I’m looking forward to your upcoming videos on this ship. I have cruised one time with American cruise line on one of their new ships on the Columbia River. The room and ship were really nice. In fact, I thought they were great. We has a balcony suite. There was a little problem initially as some of the staff evidently just walked off and quit. They did well in covering everything and the passengers were patient. Soon replacements arrived. At first we did not think the food measured up to other cruises we were on but looking back we think the food was good and the servers did well even though some were new on the job. So all I all I was very pleased. I do not like large ships. I would sail with American again if I find the right itinerary and ship. I think you should try one of the new ships and you will really enjoy it. However, these cruises are expensive.
Thank you for your thoughts. I have a feeling that I would like the newer ships better but this is the ship that was doing the Maine Harbor cruise in August when I wanted to go so I didn't have a choice.
My husband and I recently took the Columbia River Cruise on American Song. Your video has validated my experience. Cabins were a nice size (We had a balcony). Bathroom was adequate, as was the shower, but no place to put shampoo, etc. Only a spot for soap. Under the beds was obviously not cleaned, even between guests. Décor/ambiance was blah, though built in 2018. Food was very good. Crew very friendly and, yes, very accommodating to the large number of passengers with limited mobility. Two of the wait staff walked out 5 days into the cruise. There were no replacements, though only one more cruise before the end of the season. Wait staff cavorting in the dining room during meal times (kissing and piggyback ride). Employees helping themselves to the dessert table during dining hours. Two incidents of 'ship business' being discussed in public areas within earshot of passengers, which should have been handled privately. (Management issues???) The scenery was spectacular; the weather very cooperative; the excursions were varied and mostly interesting. Many passengers signing up for their next adventure with offered discounts. I laughed at your elevator experience. I also was a student nurse in 1966 and clearly recall our dorm elevators. Fortunately, we didn't encounter any on this cruise. It was overall an enjoyable cruise. I would rate it 6.5-7 out of a 10. I definitely feel it was too expensive; thinking probably because of U.S. wages, rules, etc. I have taken two outstanding river cruises in Europe on Avalon Waterways, so a bit spoiled. I doubt we will sail with American Cruise Line again.
Wow! Thank you for validating my experience. I am so surprised at the staff's behavior. I did not see that on my cruise. We have cruised on American Queen Voyages and prefer them for US cruising. I have also cruised on Grand Circle and Vantage (out of business) in Europe. It is very unlikely that we would cruise again on American Cruise Line but many people love them.
it is interesting because the Pride of America (NCL...the only NCL ship I would go on) is also US Flag, so those are all US Merchant Mariners also, all US citizens, they are in a union too, paid very well. I think it's more the size of the ship. Pride of America is a large ship that carries thousands of people, so that brings the price down for everybody. She only sails around Hawaii. 🙂 As you know, we have the Jones Act, which says that any ship that sails only in US ports -- she doesn't go to a foreign port in her itinerary -- has to be US Flag. This is to ensure that shipyards exist to make US Navy vessels and that there are US flagged vessels that can be used in time of war! I was in the Navy on submarines. 🙂
@@SandyOver70 it's a really good post because I have been looking at this cruise line also, so thank you for making the video! 🙂 I notice another commenter said that their newer ships provide a better experience. 🙂
I’ve been on 3 cruises with ACL, with six more booked in next two years. Sandy was right on about the age of the American Independence. But - the newer ACL ships are far and away so much better! Sandy - try one of the new Coastal Cats from ACL. I’ll be on the Independence in December for Christmas cruise, so I was glad to know all the idiosyncrasies of that boat!
@PokemanEvolution99 To answer your question The ship did a major renovation to all its cabins.. New beds and furniture ect.. I would say for an old ship in its current condition its been we'll taking care of by my company.. I'd take a cruise on it any day. Thanks for sharing this vessel and I hope you enjoy the new improvements.
18 different cruise lines? That's impressive. I was thinking this might be a good cruise line to take my 94 year old mom on to stimulate her brain a little more. She is in Southern CA so we would have to fly to Seattle. Any suggestions?
Actually, I don't recommend a river cruise for someone who is 44 with a teenager. The passengers are almost all 70 plus and I don't recall ever seeing a teenager. I don't think you would like it.
Avid cruiser, but aging and limited mobility. This interests me because it is smaller...the big ships aren't an option for me unless someone can push my wheelchair! THANKS!
Wish I found you before we booked, 5 of us went on same cruise and ship as you and all I can say is it was a Dump and for the money the trip was not worth it at all, the ship needs to be taken out of the water and decommissioned.
![25 Things Cruisers MUST Know Before Your First MSC Cruise [MSC Cruise Tips 2024]](/img/1.gif)
So refreshing to view a video with an educated articulate person speaking clearly and no annoying noise (music?) in the background. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
I’m looking forward to your upcoming videos on this ship. I have cruised one time with American cruise line on one of their new ships on the Columbia River. The room and ship were really nice. In fact, I thought they were great. We has a balcony suite. There was a little problem initially as some of the staff evidently just walked off and quit. They did well in covering everything and the passengers were patient. Soon replacements arrived. At first we did not think the food measured up to other cruises we were on but looking back we think the food was good and the servers did well even though some were new on the job. So all I all I was very pleased. I do not like large ships. I would sail with American again if I find the right itinerary and ship. I think you should try one of the new ships and you will really enjoy it. However, these cruises are expensive.
