You already surmised from my review comments above that I love small ship sailing and the American Cruise Line. What is not to love--while onboard there are no charges for dinner drinks/cocktails. Excursion tour fees are minimal and not charged till you are home. Staff & food are exceptional. Onboard is as busy as you want it to be. Entertainment top notch. If you want to try small cruise sailing then American Cruise Line is the way to go!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Boarding with ACL is the easiest embarking I've ever encountered. We were separated into groups. When my group was called we were COVID tested, handed our room key, then loaded a bus for our short drive to the dock . Very easy
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food/Drink in one word: Superb! Whether we were enjoying the pastries, muffins, & yogurt for early morning risers, the delectable tidbits served during the cocktail hour, or the chef inspired meals served in the dining room your taste buds will dancing!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
There were so many onboard activities available from puzzles, playing cards, playing a board game, or settling into a quiet corner on a comfy lounge chair to read or nap but my favorite past times were making a craft with the resident artist, listening to the resident historian lecture on the local highlights and history of the towns we were visiting and just spending time on the sky deck watching the amazing scenery.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Every evening we were entertained by the local talents of every venue from country to classic rock to jazz. We loved the hometown feeling it inspired. And of course, dancing encouraged!
Children's Programs
small time sailing is more popular with adults. Of course like I already mentioned --there were games available that children could play.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I feel that one of the reasons the ACL's ships are five stars is their staff. They are a tremendous group of hard working, energetic, friendly, and loyal people from our ever present room steward Tammy, to hotel manager Jonathan, to my waiter Keelie but most of all our cruise director, Courtney. It was a joy to see her constant smile and bubbly personality. Anything you ask for you get immediately with a smile.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship is so easy to get around. There is a main staircase or elevator that takes you to any floor. The ship was refurbished with new carpeting, lounge furniture and new painting the week before we boarded so everything had that new/fresh look about it. Every room is tastefully decorated with paintings and table displays. Carpets in rooms and common areas are swept every day. Towels replaced as you need them as the ship follows eco policies.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I am always amazed at the size of the AA category room. Furniture includes a king size bed, a four drawer & a six drawer bureau, two comfortable sitting chairs, two night tables, closet, TV. I loved that I had a balcony with seating for two. But the bathroom--wow they are huge with a large shower & vanity with another three drawers --more storage than I needed & this was a category AA size room. I did manage to peek in the higher category rooms and was quite impressed.
Ship tip
I think smaller sailing ships are more informal and friendlier. It definitely is very small compared to the huge cruise ships but that is what I love about sailing with ACL. There is still always something to do--even if that something is taking a nap in the middle of the day after walking the town! Food is always served hot with a personal touch, entertainment is top notch, towns are waiting to be explored---why would you want anything more?? I certainly don't!
Friday Harbor was one of my favorite ports. We did the jolly trolley--made several stops including a lavender farm & an alpaca farm where we fed the alpacas.
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