Traveling by motorcoach through small-town Cleveland, MS, earlier this year, cruise guests returning to American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) American Serenade on the Lower Mississippi River had an encounter with a feisty veggie. As the travelers gazed at Delta State University’s stately buildings. ACL’s guide asked guests, "Do you know what this university's mascot is?" No one knew.
“Look to the green banners to your right,” she instructed. Instantly, fellow cruisers started giggling loudly or exclaimed, “what?” Yep, the travelers had spotted official small green banners proudly pronouncing, “Fighting Okra” and showing a fierce-looking vegetable. Standing upright, it wore boxing gloves and looked ready for a fight!
Turns out, in the 1980s and 1990s, the university’s students apparently just didn’t feel much of a kinship with Delta State’s official mascot. They much preferred the feistier, prickly okra. Why? Our guide imparted a tale about one stubborn okra plant that kept growing back every year (after being cut down annually) on the college’s baseball diamond.
For me, it was a hoot to gaze at those “Fighting Okra” banners in front of the college’s perimeter fence (one is shown in the photo below). Sometimes, it's the tiny, unexpected moments that make any day exploring ashore something truly memorable. Let's just say that I'll never forget encountering the "Fighting Okra."
Little Details, Major Attractions
Of course, the Lower Mississippi region delivers a multitude of enticing attractions. Tiny Cleveland (population: roughly 11,000 people) is also home to GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, one of the world's two official GRAMMY Museums. On a complimentary ACL shore excursion, I strolled the museum’s galleries and perused actual GRAMMY awards.
I listened to award-winning tunes, learned about top artists who’ve created or performed the hits over the decades, and viewed artifacts, musical instruments and fashions. During my visit, for example, a special “Taylor Swift: Through the Eras” exhibition was on display.
Have clients who are Swifties? Let them know that this special Taylor Swift musical exhibit runs through August 31, 2025.
The robust GRAMMY Museum Mississippi also offers permanent exhibitions that focus on such artists as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and many others. In particular, I enjoyed the permanent “History of the GRAMMY Awards” exhibit with its GRAMMY Timeline. Within that exhibition, I watched video monitors of GRAMMY facts to learn award history and key moments from past GRAMMY telecasts.
Another exhibit, “On the Red Carpet,” showcases the glitz and glamour of the original fashions worn by artists during the annual GRAMMY AWARDS ceremony. Plus, interactive singing and songwriting "production pods" allow visitors to create their own hit.
Lower Mississippi or Bust!
Small-town Cleveland proved the most eye-opening port of call for me during my "Lower Mississippi" itinerary. But it was just one of many rewarding experiences on American Serenade's 640-mile journey between New Orleans, LA, and Memphis, TN. I'll talk more about this full itinerary to Oak Alley and St. Francisville, LA, as well as Natchez and Vicksburg, MS, below.
On the northbound itinerary, ACL's guests begin with an included pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in New Orleans. For my cruise earlier this year, I stayed at the Intercontinental New Orleans, a great downtown location for those who want to easily explore the Big Easy. For those taking a southbound itinerary, guests instead receive an included, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Memphis.
On embarkation morning in New Orleans, travelers are picked up at their hotel by an ACL motorcoach. Our transfer to the Port of New Orleans was comfortable, quick and easy. Once pier-side, we boarded the 180-passenger vessel within minutes. In contrast, I spotted several long lines of guests waiting just a short distance away to board a large contemporary cruise ship.
Small Ship Factoids
Launched in 2023, the fresh, contemporary American Serenade was built in Salisbury, MD, by sister affiliated brand, Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corporation. It's just one of multiple modern American Riverboat-class vessels first introduced in 2018.
On U.S. rivers, American Serenade and sister American Melody and American Symphony sail on the Mississippi or other central U.S. rivers such as the Ohio River. Plus, ACL has two classic paddlewheel vessels also sailing these waterways. Five other sister ships of American Serenade, as well as two additional paddlewheel boats also operate cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers of the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
That U.S. western region is particularly popular for active, outdoor adventures, so it attracts a bit younger crowd on many voyages. In fact, two more modern American Riverboat-class ships, American Anthem and American Encore, will begin sailing the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2026 and 2027.
