American Splendor (formerly America) Review
Fantastic crew ....unbelieveably delicious cuisine!
Rating by category
Additional details
My 80 yr. old mother had always wanted to take a paddle wheel boat down the Mississippi and see all the southern Plantations. We had never, ever been on a vacation together so I thought this would be the perfect gift for her, and it was. From the hotel stay the night before (The Intercontinental in New Orleans) to the Old Southern Plantations we visited all along the way, we had just the best time. The ship is smaller than ocean going vessels and we found that we really loved that. It was easy to make friends fast and by the end of the cruise you felt that you had an extended family. I personally had about 6 of the staff that I wanted to adopt. Just so enjoyable and fun! The crew was simply amazing and the food was to die for (and I mean delicious beyond words!). Absolutely the best food I've ever had...not just on any other cruise...just ever! All meats and produce are fresh and locally sourced. And you can request "anything" and the chef will make it for you. Anytime we needed anything, the crew was quick to provide it. For this trip we would have liked a bit more on board entertainment and we found that for some of the excursions there was a hic up on the buses running on time but those were minor to our overall enjoyment. Everyone worked very hard to make your time extra special. There was just that personal touch about everything. I would most definitely take a small boat cruise again.
Cabin Review
Our room was large and roomy with a ceiling to floor sliding glass door that opened onto our private balcony. I believe all the rooms on the ship America have private balconies. The bathroom was a bit smaller than expected with a single shower, toilet sink and vanity area above the toilet. The room had a desk and chair and then two sitting chairs and a table. There was a chested drawers for your cloths, large screen TV, 2 night stands and a cabinet with a safe and refrigerator. We were in the "owner's suite" which had not only the balcony with sliding door on the side of the ship but two large picture windows in the front of the ship. We could sit or lay in our bed and watch as we cruised up the Mississippi. It was just awesome! And right outside our room on the front of the ship where 2 rocking chairs and a table. That was another of our favorite places to sit and watch the river go by.