star star star star

Daniel Horn Bensalem, PA

Our trip on the American Star was great. We cruised the Chesapeake for a week stopping at many places. The food was better than great, the crew was very helpful, we had a wonderful trip and would do it again.

3 years ago Edited June 27, 2022

star star star star star_border

Cynthia Bartlett Marysville, OH

The toilet paper holder kept falling off the wall they came in to fix it however it never stayed on. Also the balcony door would not lock. I had to rig my belt around the balcony door to the bathroom door so when we were in dock no one could just walk into our room. It was not safe. Food was delicious.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

Ron Witzke Guelph, ON

First time cruising wth this company … although more expensive than most ( including my favourite Sea Dream yacht cruise) the rave reviews and slick promotion as well as the location ( Mississippi) convinced me to plunk down $10K each for what I thought and was told would be a four star food and wine service on a top of the line new ship. In reality, the ship was indeed beautiful, but the promised gourmet meals never appeared( mundane cruise food , often poorly prepared or running out before everyone was served; the wine and liquor selection was not as promised either and the bar often didn’t have the advertised brands. The entertainment was meh , the excursions ( which sometimes cost extra ) were repetitive and even boring at times, and the wait staff was inexperienced and inattentive. To add salt to the wound, I saw that the cruise was selling off empty suites and rooms at prices thousand of dollars less than I paid and that the room at Graceland cost me hundreds of dollars more for booking with them than by myself. For the price I paid , I expected a luxury cruise and landed a cut rate half empty disappointment.

3 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

Betsy Boorse New Orleans, LA

The American Heritage paddlewheel is our 1st ACL cruise. We have been very pleased with the excursion options. Our dining room servers, Morgan and Rick, have been excellent. There have been room issues, food issues and supply shortage issues (no dryer sheets for guest laundry and toiletries only by request). This was a "bucket list" trip for me. This cruise line is a definite step down from Viking, our regular cruise line. Personally, I would choose a different company.

3 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

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.

4 years ago

star star star star star

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.

5 years ago

star star star star star

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.

5 years ago

star star star star star

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.

5 years ago

star star star star star

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

5 years ago

star star star star star

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.

5 years ago

star star star star star

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.

5 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

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

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

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.”

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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

6 years ago

star star star star_border star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star

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.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Dave Kinison

The food and entertainment were excellent.

2 months ago

star star star star star_border

Robby Sabban

Toilets need a no-slam lid :-) The staff and service were excellent

2 months ago Edited September 11, 2025

star star star star star

Gary Yurich

We met many new friends and had such a great time booked another trip!

3 months ago

star star star star star

Dan Lynch

We like the very positive, friendly atmosphere of the crew members. That treated us very nicely and like royalty. We couldn't ask for a nicer experience.

1 year ago