Readers can learn more about ACL's small-ship portfolio of products from our interview earlier this year with Charles B. Robertson, ACL's president and CEO. During 2025, ACL is operating 10 American-flagged riverboats and 10 American-flagged coastal ships, with an 11th small ship coming in October 2025.
One plus for the modern American Riverboat-class ships, which are approximately 328 feet long and 59 feet wide across the beam, is their multi-story atrium in the ship’s center. But from my perspective, the most notable "wow" feature for American Serenade and its sister ships is the patented bow design.
As the ship reaches a riverbank, its outer bow structure creatively opens and folds upward leaving a large bow opening (see photos above). A gangway then extends outward, allowing guests to walk from the ship's lowest public level straight out of the ship onto the bank.
Presto, the ship can access smaller destinations along the river even when there’s no pier in sight.
Home Away from Home
During my time aboard American Serenade, I felt comfortably cocooned. I stayed in #423, a spacious, 405-square-foot Veranda Suite. The location — just a few doors away from the Sky Lounge and outdoor Back Porch Cafe — was perfect for me. I didn’t hear talking or noise from those nearby public venues.
But my suite was also convenient enough that I could pop out and quickly grab a grab-and-go breakfast, snack or beverage at the lounge. Plus, the elevators and stairs were just a short distance away.
All staterooms and suites on American Serenade have private balconies. Mine was furnished with two chairs and a small table. So, when I noticed something outside along the riverbank that I wanted to photograph or I just wanted to relax, sip a beverage, read a book, or take in the river scenery, I'd just head outside.
Inside this Veranda Suite, good natural light flowed from large floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Bedding-wise, this suite has a king-sized bed (convertible to two twins, if preferred).
This suite has two upholstered chairs (essentially each is one half of a love seat) at the foot of the bed with a small round table in between. Couples desiring to snuggle up during a movie, for instance, can simply roll the small round table out of the way and lightly push the two sections together.
Of course, two guests can also sit separately. In my case, I was traveling solo, so I often sat in one of the comfortable chairs in the evening; the chairs provide a close-up perch for viewing the wall-mounted, flat-screen TV.
Many times, though, I'd alternatively pull one of the two seats toward the side of the bed so it faced the sliding glass doors. I'd then roll the small table alongside. It was a great spot to read, work remotely or just enjoy direct riverbank views.
This Veranda suite also has a mini-fridge, and a large dresser with multiple storage drawers. On embarkation day, I discovered a bottle of wine and plate of fresh fruit waiting for me atop the dresser.
In addition, ACL typically provides a small logo gift upon embarkation for guests. It can vary per cruise. On my voyage, I discovered an ACL logo tote bag waiting for me atop one of the chairs.
Separately, this suite also has a large desk area. Guests will find a flat work surface, large wall mirror, three decent-sized drawers, and multiple open shelves, plus a coffee maker. This nook is a good spot for working remotely or putting on make-up.
As for the modern bathroom, travelers will discover an ample glass shower, vanity with one sink, toilet and large mirror, along with plenty of fluffy towels and toiletries. ACL also provides a hair dryer for guest use.
Along the same wall as the desk nook is a wardrobe for hanging clothes. Inside, guests will discover a personal safe for their use, plus a few shelves and hanging rods. Guests can easily store their luggage under the bed. Each stateroom or suite also has individual climate control (which worked well during my stay), USB charging ports, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Other Suites and Staterooms
We liked our Veranda Suite, but for those clients desiring even more space, American Serenade has even larger 650-square-foot Grand Suites offering a two-room configuration. Guests will discover a living room and dining area, bedroom area, bathroom, and private balcony. In addition, American Serenade has a robust range of standard, deluxe, premium, and even solo staterooms (seven of the latter, a plus for single travelers).
