Ray in NH

21 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Another question. Do they have more than one Chef’s dinner a week if more people want to attend one?

 

Thank you.

Sorry for the interruption,  but seeing your screen name brought back many pleasant cruise memories.  Hope all is well on your end.

Until we cruise together again -- Bon Voyage.

NRayH, and my Very "First Class" mate.

On 9/27/2021 at 6:38 AM, shipgeeks said:

According to my brochure, Queen of Mississippi is due in Pittsburgh tomorrow or Wednesday (September 28/29).  Can anyone confirm if that is still the case?  

We departed the ship on 29 September, in Pittsburgh, after an enjoyable cruise.

NRayH

On 8/22/2021 at 7:54 PM, Globalfish said:

No, marinetraffic.com doesn’t  provide that information.  I can only assume it was due to high water level.  Lots of rain in the Northeast this summer (not the least of which is Hurricane Henri today).  If my cruise departs from somewhere other than Pittsburgh on Sept. 9 and presuming that ACL is honest with us, I will be better able to give you a reason.  I will try to let you know on this forum the day before as to whether or not the Sept. 9 sailing of Queen of the Mississippi is departing from Pittsburgh.

We would also be interested in whatever information you might be able to provide.  We are scheduled to board on 19 September (in St. Louis, and dis-embark on 29 September (in Pittsburgh). 

NRayH

Whilst the title of this thread is "Live on the Queen of the Mississippi", we are very interested since we are booked to cruise the Ohio River (St. Louis to Pittsburgh) on her next month (19 September to 29 September).

Any information, about the ship/staff, would be greatly appreciated  This will be our seventh ACL cruise, but our first on this particular ship.

Looking forward to you future, first hand, comments.

NRayH

17 hours ago, nybumpkin said:

We never saw any Bloody Marys or Mimosas at breakfast on our Puget Sound cruise. DH did get tomato juice for breakfast, though.

Cannot recall ever seeing anyone order either a Bloody Mary, or Mimosa, at breakfast.  However, ACL does not have restrictions about bringing your own "Drink Fix-ins" (alcoholic, or other-wise) aboard with you. 😇

NRayH

Hi Sue (and Jim),

Thank you for posting your "First Impressions".

We were hoping that you would keep us posted on your first ACL experience.  Sounds like things have started well -- based on our experiences with ACL (pre-Covid).  Hope your expectations continue to be met (exceeded).

Enjoy the rest of your "first ACL cruise -- perhaps the start of a new chapter of "Cruise Experiences".  

 We still have to wait until September to resume our "cruising experiences" 😒

NRayH

23 hours ago, DaveinCharlotte said:

 

It used to not be that way.  Around 6pm or so, someone would ring a bell and we could go down to dinner.  I think they believe staggered arrivals make it easier for everyone, but that's not the case!

 

Old way:  Table of 8, fills in quickly.  Server goes through the hoops:  (1) Take beverage requests for all.  (2) Serve beverages all. (3) Take meal orders for all.  (4) Serve meals for all.  (3) Get refills for beverages for all. (4) Clear dishes for all. (6) Take desert orders for all. (7) Serve desert to all.  (8) Final beverage service for all.

 

New way:  Table of 8, first two arrive.  Server starts #1 and #2 for them.  Then the next two passengers arrive.  Time for #3 for the first two, but server needs to do #1 and #2 for the second two.  Now the third pair of passengers drops in, and...well, you can see it's almost impossible for them to keep up.  8 tasks times 4 different pairs of guests -- 32 events that can go wrong!

 

    

Hi All,

We agree with Dave -- "It used to not be that way".  Perhaps the "change" is due to re-establishing processes?  Hopefully, they will be able to return to what had been a fairly efficient/comfortable meal-time.  Start-ups, after prolonged shut-downs, often require some time to get into the "new, or previous, routine".

Have been through a number of corporate "disruptions/change-overs" during my "working days".  They can be quite "enlightening/painful".  Based on our previous dealings with ACL, we think they should get things "back on track" somewhat quickly.  We will see come 19 September, when we board "Queen of the Mississippi" for the Ohio River cruise.

NRayH

15 hours ago, suzyluvs2cruise said:

Following as we'll be on American Jazz Nashville to Memphis July 23. I hope you'll post while onboard so we can follow along. I'm also curious about masks onboard now. Bon Voyage and have fun! 

Hi Sue,

Welcome to the ACL Cruise Forum (always nice to see a "newbie 😁).

