10 Days in Tennessee

Our room rivaled those my wife and I have enjoyed in many an upscale hotel. The food and table settings were both five-star. The lengthy list of available activities in our temporary home-away-from-home covered a wide diversity of interests.

There also were opportunities to explore inviting towns that provide deep dives into Civil War and other history, visit magnificent anti-bellum plantations and mansions, and stroll through their lovely gardens. Adding to the allure of our Lower Mississippi River Cruise was the chance to explore museums which bring to life prehistoric times, Native American and African American stories, and a wide variety of numerous aspects of life in that corner of the country.



We were following one of more than 50 small ship itineraries available from American Cruise Lines, which ply rivers and other waters through 35 states in vessels that hold between 90 and 180 passengers. The result combines a long list of facilities, amenities and activities comparable to those of the largest ocean-going mega-cruisers with the intimacy of a much smaller setting and far fewer people.



The company offers trips along the Mississippi, Columbia, Ohio, Hudson and other rivers; through the Chesapeake Bay and along Maine’s coast, and on a long list of other waterways.



Features include spacious outside staterooms with private balconies, a lengthy list of both on-board and on-shore activities, and a welcome all-inclusive policy.



Time on board is spent choosing from a variety of inviting activities. Historians and other speakers lead enlightening discussions. Complimentary evening cocktail hours, nightly entertainment and other offerings round out the schedule.



Each day, we chose from among a list of activities at a different town, exploring historic and other gems. Among those to which the brick streets of Vicksburg, Mississippi lead are a Civil War Museum, Vicksburg Military Park and a home that served as hospital during the Civil War, with Union and Confederate soldiers separated on different floors. A series of wall murals along the waterfront depicts various stories from the town’s past, including the vital role that the Mississippi River played and contributions made by African-Americans.



Natchez, Mississippi was established by French colonists in 1716 and became part of the United States in 1783. Planters used slave labor to grow cotton and sugarcane, and built expansive mansions to demonstrate their wealth. Many of these stately homes survive to relate part of this story, while the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture tells another side.



Baton Rouge was ruled by seven different governments before becoming the second largest city in Louisiana and, in 1846, being designated the state capital to replace “sinful” New Orleans. It’s a culturally diverse community which includes Cajun and Creole people, African-Americans and a melting pot of other ethnic and religious backgrounds. The Capitol Park Museum traces contributions of Native Americans, early European colonists, enslaved people and others to the area’s development and accomplishments. Exhibits at the LSU Rural Life Museum, housed in a complex of 32 historic buildings, focus on the way of life of 18th- and 19th-century Louisianans.



Our voyage ended in New Orleans, and even as the journey drew to a close, participants had an opportunity for one last guided excursion. This tour leads to a number of highlights in the self-proclaimed “City That Care Forgot.” They include the famous French Quarter, lovely Garden District and imposing mansions.

This was a fabulous trip. The American Symphony is a new ship, beautiful. The staff, rooms, food, activities, entertainment and excursions were great. I loved it.

We just got off the ship American Cruiseline's Spendor. Waiting at the airport now and cannot wait to write a review. We had so much fun. First of all the crew, director and right down to the last person on this ship was AAAA+++++. Everyone was so helpful, cheerful and personable. They really make the cruise smooth sailing for all. The food as usual was plenty and so good. So many good choices. We managed to get the same table each time and Justin Goodman was our waiter. What a guy, American Cruiseline is lucky to have him. A very energetic and positive person. He was full of energy even at the first meal of the day right until the last. The cruise director Fernando was charming and smiling always. Any need or request was not to big or to small. He went out of his way on July 4th to have a fun and inspiring holidayt. The ports were great, mostly included free of charge and were so interesting. There was always someone there to guide and ask questions. This was a good trip and will be remembered.

We wanted a nice relaxing cruise for the holiday, someplace where the temps were moderate for that time of year and somewhere in the US. We chose the American Cruise Line and were on the American Jazz out of New Orleans. The excursions we chose were informative and even entertaining due to the history guides and bus drivers. The best though was the Thanksgiving meal that was provided, of course turkey plus three other types of meat, various sides to numerous to mention and a table of deserts. And I did not have to prepare one thing! That was the table talk among the ladies at our table. We decided this was the best way to spend Thanksgiving. I did have a moment of pity for the chef who put out this spread-but he at least had an army of helpers to prepare AND clean up. I think next year I need to be aboard another ACL ship somewhere.