The premium balcony staterooms, for instance, are also roomy — spanning 350 square feet. All accommodations on the ship have a king-bed that’s configurable to two twins except for those solo cabins, which have a full-sized bed.
All ACL’s inclusive cruise fares include such elements as the stay in a stateroom or suite aboard, a daily enrichment program, at least one shore excursion daily, evening entertainment, cocktail hour wine and beer, onboard Wi-Fi Internet, all meals, gratuities, port charges and other fees, plus a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay.
Public Spaces: Lounges, Fitness and More
As for public spaces, I enjoyed drinks and light fare (such as breakfast items or sweet treats) at the Sky Lounge, located aft. What's nice is the variety of small seating enclaves — ranging from comfortable sofas to upholstered chairs, along with tables and chairs.
In addition, a bar area is the spot for light buffet-style fare for breakfast and lunch. Plus, the Back Porch Grill and open deck space is just outside.
The Sky Lounge is also popular because of its self-service coffee and a good selection of grab-and-go snacks. But during staffed hours, servers also will bring coffee, other drinks or snacks to guests who are seated and perhaps socializing with fellow guests or family members.
A pre-dinner cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, wine and beer is hosted daily by the line at the forward River Lounge. But there's more. While complimentary beer and wine are also served with lunch and dinner, the reality is that ACL has a fully inclusive beverage policy throughout the voyage. You can't pay for any drink.
Guests may request drinks outside of cocktail hour, for instance, and ACL tells us it will do it’s best to accommodate all requests. Even if you desire a martini mid-afternoon in your stateroom or suite, ACL will try to accommodate that.
Nightly, we’d navigate to that River Lounge for live evening entertainment. Not surprisingly, as the route covered destinations along the Mississippi Blues Trail and ended/began in Memphis and New Orleans, the talent was quite impressive.
During my voyage, I enjoyed performances by Mystic Soul (Reggie Buie and LaTosha Thomas); Michael & Jennifer McClain; and another large group that performs regularly in Memphis (see below).
Bottom line? I wanted to return night after night to listen to the excellent singers and musicians. The River Lounge is also the spot for daytime enrichment lectures or port briefings. During our cruise, the cruise director or other experts hosted discussions about local culture, heritage and lifestyle along the river.
These speakers also put into context what guests would see and do during their time ashore. They also answered questions from individual guests about what to not miss ashore.
If fitness is a passion, guests can work out in American Serenade's well-equipped indoor Fitness Center. Atop the ship, they'll also find the Skywalk (walking track); one loop section aft cantilevers over the deck below. Also, for those who simply desire to relax and soak up the sun, that top Sun Deck also is furnished with many cushioned loungers and tables and chairs.
During my cruise, I also popped into several other public venues — The Study, Game Room and Storyteller Lounge. Often, those spaces were unoccupied or only a few people were there to play a game, read or work on a puzzle.
ACL provided a good selection of books, games and puzzles for guest use. Overall, these were nice spaces with out-of-the-way nooks and crannies. It was, at times, a quieter spot for reading or remote work than at the ship's larger lounges.
Dining Aboard
Overall, we savored the fresh, tasty cuisine served daily on American Serenade. Further, we liked that the culinary choices are designed to reflect the cuisine of the journey's route.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, and other fresh foods and ingredients are also brought on board at ports of call along the route. Here's a snapshot look at dining, with a few examples of our menu choices.
The day begins with a 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Early Riser’s Breakfast in the Sky Lounge with coffee and casual fare, and guests can order the breakfast sandwich of the day as well (such as cheese and sausage).
From 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., guests can enjoy a full breakfast in the Restaurant. For instance, on one morning, the breakfast-time feature of the day was a surf and turf breakfast with farm-raised beef tenderloin and New England lobster scampi, served with two eggs any style, breakfast potatoes and a fresh fruit cup.
Omelet choices available that same day in the Restaurant included meat (bacon, sausage or ham), cheese (cheddar or American) and veggies (onion, peppers, mushroom, tomato or spinach). I ordered a cheddar cheese, spinach and mushroom omelet and it was just what I needed to start the day. Dining room servers were quite attentive with coffee refills.