We will be very interested in your point-of-view, concerning ACL.  Hopefully, you will find them as attractive as we do.  Perhaps we can join you aboard some time again (we would really enjoy that), on ACL or some other line?

Say "Hi" to the other half, from us.  We don't sail again until September (Ohio River -- aboard ACL's Queen of the Mississippi).

Safe travels.

NRayH, and Janet too

1 hour ago, DaveinCharlotte said:

We've been on the Queen of the Mississippi and America, and these paddle-wheelers have a nice feature we really appreciate (and no, its not the paddlewheels themselves, which we don't really care much about):  There are two lounges in addition to the main one.  The PaddleWheel Lounge is very sumptious - it was nice going down there at daybreak for our morning coffee, etc.  And the Sky Lounge is very airy and a great place to eat when visiting the outdoor cafe.

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your assessment of the Queen of the Mississippi -- we will be aboard for the Ohio River Cruise (St. Louis to Pittsburgh on September 19, 2021).  This will be our seventh ACL cruise, and have enjoyed all of them.  We find the itineraries the main draw for the ACL cruises.

NRayH

On 6/23/2021 at 5:58 PM, Izena said:

Scroll through the topics on this board.  The ACL website is pretty informative.  I have cruised with ACL once in 2019 had another tripped booked for last year.  Eventually rescheduled the Grand New England for June 2022.   
 

I prefer to travel in the States.  So much to see will never see everything.  ACL cruises are very quiet - no on ship activities,  there is evening  entertainment - could be local musicians, or speakers.  
 

The feeling I got on the cruise was I was traveling with friends I hadn’t met yet.  it was very comfortable.   

We agree with Izena's comments, based upon our previous (several) cruises with ACL.

NRayH

Hi Capitn52.

Whilst we have not done this specific itinerary, I would be very surprised if you had much difficulty in finding such outlets.  Another nice aspect of sailing with ACL, is the ability to be allowed to (openly) bring such purchases aboard the ship when you return from your "shopping".

NRayH

9 hours ago, jagoffee said:

Yes, helpful.  We are staying an extra night because AA changed our non stop flight and we did not want to arrive in Portland at midnight CST.

We booked the extra night directly with the Red Lion.  ACL has informed us that we need to call them a week or so before our cruise date, so they can let the hotel know to book us in the same room for the ACL included hotel. We booked a King premium view room.

 

 

Thank you for the good wishes for our cruise.

Jagoffee,

I was happy to hear that you received the same type of info, about booking an additional nights to link with the comped night offered by ACL.  We are doing the same thing in September this year, only in St. Louis, before our Ohio  River Cruise.  Both the hotel and ACL have assured us that we will be in the same room for both evenings.

NRayH

20 hours ago, jagoffee said:

I have a few questions.  I have tried the search function without success.

 

1.  I know the ACL pre cruise hotel includes transfers to the port. (Which is no big deal at the Red Lion).  Does it also include transfers from Airport to the hotel?

2.  If no, does anyone have any recommendations for getting to the Red Lion hotel?

3.  If we want to stay two nights at the hotel instead of one, do we book the extra night with ACL or the hotel directly?

4.  Does anyone know which type of accommodations are included in the pre cruise Red Lion stay? Queens, King Bed, view, etc?

 

Thank you in advance for input.

 

We are very much looking forward to our first ACL experience.

Hi jagoffee,

We did this itinerary on 11 October 2019 (before Covid). We did stay one night pre-cruise at the Red Lion Hotel -- do not recall any option to book additional pre-cruise nights, but did not even inquire if possible (or how to do it).  Getting a taxi from the airport was easy --   I recall the fare was about $50.00 (not including gratuity).  It was probably about a 25 minute ride??

As to the hotel accommodations, they were just fine.  We had a king size bed -- not specifically requested, but we were fine with that option.

Overall, we were very pleased with the entire trip (our seventh with ACL).  We do enjoy the product that they put forth.

Hope this helps -- Enjoy the cruise.

NRayH

18 hours ago, jagoffee said:

I may have previously asked you this question and have forgotten.  

So basically when ever the bar is open, the drinks are included?  There is no need or opportunity to buy drinks at different times?

 

Thank you.

Jagoffee,

That has been our experience -- have not experienced any "extremely dry periods".  Also, we had not felt a "need to", but have seen a number of folks requesting a bottle of wine to take back to their cabin (or elsewhere) when leaving the dining room after dinner.  Also you may bring aboard whatever "legal" beverages with you -- no "beverage checks" when boarding.

Hope this has not changed since Covid??

