Overall, the cruise was interesting, educational and exciting when we found out that the two barges had broken loose from their tugs. In addition, in was highly informative as to the impact Climate Change has had on the Mississippi River. There were places where one saw sand dune after sand dune as the Mississippi's water level is 25 feet below where it should be. In fact, the shallowness of the water and the narrow water way was part of the cause of the barges breaking loose from their tugs. It was well worth taking the cruise as I learned a lot about our back door to Illinois and Wisconsin!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
It was smooth and only took about 15 minutes and we were in our 1st deck room.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The dining room is spacious and well laid out. The food was fantastic. In fact, I would rate it better than some of the large sea going ships I have been on. There were three entre choices each day with a type of fish each day. Lobster and crab were choices for at least three different days. The waitstaff was attentive, friendly and always remembered how we liked our coffee in the morning!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Being a small ship outdoor activities were limited. The weather unfortunately kept everyone in doors when not on tours. The watercolor class was really fun; the two fitness rooms were always filled early in the morning before breakfast and the start of morning tours.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Richard Garey who does a one person show impersonating Mark Twain and a historian who specialized in the history along the Mississippi River were the primary presenters along with a wide range of musicians who came on board at different ports. Richard Garey was the highlight as he is a living Mark Twain with his silver white hair and mustache and southern white linen suit. He has studied and impersonated Mark Twain most of his life through the writings of Samuel Clemens. As I spoke with him, I noted that he was born to be Mark Twain to which he slowly nodded his head! He could have his audience laughing at any moment to seriously sitting back and pondering the essence of living a life of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Missouri. Absolutely perfect!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The room stewards were excellent. Our room was always cleaned and beds remade each day. Fresh towels were provided as needed. The dining room wait staff was fantastic. Food was always delivered hot; they would also strive to make special accommodations as requested. And, they had a great sense of humor throughout the cruise. The Events Coordinator was really on top of things especially when the ship had to spend 23 hours waiting for some barges which came loose from their tug boats and had to be realigned with their tugs. He made sure new activities were going on all throughout the delay. He also worked with the watercolor teacher to extend the watercolor class throughout the entire day. Which was wonderful!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship is well laid out with creative artwork in all the common areas making for a bright and pleasant atmosphere throughout the ship. The common areas included a reading and computer room, a game room, the Sky lounge and the River Lounge. All were kept clean and welcoming to the passengers at any time of the day or night. The elevators worked smoothly at all times. The main stairway area was delightfully furnished with a colorful Chihuly style blue glass fixture that went up two decks!
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our cabin was on the 1st deck and had access to an outdoor patio. The room was spacious with two double beds, two nightstands with three drawers each. In addition, there was a large desk and mirror that accommodated my computer, camera, makeup, a coffee maker and coffee supplies. Next to the desk was a large three drawer cabinet to accommodate more clothing. The closet was adequate for a two week cruise and included a private safe. The room included a comfortable easy chair along with the desk chair. While the patio included two more chairs and a small table. The patio was shared with the guest room next to our room. The bathroom and shower was large for a cruise ship and accommodated three more shelves under the sink and mirror area. Two people could easily use the bath and shower area at once. The room and bath were cleaned each day along with the waste baskets emptied. This included making up of the beds even when I had already made up the beds. During dinner the beds were then turned down for the night and the curtains were drawn.
Ship tip
No need to bring lots of clothes; the dress is casual. Dinner is country club casual. There are free washer and driers onboard if needed.
Loved the tour led by Mark Twain (Richard Garey). It was fun and fascinating as he shared "His" life in Hannibal. He and his wife now live in Hannibal, so he knew it from a first-hand point of view.
Unfortunately, we did not get there as just a few miles upriver from there is where the two barges came loose from their tugs and blocked all the river transportation going both up and down the river!
Cute little town. We took the Loop bus tour and spent our time at the Coca Cola Museum and then the beautiful Rosalie Mansion and Gardens which was truly fantastic. To think it still has its original furniture from 101 years ago.
We did not arrive until about 5pm and then we had a flight out of New Orleans early the next morning for Chicago. Our late arrive was also due to the 23-hour delay caused by the barges coming loose above Memphis.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
