River Cruises for Seniors Top Travel Experiences

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.

Our Cruise with American Cruise Lines was totally awesome. I cannot think of one thing that I would have changed.

We've never had a Thanksgiving like the experience that ACL provided. Not only is it great to be cruising someplace warm and beautiful like the Great Rivers of Florida, on the Star. But I can't begin to convey the amazing Thanksgiving feast that we had. Best of all I didn't have to cook it or clean up. Cocktail hour had Crab legs, Jumbo Prawns, Trout, stunning veggie platters, a beautiful bread cornucopia and more. Dinner was served buffet style and stretched from the port to starboard side of the dinning room. The chef cooked 6 turkeys, hams and a beautiful prime rib roast. Of course the cruise was amazing, loved the itinerary but by far the highlight was our Thanksgiving feast. We're hoping to do it again next year with ACL. I highly suggest taking Turkey Day off and enjoy a cruise and Thanksgiving dinner with American Cruise Lines. If you take the Great Rivers of Florida cruise be sure to do the St. John Nature River Cruise to Blue Spring State Park. We saw Manatee's, bald eagles, alligators, turtles and many species of birds. A photographers paradise.

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.

This was our first Mississippi River Cruise. American Cruise Line was fabulous from the moment we stepped onboard. American Jazz was beautifully appointed. We so enjoyed the top- notch nightly entertainment and daily cultural programs. Exploring the historical towns along the Mississippi was not only interesting but fun. Our excursions were led by regional, knowledgeable guides. The food was delicious and prepared from locally grown ingredients. The nightly cocktail hours were complimentary as were beer and wine at lunch and dinner. The ACL staff were professional, friendly, and courteous. Guests are their priority! The crew worked well together to ensure passengers were enjoying their stay and had everything they needed. I would highly recommend American Cruise Line for your next cruise. You won’t be disappointed!

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.