Name: American Cruise Lines
Rating: 4.9

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Eileen Wolk Mountain View, CA

There was a pig roast at a place called the Oyster Bar. While the food was good, the venue was not. Too many people for the restaurant. Inadequate toilet facilities. We got wet where we were seated. The swamp tour was very disappointing. The animals we saw were trained to come out when the boat arrived, because they were fed.

2 years ago

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Darryl MN

This was by far the worst vacation experience of my life. We spent thousands and thousands of dollars only to regret every cent. We were ported most of the trip and didn’t do even half of the “excursions” that we paid for and were promised. This cruise line was not prepared for weather and no reimbursement was given and no apologies were given. It was all Awful. Most of the excursions and entertainment were canceled…. so we played bingo and ate cookies and they thought that was enough. Dirty and smelly rooms. This cruise line was dishonest and should have told us up front that we would be sitting on the boat 90% of the time. It was all terrible planning and management. Most of the time was spent in the small, dirty boat. Do NOT spent your money on this cruise line. Their customer service does not help or care. This is a scam.

2 years ago

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candace twynham Columbus, OH

Hurricane Leo was certainly an impediment to half the cruise. Additional onboard activities while not touring would have been welcome. On the other side of the coin, the crew was wonderful and the chef was the best we have had on a cruise!

2 years ago

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Sam Mondello Camillus, NY

We cruised on the new American Symphony from Nov 2-7. Our stateroom was spacious, very clean and the staff was very friendly. There seemed to be a disconnect with upper management and the staff when questions arose . So....Our river cruise on the Mississippi was cut short (not ACL's fault as the Mississippi was low). However other issues during the cruise left everyone perplexed on how to deal with: running short on food and supplies, lack of communication, being short-staffed, low quality entertainment, extra time on buses to "compensate" for not docking in places, mediocre shore excursions, confusing changes in schedules that weren't communicated well, activities that were cancelled last minute, and most disappointing: disregard for requests for a partial refund from their customer service and the CEO. There were more people discontent than happy with their experience and we learned from our mistake and would suggest you take any other cruise line besides ACL.We have been on dozens of cruises with a total 8 or more cruise lines and never had such a disappointing experience like this!

3 years ago

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Mary Tucson, AZ

This was the Puget Sound Cruise on the Constellation . We left the ship on day 3. Cabin was dirty, most chairs in the ship were stained, dinning room looked like a 1970's nursing home dining room, carpet was torn in our hallway (major trip hazard), our bathroom was filthy, no safe in room, even tho we were told there would be, a number of things in our room were missing and we had to ask for them, like the desk chair. (And they bring us a stained chair). The crew was friendly, but obviously lacked training and supervision. There was no resemblance to the "modern, elegant, luxurious comfort they talk about on their website and brochures. This cruise was not worth the cost by any stretch of the imagination. You pay for the Hyatt and get a Super 8. We’ve learned our lesson, at a great cost to our pocket book, that we will never go on another ACL cruise no matter how wonderful the they say it would be.

3 years ago

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Mops Queens, NY

Ok so we stood in line for an hour in the sun for COVID testing.. Thankfully we finished before the rain started. Housekeeping was hit or miss. The ship was out of shampoo. No cups or glasses in the room despite a K cup machine. No bath mats, no wash rags. They ran out of white wines. The Champaign was Korbel. Dinner was beef, pork, lobster too many times. Desert was one kind of pie and ice cream. So, all was tolerable til they blew an engine and we were dead in the water. The busses did not have bottled water on board. For the price, one could do so much better. We are considering abandoning this cruise if we ever get an engine to take us to the next port. Seriously there are better cruise lines available now, don’t waste your money on this one.

3 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.

3 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.

4 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 .

5 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

5 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.

5 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.

5 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.

5 years ago

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Robert A. Kleeb Denver, CO

Meals were wonderful. Having tips paid with fare takes away a lot of difficult decisions about who & how much to tip all the wonderful staff who served us.