In March 2022 My husband and I took a wonderful Cruise on American CruiseLine. The trip was on the American Heritage, and we traveled down the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans.

We began our trip exploring on our own. I wish I had taken the precruise option. Many people I met did and had an awesome experience. We visited a few places on our own. We went to Sun Studios, and Beale Street to hear some great Blues and sample the barbeque. All were wonderful but we missed the great experience of Graceland. People who took the precruise package stayed at the Graceland hotel!

We boarded the ship and were pleasantly surprised at the ease in boarding. We were checked in and enjoying food almost immediately. I have done several American CruiseLine trips (Hudson River, Pugent Sound, and St Lewis to Nashville) before, so I was aware of the floorplan and felt comfortable immediately. The rooms are very spacious, and we had a balcony. It was spotlessly clean. This was my first cruise since Covid began so I was very concerned with covid protocols. We were all vaccinated but most of us wore masks anyway. All of the staff did for sure.

The first stop was Vicksburg. My husband is a Civil War buff so we, of course, went to the Battleground. Even I found it fascinating. The guides we excellent! It was a bus tour but we got on and off to hear commentary of specific battles. The monuments were visible from the bus.

That afternoon we went to see the USS Ciaro, an iron clad gun boat from the Civil War. The ship and museum were incredible. I had no idea so many immigrants were involved in our civil war. We also visited the Coca Cola Museum, and the Depot Museum. Both really cool.

The second stop was Nanchez.

We went on the Nanchez Shuttle. We went to Rosalie House the visitors center and shopping. This is one of many complimentary excursions the ship offered. I love how we can have a wonderful cruise without a lot of additional costs for excursions. If I went back I would do the Great River Outdoor Adventure. Everyone loved that! You get your own ATV and see a lot of the ranch. Then they had tomahawk throwing, bullwhip and lasso... sounded like a blast.

Third stop Saint Francisville Her we went to Myrtles Plantation, It is just beautiful. It is surrounded by centuries-old live oak trees, the mansion features a 125-foot verandah, exquisite ornamental ironwork, hand-painted stained glass. But best of all it is Haunted.. Great tour.

Next on our journey we went to Baton Rouge. Here we were able to go off the ship and walk along the water to visit the Louisiana Art and Science Museum. We spent hours there. They have a planetarium, a Mummy in a recreated cave and changing art that included amazing artworks created with iridescent bugs! I am an artist so I loved it there.

Stop four: Houmas House. This place was gorgeous! The architecture beautiful, furnishings wonderful and my favorite part, the gardens were breathtaking. I loved all the original art and sculpture.

Stop five: Oak Alley Plantation is a historic plantation located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. It is named for its canopied path, created by a row of southern live oak trees on each side of the entrance walkway. planted in the early 18th century. Much of t’s colorful story is based on the history of slavery on sugar plantations. It is a must see.

We completed our tour in New Orleans. I have been there many times before so I did not do any tours there but as a person who loves the unusual I highly recommend you stay a few days extra.

NOLA is unsurpassed in yummy food, grilled oysters, beignets and muffuletas. Don’t miss the French Market for last minute gifts and souvenirs'.

We absolutely loved this trip and would highly recommend it to everyone.

We went on the lower Mississippi River in March 2022. This trip was amazing. Everything is taken care of. Even the hotel the night before is arranged and included in your trip. The food was very good. There were always choices and if you wanted casual dining, there is a cafe on the back of the ship serving burgers pizza and even breakfast. The service is top notch. Everyone is polite and professional but they are very friendly. They will try to assist you in any way you need. The shore trips were really interesting and most of the time there were several to choose from, and, most are free of charge and included with the trip. This ship is almost brand new so everything was fresh and the room was larger than most cruise ships and the bed was fantastic. There is nothing I can say negative. We will surely book with them again. Christine Schafer