Thank you for your thoughts. I have a feeling that I would like the newer ships better but this is the ship that was doing the Maine Harbor cruise in August when I wanted to go so I didn't have a choice.
My husband and I recently took the Columbia River Cruise on American Song. Your video has validated my experience. Cabins were a nice size (We had a balcony). Bathroom was adequate, as was the shower, but no place to put shampoo, etc. Only a spot for soap. Under the beds was obviously not cleaned, even between guests. Décor/ambiance was blah, though built in 2018. Food was very good. Crew very friendly and, yes, very accommodating to the large number of passengers with limited mobility. Two of the wait staff walked out 5 days into the cruise. There were no replacements, though only one more cruise before the end of the season. Wait staff cavorting in the dining room during meal times (kissing and piggyback ride). Employees helping themselves to the dessert table during dining hours. Two incidents of 'ship business' being discussed in public areas within earshot of passengers, which should have been handled privately. (Management issues???) The scenery was spectacular; the weather very cooperative; the excursions were varied and mostly interesting. Many passengers signing up for their next adventure with offered discounts. I laughed at your elevator experience. I also was a student nurse in 1966 and clearly recall our dorm elevators. Fortunately, we didn't encounter any on this cruise. It was overall an enjoyable cruise. I would rate it 6.5-7 out of a 10. I definitely feel it was too expensive; thinking probably because of U.S. wages, rules, etc. I have taken two outstanding river cruises in Europe on Avalon Waterways, so a bit spoiled. I doubt we will sail with American Cruise Line again.
Wow! Thank you for validating my experience. I am so surprised at the staff's behavior. I did not see that on my cruise. We have cruised on American Queen Voyages and prefer them for US cruising. I have also cruised on Grand Circle and Vantage (out of business) in Europe. It is very unlikely that we would cruise again on American Cruise Line but many people love them.
it is interesting because the Pride of America (NCL...the only NCL ship I would go on) is also US Flag, so those are all US Merchant Mariners also, all US citizens, they are in a union too, paid very well. I think it's more the size of the ship. Pride of America is a large ship that carries thousands of people, so that brings the price down for everybody. She only sails around Hawaii. 🙂
As you know, we have the Jones Act, which says that any ship that sails only in US ports -- she doesn't go to a foreign port in her itinerary -- has to be US Flag. This is to ensure that shipyards exist to make US Navy vessels and that there are US flagged vessels that can be used in time of war! I was in the Navy on submarines. 🙂
@@SandyOver70 it's a really good post because I have been looking at this cruise line also, so thank you for making the video! 🙂 I notice another commenter said that their newer ships provide a better experience. 🙂
I’ve been on 3 cruises with ACL, with six more booked in next two years. Sandy was right on about the age of the American Independence. But - the newer ACL ships are far and away so much better!
Sandy - try one of the new Coastal Cats from ACL.
I’ll be on the Independence in December for Christmas cruise, so I was glad to know all the idiosyncrasies of that boat!
I had a feeling the newer ships were better. Glad to hear that they are.
Excellent
Very good review! TY! ❤🙏🏻
You are welcome. Thanks for watching!
Very informative video, and well spoken. Thank you!
I’m glad you liked it!
I'm currently working on this boat in jacksonville Florida
How is it? Is it worth it financially? Also how long is your contract with them?
@PokemanEvolution99 To answer your question
The ship did a major renovation to all its cabins..
New beds and furniture ect..
I would say for an old ship in its current condition its been we'll taking care of by my company..
I'd take a cruise on it any day.
Thanks for sharing this vessel and I hope you enjoy the new improvements.
We like being the youngsters on these ships. We do prefer AQ lines over American. We like the paddle wheel.
So do I.
Best video on cruise of 2023
Thank you!
18 different cruise lines? That's impressive. I was thinking this might be a good cruise line to take my 94 year old mom on to stimulate her brain a little more. She is in Southern CA so we would have to fly to Seattle. Any suggestions?
I think it is a great idea. Flying today is awful. Once she is on the ship, she will love it. They are very accommodating to older passengers.
Thanks for sharing! I am 44 years old.....which river cruise do you recommend me....I am traveling with a teenager. Thanks!
Actually, I don't recommend a river cruise for someone who is 44 with a teenager. The passengers are almost all 70 plus and I don't recall ever seeing a teenager. I don't think you would like it.
I figure.....thank you very much!@@SandyOver70
Avid cruiser, but aging and limited mobility. This interests me because it is smaller...the big ships aren't an option for me unless someone can push my wheelchair! THANKS!
Alfred Hitchcock would love that elevator!
Oh, my, yes!
The elevator is a residential elevator. The one in my house moves more quickly, though.
@@nancycurtis3964 Thank goodness!
Looks like an elevator at our beach house
😆
Wish I found you before we booked, 5 of us went on same cruise and ship as you and all I can say is it was a Dump and for the money the trip was not worth it at all, the ship needs to be taken out of the water and decommissioned.
@@clairejackson7521 I am so glad you agree with me. It validated my own experience and opinion.