For breakfast, guests will also find the additions category with such options as bacon, tomato, asparagus and provolone quiche or cinnamon and vanilla French toast. Always available breakfast sides include oatmeal, grits, bacon, sausage, ham and breakfast potatoes, while continental sides include fresh fruit cups, assorted cereals and individual yogurts.
Typically, lunch at the casual Back Porch Cafe ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for casual grill items, American fare. Lunch in the Restaurant was typically noon to 1:30 p.m.
One day I dined for lunch in the Restaurant. The entrees ranged from country-fried steak to a cornmeal-crusted catfish po’ boy or Memphis-style BBQ ribs.
One particularly yummy dessert was the triple berry crisp. Guests can also choose from multiple ice cream flavors — five on one day — plus a sorbet.
In the evening, guests enjoyed dinner in the Restaurant from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Travelers will find such appetizers as strawberry and almond salad or cauliflower bisque with bacon pico de gallo.
One night our menu included such entrees as pan-seared southern grouper, BBQ-spiced and slow-roasted pork belly, Creole parmesan chicken, and zucchini parmesan.
Night after night, the cuisine was tasty, and often the presentation was creative too. We had a lot of new crew members, both as servers in the Restaurant and elsewhere on the ship. When the newbies clearly didn't know something, they asked more experienced servers and then proceeded to do what was suggested. They also, for the most part, nicely explained to diners that they were new and apologized for any oversight. Most guests thought the service was fine, and clearly people are all new at some point. A trainer was also on site to assist.
My favorite dinner in the Restaurant began with French onion soup and caesar salad, before I enjoyed the yummy crab-stuffed lobster tail. That night, guests could also choose surf & turf with beef tenderloin and crab-stuffed lobster tail, farm-raised seared beef tenderloin and sweet potato enchiladas.
In the Restaurant, wines by the glass are also offered at lunch and dinner.
If guests have enjoyed a busy day ashore but just want a casual meal, either at lunch or dinner, we'd suggest heading for the ship’s Back Porch Cafe; it serves salads, burgers, sandwiches and lighter fare.
Similarly, I liked the River Lounge for its bar counter offerings of light breakfast fare, afternoon snacks, a coffee machine, and drink service. Ordering a breakfast sandwich at the River Lounge was a popular activity for many guests on our cruise.
On the Itinerary
I've explored the Lower Mississippi many times. It's a tried-and-true, highly popular region that attracts travelers eager to explore the origins of jazz, Civil War history, southern culinary heritage, historic mansions and more. I always find something new and different to enchant me — such as this cruise's excursion to the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi and my brief encounter with the "Fighting Okra."
During the port call at Oak Alley, LA, guests loved walking from the river vessel to the Oak Alley Plantation Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, along its long entry path. One woman returned and told fellow guests she felt it akin to a page from "Gone with the Wind,” as she strolled up the wide entry boulevard to that stately mansion beneath a towering canopy of foliage from 300-year-old Southern Live Oak trees.
Oak Alley definitely allows guests to delve into mid-1800s life via touring of three main areas — the historic sugar plantation mansion, the estate's grounds and gardens, and its re-created slave quarters and exhibit.
On another port day, American Serenade also called at St. Francisville, LA, a delightful small town with heritage and cultural draws. For example, ACL’s guests can head to tour the Rosedown mansion and gardens or, alternatively, explore the site where John James Audubon lived and worked in 1821, beginning or completing 32 of his bird paintings.
If you can squeeze it in, take a bit of time to explore the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum to get a sense of the area’s heritage and culture.
Natchez on the River
One of my favorite spots along the Lower Mississippi is Natchez, MS. Since I’ve visited, toured and stayed at this destination many times over the years, I booked an overview tour to once again gaze at the lovely architecture of the town’s buildings. ACL's “Southern Horse Drawn Carriage Ride” excursion ($50 per person) provides a leisurely loop around town with carriage driver/guide commentary.