6 years ago

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Roy and Susie Casper, WY

We were pleased with all aspects. Only suggestion is support staff need more assistance at disembarkment and the nite before. Verandas are difficult to maneuver on.

6 years ago

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Joe and Mary Lexington, VA

We've done five cruises, enjoyed them all and have signed up for two more. The ship comforts, destinations and excursions are great. The food cooking and service were not up to the standards we expected.

6 years ago

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Gene Bell Phoenix, AZ

This was my first cruise and have already booked the second. Staff were all very personable and accommodating, great meals and excellent choices for on shore excursions.

6 years ago

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Carolyn G Maynard, MA

This cruise had the most turbulance. I am having trouble walking. The last day was a nightmare. When the taxi driver asked for our luggage, Chris said we were all set. We got to the airport----no luggage.Sent driver back and they would not give him the luggage until all the buses were loaded. We barely made our flight. Please look into this.

6 years ago

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Norman Aulabaugh Orfordville, WI

I booked cruise 474 which was to travel on the Mississippi river from St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota from October 6 to October 13, 2018. When I arrived in St. Louis the evening of October 5, I found a note in my Hotel room saying there had been a change in my itinerary, that my Cruise had been changed from a Mississippi river cruise from St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota to a cruise on the Cumberland River traveling from St. Louis to Nashville, Tennessee. Although there were many people booked on cruise 474 staying at the hotel, there was no representative from American Cruise Lines at the hotel to answer questions. I called the American Cruise Lines customer service representative and was told that due to high water on the upper Mississippi, the ship could not get under one bridge and therefore the cruise had been changed to the Cumberland River Cruise. I explained I did not want to go on the Cumberland River Cruise to Nashville, that I had booked the Mississippi River Cruise to St. Paul Minnesota. I further explained that I either wanted a refund or I wanted to re-book the Mississippi River Cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul for a later date. I was told neither of these option was possible and that if I did not go on the Cumberland River Cruise to Nashville, I would forfeit all the money I had paid for my cruise. I want this issue to go on file to warn other about the very unethical practices American Cruise Lines employs. They certainly are not customer oriented. They get your money, and then when they can't deliver on the trip you had booked, they seem to believe that sending you on another completely different cruise will fulfill their obligation. There were over 100 other people that were infuriated about the way we were treated by American Cruise Lines. I hope the Better Business Bureau has heard from them all. I went on the "alternative" cruise to Nashville as there was no alternative besides forfeiting the $10,000 I had already paid. I'm outraged.

7 years ago

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Dave Kinison

The food and entertainment were excellent.

3 months ago

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Robby Sabban

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

3 months ago Edited September 11, 2025

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Madelynne Johnson

We have taken 21 ACL cruises in the last 15 years and we think that is the best recommendation we can give them.

10 months ago

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Suzy Dobkin

Unfortunately one star is the lowest possible rating; I would rate them as MUCH worse than one star. My husband & I took the Tennessee Rivers cruise. The excursions were awful. The docking locations were worse. The food was spotty. The entertainment was provided by primarily one person. And the expense was exorbitant. Moreover, the company does not respond to surveys, phone calls, or letters. Stay away. Do not book any cruise with this terrible company. It's a scam.

1 year ago

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Lynn

We went on the lower Mississippi River cruise in November. Everything was great. The staff made our stay comfortable and enjoyable.

1 year ago

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Dee Sevier Independence, OR

Excellent crew in all areas!!!Great x cruise director and excursion director.. Dining room staff very helpful for providing special diet meals..

2 years ago

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David Simia Cleveland, OH

Horrible experience characterized by: poor service, disorganized, poor entertainment, continuously out of basics - food, beverages, potato chips, breakfast items, bread, snacks, inattentiveness to senior travelers such as having them wait in 85 degress waiting 45 minutes for buses...Overpriced disaster! Stay away. Definitely not for the SENIORS.

3 years ago

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David Backholer Hilliard, OH

This was our first Cruise and the service and professionalism shown was above and beyond what we expected. I cannot fault any part of the experience.