NRayH

11 minutes ago, nashkan said:

I I just booked a New Orleans to New Orleans in November (Thanksgiving)  I have a single-balcony room....  I can find almost nothing on the America...can anyone help me out?  Would be great to see a video ...would like to see pictures as well....  I just lost my Spouse and this was a BUCKET LIST ITEM ...thank you for any help....

Nashkan,

First of all, our condolences on loosing your spouse.

As to finding information about ACL, beyond this site, the next step I would suggest looking at ACL's website -- www.AmericanCruiseLines.com.  

You should be able to find much information there.  Also their telephone number is 1-88-814-6880.  If you still have unanswered questions, post them here and someone should be able to assist you in finding answers.

NRayH

15 hours ago, Mackdogmolly said:

That seems odd. So no opportunity to order drinks after 9:30?

This is different than has been our past ACL cruise experiences (admittedly "pre-Covid").  We have experienced the bar remaining open during the evening show, lecture/presentation, and often times even a bit longer, as long as there was a  level of activity in the lounge -- perhaps that is influenced by different Cruise/Activities personnel?

Or perhaps something else, resultant of Covid restrictions??  We will see what happens when we next sail with ACL in September.

NRayH

33 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

I’ve heard the dress is more casual in Alaska than most cruises. Does that include dinners in Luminae or will most still be dressed up for dinner?  We are a little over a year out, but I’m super excited and planning ahead. 

After many cruises aboard Celebrity (before and after Luminae) since "Formal Night" has all but disappeared, we have found most folks dress the same for Luminae as they would now dress for the Main Dining Room.  Suits/ties, for men and fancy dresses for women are more the "exception" rather than the "norm".

I am interested in seeing what shows up here, in response to your inquiry.

NRayH

2 hours ago, lesliedrew said:

I just returned from seven days on the Constellation on Puget Sound in Washington.  It was the "maiden" voyage since Covid with 73 passengers on a ship with 175 capacity.  First let me say that everyone seemed happy and satisfied with the trip.  While we were all aware of Covid and it did impact the experience, it was still a good cruise.

 

The rules were no masks needed on deck.  Masks required indoors except when eating or drinking.  So, one should wear a mask to the lounge at cocktail time, remove the mask while drinking, mask up for the walk to the dining room, remove mask for eating, etc!  Most people generally followed those rules though compliance tapered off as the days went by.  There was no enforcement by crew.  The lounges and dining room had big signs saying to observe 6 foot distancing ... but chairs were lined up next to each other and people were sitting shoulder to shoulder.  You could eat anywhere, dine with anyone.  

 

All passengers were vaccinated so didn't seem very worried and were just happy to be traveling again.  It was my first ACL trip and I will make some further comments later.  Happy to answer questions.

 

Lesliedrew,

Thank you for the "first person" up-date.  Sounds reasonable to us.

We are really looking forward to our Ohio River Cruise this September.  Hopefully, things will be even more "settled" by then.

NRayH

That would dependent upon what the overall level of service that was provided, and your personal assessment as to how that would be best recognized.  Also your personal feelings about adding to the overall price of your cruise - on whatever cruise line.

NRayH

13 hours ago, BillHana said:

Big ships have a "Recommended" Gratuity of around $200 for a 7 day cruise which is paid in advance or daily charge to your account. Many of us leave frequent cash tips for bar service. At the end of the cruise we often hand cash to food servers and room attendant.

 

What do responsible and caring ACL cruisers do?

Billhana,

I am sure many of my cruise "friends" may object to me referencing myself as "responsible and caring", but I will still share what we do.  Since ACL states up-front that "Guests are not expected tp leave a gratuity on board", the crew surely knows that.  In our experience with ACL (seven cruises) we have not experienced any hints of "gratuity solicitation".  We have had some excellent service and some lesser service experiences -- just as we have on other cruise lines, where "service charges" were misclassified  as "gratuities".  Gratuities are never "forced" -- "Service Charges" should be listed as such.

It is your cruise experience and if you (hopefully) find good, or very good/excellent service being provided to you, YOU make the decision if a gratuity is appropriate (and at what level).  In our estimation the majority of crew members aboard the ACL cruises we have experienced have exhibited a welcoming and pleasant environment, and we have gladly provided what we thought "appropriate" expressions of our gratitude.

NRayH

19 hours ago, cruisingherrons said:

Hi Ray in NH - I see you have been on many ACL cruises and I was wondering if you thought a solo cruiser would find it enjoyable. I have done many solo ocean cruises since my husband passed away and have never been uncomfortable, but this will be a much smaller group. The itineraries are too perfect to pass up so I am just asking your opinions (out of curiosity).

