The American Independence has undergone a tasteful renovation this year and it was the perfect size ship to bring the PORTS OF MAINE to its cruise passengers. The staff couldn't be nicer and more attentive (Anyssa and Jake were the heartbeat of the ship)! From the room cabin (staterooms are refreshed twice a day) to the Captain, Eric, I couldn't say enough about this fine tuned crew! American Cruise Line picks the perfect weeks to see Maine - before the cold and snow comes! Add this to your list of future cruises - you won't be dissapointed!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Effortless! Pull up to the dock, turn over your baggage, receive a friendly greeting and simply walk on board with your staterun keys. EASY!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Applause to the chef! Meals were outstanding!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
This was an "art immersion" cruise and there were at least a dozen or more women (and some men!) who gathered everyday to make craft creations which were displayed at the last cocktail hour. Pat, the guest lecturer always had fascinating presentations! Bingo, trivia, liar game, bridge tours all added to the experience.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The entertainment fit the intimacy of the cruise - not overpowering, just enjoyable music to culminate a full day of activities!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
If there were more then five stars this friendly, attentive, and exceptional crew would deserve it! They couldn't be nicer and more worthy of the top grades!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The room was refreshed twice a day and the common areas were continually being cleaned and monitored.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our room was strategically located outside of the main gathering room and had a wonderful balcony. These rooms are roomier then you will find on a large cruise line.
Ship tip
Don't overpack. You are amongst new friends and it is comfortable and casual. I WISH I would take my own advice because I always bring clothes I never wear!
You must do the Stephen King's Derry, Maine Exploration. It is given by a man who has personal antidotes of the author. Even if you haven't read his stories or seen his movie adaptations you will find this excursion enjoyable. The driver also takes you through the Mount Hope Garden Cemetery and gives you a local's view of places to stop in town.
I chose the Lobstering and Lighthouse Cruise. The lifestyle of a lobster fisherman is explained by the captain and his mate while you are enjoying the ride on a nineteen passenger boat!
We enjoyed a wonderful lobsterbake luncheon on the grounds of the historic Snow shipyard, where at the turn of the century more schooners were built than anywhere else in New England. There was local musicians, an introduction from a local legendary resident and a delicious lunch with all the lobster you can eat!
It was such beautiful weather that we chose the Coastal Maine Botanical Self-Guided exploration. Over 300 acres of gardens and fascinating giant gnome statues to discover. If you get tired of walking on your own power they have a shuttle that will take you around.
They had our luggage ready outside the ship, they assisted us in getting it transferred to the bus and we were driven to the door of the Portland Jetport.
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