3 years ago

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Cruiser2333333 Bridgeport, WV

Our cruise ship was so poorly maintained that the generator broke down and we lost one full day, of 6, for repairs. As a result, we missed an entire port of call and all of the excursions we had paid for were cancelled. We have heard nothing from this company about reimbursement, not even an apology. Apparently, ACL plans to just keep our money. Very disappointing. Choose a different cruise line!

3 years ago

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Potterdog Suffield, CT

Great ships, extremely competent crew, great foods and food selections, excellent waiter/waitress personnel, always give assistance when needed.

5 years ago

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Maryann Wright Fernandina Beach, FL

Food and service on all three of my cruises (Columbia River, Hudson River, and New England) have been excellent as have been the choices of excursions.

5 years ago

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Lois Tyler Ballston Spa, NY

Cracked dam disrupted the flow of the trip.unpacking repacking , unpacking was not anticipated. Not America cruise fault, but did not make the cruise go smoothly.

6 years ago

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B Hake Marietta, GA

We had the unfortunate experience of being on the Columbia River cruise when the Bonneville Dam lock broke and we had to spend the majority of the time docked at the Red Lion in Portland.

6 years ago

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Catherine Thomas St Louis, MO

Everyone from the cruise line was very friendly and always went out of their way to make our trip as enjoyable as possible

6 years ago

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Evangeline Saint Albans, VT

My room on the Queen of the Mississippi, one of the American Cruise Lines Paddleboats, was misrepresented on the diagram in their booklet as a Category A double; it was at best a single. It was cramped and had a musty, moldy odor caused by a leaky AC. When I requested that the company refund a portion of my expense for this room, I was offered a 20% courtesy discount on a future booking. Not at all happy with this offer.

10 years ago

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Kim Smith

Great food, friendly crew, awesome excursions!

4 months ago

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Frances Harty

The crew and staff ensured we were well taken care of the entire trip.

7 months ago

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Karen McNally

What a great experience! Service, food, excursions - all top notch. I highly recommend American Cruise Lines.

1 year ago

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Gas Chicago, IL

Liked: quietness of the ship, cleanliness, food, friendly, many things to do, drinks, entertainment..

2 years ago

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John Masters Valdosta, GA

Very helpful and courteous staff and crew. Excellent facilities, condition of the ship, meals and activities.

2 years ago

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Wallace Guthrie St. Petersburg, FL

Interesting itinerary. Highly professional entertainment. Well organized. Comfortable accommodations. Great food.

3 years ago

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Jennifer Schultz Saint Paul, MN

We were treated with the utmost respect. Staff were friendly, polite and positive. And the food was delicious!

3 years ago

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Chap Waters Gurnee, IL

American Cruise Lines gives you the small print about their cruise 44 day before the cruise. That means no REFUND if you don't agreed to there terms! As a company they can enforce any rule they deem necessary for safe trip but should let before taking of money. They are not up front with you and there business practices are shady at best.

4 years ago

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Jean Mancil Arlington, TX

I very much like the smaller cruise line system. I like not traveling with hoarded of people and.... not lots of kids!

5 years ago

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William W Fieldhouse Arroyo Grande, CA

Our whole experience was terrific. The food was very good and served quickly. We enjoyed all the off shore tours.

5 years ago

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Linda Robinson Edmond, OK

Great service, excellent food. All staff very helpful and friendly. Enjoyed the lower key cruising versus big ships.

5 years ago

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Rhoda Thornton Florence, AZ

Excellent Ship - Excellent Staff - Loved the trip The food could improve would be my only reason I am not giving it a 5 star.

6 years ago

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Bruce Torrance, CA

Friendly crew, excellent food, modern vessels, large staterooms and provides a chance to see America without the need for buses and hotel rooms.

6 years ago

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Susan Hatley, WI

People were very friendly Loved Happy Hour so we could meet the other people sailing with us Food was wonderful

6 years ago

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Carol Istvanick Fresno, CA

friendly staff, great food, interesting activities when landed, rooms ingest condition and kept clean and neat

5 years ago