It was a great opportunity to experience the Mighty Mississippi and tour antebellum plantations and Civil War history. The America is a very comfortable boat (on the river, it's a boat!). The staterooms are generous and the balconies are perfect for taking in all the river scenery. The stewards keep the rooms immaculate. The food was excellent and the drinks were free. While there were a few extra-cost excursions, there was at least one complementary tour at every stop. My favorites were: Graceland, Vicksburg battlefield, the WWII Navy destroyer USS Kidd and the Oak Alley plantation. American Cruise Lines service from booking to departure was excellent and everything happened very smoothly with no problems. While I wouldn't recommend this for small children, teenagers and up would benefit from the historical experience. This was our second cruise with American Cruise Lines (went on "Historic South" through the Inland Waterway) and we are looking forward to several of their other itineraries.