New to Riverboat Cruises

[latebloomer56]

Hello we are looking to book a cabin on a riverboat cruise Portland to Clarksville the first week in Oct. Have a few questions.

Read tips are included but it is OK to tip and tipping of driver and guides is expected. Is this correct?

No tables for two in dining rooms?

Beer and wine included with meals is sad a included all the time like coffee? Mixed drinks or martinis are for a fee?

Is the first day hotel included?

Can't seem to determine airport closest when we arrive or when we depart. Anybody have information for these?

Thanks as always for any and all information.

[MOcruiserman]

I've only been on one ACL cruise so other more experienced ACL cruisers may have had different experiences.

1-We didn't tip any ACL employees but did tip non-ACL excursion guides.

2-I didn't see any tables for two in the dining room.  We always sat at a table for four and there were a sufficient number of tables so no one joined us.

3-You could order beer or wine with lunch or dinner.  I don't know about mixed drinks with dinner, though various liquors were available at the bar during the happy hour (5 to 6:30)..

4-Our hotel was free for the night prior to our cruise.

[BaumD]

The cruise is to Clarkston not Clarksville.Clarksville, is in Tennessee and was popularized by the Monkees song Last train to Clarksville.

Your tipping comment is correct

some ships do have table for two

Beer, wine, soda, juice, and water are available all day in one of the lounges.

The bar is open for happy hour and after dinner during the entertainment. There is never a charge for a mixed drink. If you wanted a martini during dinner, they would get it for you.

depends on the cruise whether precruise hotel is included. Have been on 5 ACL cruises, only 2 had included hotel nights.

Portland airport is closest to Portland. Lewiston, Idaho is closest to Clarkston, but has a very limited flight schedule (very small airport). ACL runs a transfer to Spokane, WA at the end of the cruise, but charges about $150/person

Edited May 12 by BaumD