First U.S. river cruise and this was absolutely delightful. The staterooms and the entire boat was furnished in antique furniture combined with modern appointments. The bathrooms are full hotel size and the staterooms are larger than all but suites on ocean cruises. Al all-american crew were friendly from the top to the bottom. Everyone pulled double duty on this, the largest paddle-wheeler ever built, accommodating almost 400 passengers and over 150 crew. The Cruise Director was also the lead singer/dancer in the group that performed several times during the cruise. They boarded Mark Twain for two great programs and had a naturalist, a "Rivertarian" that kept everyone informed about the cruise as we went up the river. Even the Captain came up to the top deck one evening and played a wicked guitar (made from a retired paddlewheel). All in all a great vacation, albeit more expensive than a standard ocean cruise. Food was well-prepared. Beer and wine was complimentary during dinner. On- And-Off bus excursions were complimentary at every port. they have their own fleet of buses that follow the cruise to transport guests to highlights of each port.