8 Night Charms Of The True South (New Orleans To Memphis)
Sail date: October 10, 2022
Ship:
American Countess
Cabin number: 229
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 2 years ago
Review summary
I expect that had we been able to sail the original itinerary, this cruise would’ve been great. But American Queen’s complete inability to adequately, honestly communicate in a timely fashion was a complete failure on their part. They can’t control the river, but they should be able to provide clear communications, whether embarkation, disembarkation or enroute. As a large cruise line, this is, after all, what they do.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Embarkation port changed the day before our flight. Incorrect info received at hotel check in….bfast was 7-11. Nope, it was 7-9. Get your bag tags so we can collect your luggage. Nope, you must complete cruise check-in to receive your tags. By the time we were done with that paperwork, no more bfast.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Every day but one, food was very good. But as we returned to the ship one day after 1, we ordered room service. It took over an hour and was pretty awful when it did arrive. Dinner that same day was very poor.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
So there was no pool, rock-climbing walls, spa…..However, what was available, was really great. Entertainment was excellent, guest games were fun, the Riverlorian was great. I could have used a mat of some kind in the gym….like a yoga mat for floor excercises.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Most excellent! It’s been years since we attended the show every night. We did on this cruise.
Children's Programs
There were no children on the boat.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Again, this goes back to communication. Waiters, room stewards were great. But folks who needed to communicate important information to us were below par. How do we reserve premium tours, how do we disembark, for example. Every disembarkation form and briefing included different times.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Nothing but good comments here.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This was a smaller cabin than we’ve sailed in years, even other river cruises. But it was comfortable and always clean.
Ship tip
Book a cabin on deck 2. The cabins on deck 3 are even smaller and the walking track goes right past your balcony.
Again…..a complete failure to communicate. The line knew hours before telling us we were going to bus from New Madrid to Memphis. Three forms and an in person briefing all gave different departure times. Then guests we met at the Peabody Hotel had just been notified they were going to bus to New Madrid, even though it was known the day prior the boat couldn’t get to MEM. The line has offered a 25% discount on a future cruise for the inconveniences we experienced. We should receive a 25% refund on this cruise. Hoping our refund check for upcharges having to change our flight last minute eventually arrives. Fortunately, the tour and tickets we purchased pre cruise in MSY were refunded by those outside companies.
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