Thanks for your input! 

I would also welcome input from any solo cruisers about their past experiences

Donna

Hi Donna,

Not sure how much information I have to share (good or less so) about solo cruisers on ACL.  We have met some, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.  Of course, we haven't ever asked why they were cruising solo.  In our opinion, it is difficult not to enjoy a "quiet-ish" cruise with enjoyable itineraries and a comfortable ship.  ACL seems to have a good idea as to what their passengers are looking for, and then providing that type of cruise.  I think the smaller passenger contingent makes it easier to get an overall view of your fellow passengers.  We personally feel that many folks are looking for the "more-homely" atmosphere of a smaller passenger list size, but that is just our assumption. Thankfully there are other options for those who feel differently.

Hopefully, this is of some help/comfort to your decision  making.  Please let us know how it works out -- for you.

NRayH

2 hours ago, sfbear said:

Thanks to everyone for sharing this helpful information. I will be doing the Music Cruise in September along with ten friends from high school, class of 1958. Oldies but goodies. We have all cruised before, Princess, Oceania, etc but for some this is the first US river adventure. I’m curious about the tipping of the crew. Somewhere in the literature I read tipping was not expected. Is this true? I would like to recognize them if it is appropriate. 

sfbear, 

We have been on a number of river cruises with ACL.  While, as stated in their information to guests, "tipping not required/expected", we have found the level of service well worth a "gratuity", and they seem to have been greatly appreciated.

NRayH

2 hours ago, 2beagles mom said:

Good morning,

My husband and I have done numerous river cruises, but never one in the US. We are on the America, RT New Orleans in June, so the information I am gathering here is very helpful. (This will also be our first time in the south.) I have a few questions. 

What are shore excursion group sizes?  
Are pastries at the early riser breakfast pre-packaged or freshly made?

What brand of bath products are in the cabins? 
Thanks so much!  

 

I'll try to answer some of your questions.  However, my replies are based on pre-Covid-19 cruises.  We don't cruise again until this September (Ohio River) 😒

a) The shore excursion groups have varied in size, based upon location and individual preferences, but we have not encountered any that were "uncomfortably large",

b)  Pastries have been a combination of pre-packaged and/or freshly baked.  Obviously, unsure what the future cruise will have to offer.

c)  Unfortunately, I do not recall the brand(s) of bath products -- but, they were quite adequate.

NRayH

On 5/3/2021 at 6:15 PM, jagoffee said:

Thank you for your quick and detailed response.  Actually LWS is not a very good option for,us as they all connect in SLC, the times are not good, and the flights are significantly more expensive, and it is Delta.  We prefer AA or UA.
 

We were also thinking about staying in Spokane for a night.  Our friends were told that the. Spokane shuttle leaves the ship at 9 AM, so that would be to close for a 12:15 PM AA flight. Was that your experience?

 

As I recall, The shuttle did leave at about 09:00(ish) and arrived at the airport around noon.  We did not consider renting a car - just the two of us and not being familiar with the area.  Knowing we were staying the "extra" night removed the need for that option

 

Did you consider renting a car and driving to Spokane?  There are four of us, so we thought we would consider this option, perhaps spending the night and flying home the next day.  It would give us some time to explore on the way and in Spokane.  Our cruise/hotel package is only 8 days and we are used to longer trips anyway.

 

We are booking the August 25, 2021 cruise on the Harmony.  Do you know if this class of ship has balconies that open up between the cabins?

Yes, the divider between adjoining balconies can be opened, just ask your stateroom attendant (if you need assistance). -- but we did this cruise (N.W. Pioneers) aboard the American Song.

On 5/3/2021 at 6:15 PM, jagoffee said:

 

Thank you.

NRayH

Travellgirl,

Unless ACL has changed locations (perhaps due to Covid-19 rules), this cruise has previously left from Boston/Charleston, right near where the USS Constitution is presently berthed.  Not sure if Charleston is a separate entity, or just a historical carry-over (they do that a lot in the Boston-Historical Area).

Perhaps an specific inquiry to ACL, in this regard can clear up this issue for you.  The Charleston area dock can only accommodate the smaller sized vessels (like ACL's) -- the larger cruise ships use Black Falcon Cruise Terminal (aka Boston Cruise Terminal).  This may be why ACL sometimes refers to the terminal for most of their cruise (except "day stops") as Charleston??

You may want to ask ACL the actual address for whatever terminal you are scheduled to leave from.

Hope this helps.

NRayH