I sat in covered open-air comfort while viewing Myrtle Terrace, an 1844-era home on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the stately, white-columned Stanton Hall. Our carriage route also traversed the historic downtown business district, where we could see many small boutiques and consignment shops.
In addition, the carriage ride passes First Presbyterian Church. Those taking the carriage ride just to get acquainted with sites in town before setting out for independent exploration, might consider returning to this church's Stratton Chapel to view the “Natchez in Historic Photos” exhibit. This exhibit is one of my favorite Natchez must-do activities.
This permanent photographic exhibit has walls filled with more than 500 photos from as early as 1860. They offer a look back at steamboat activities along the Mississippi River, the families and homes of Natchez, and downtown Natchez back in the day.
Our Natchez carriage journey also passed the William Johnson House, operated by the U.S. National Park Service. I also highly recommend this to independent travelers or those on another tour that includes a stop here. As a free man of color in early 1800s Natchez, Johnson owned property and several slaves.
Johnson also loaned money to local citizens and was quite respected within the Natchez community. Most notably, he kept a diary from 1835 until his death in 1851. It's the lengthiest, most detailed personal narrative authored by any African American during the pre-Civil War era.
In total, ACL offered nine different excursions in Natchez, outings that took guests to historic Longwood Plantation ($35 per person); Rosemont, the Jefferson Davis home ($150); “Legends and Libations ($50 per person) and, providing enough people signed up, a “Great River Outdoor Adventure” ($195 per person), plus other outings.
Many guests opted for the complimentary “Natchez Local Loop” option by ACL motorcoach; this type of loop touring is also offered at many stops along the river. Essentially, guests hop on and off as they desire at the coach’s pre-set stops along the route, or they can simply stay on for the complete loop of sightseeing.
Vicksburg and Beyond
Vicksburg is another popular Lower Mississippi port destination that history buffs on our voyage talked about for days. ACL’s guests booked on the line’s complimentary “U.S. National Military Park” driving excursion headed out to learn more about the Union Army’s 47-day siege by General Ulysses S. Grant in 1863.
Confederate General John Pemberton and the town’s residents valiantly endured a tough bombardment that destroyed much of the town. Locals took shelter in local caves and underground, and Pemberton ultimately surrendered on July 4, 1863. That secured control of the river at Vicksburg, helping turn the tide of the war in the Union's favor.
Another touring option is for independent explorers to climb the hill from the ship’s docking point up to Vicksburg’s historic downtown. It's fun to stroll along Main Street to local attractions, shops and cafes. One highlight is the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, where Coca-Cola was first bottled. Just a few blocks away is another of my favorite historic sites, the Old Court House Museum.
If guests can’t or don’t want to walk up the hill, though, ACL’s complimentary “Vicksburg Local Loop” excursion is a good option. Alternatively, guests can book ACL’s “Historic Vicksburg Comes to Life” ($30 per person) excursion to tour with a guide at both the Coca-Cola Museum and the Old Courthouse. Plus, this excursion stops at the 1830-era Anchuca Historic Mansion & Inn. Another optional ACL excursion, “Antebellum Vicksburg Experience,” is $50 per person.
Another stop on American Serenade’s Lower Mississippi region sailing is Cleveland, as previously described with the "Fighting Okra" and the GRAMMY Museum of Mississippi. But ACL also offers a higher-level, optional tour to the GRAMMY Museum which also includes a special reception with culinary bites and cocktails.
Plus, there's a tour around town, which is optimum at times for other reasons beyond seeing the sites. One fellow guest needed a pharmacy, for instance, and this excursion took him near one so he could get a needed medication.
After nearly a week on the Lower Mississippi, we arrived in Memphis for an overnight stay on the ship. ACL offers a plethora of shore excursions. Travelers have choices that deliver experiences on Beale Street, at Elvis Presley's Graceland, Sun Studio or beyond.
Keeping Guests Posted
ACL places an ACL Welcome Aboard printed folder in each stateroom or suite, so upon embarkation, guests will find information on dining times and what’s offered. This folder also included the deck plan, emergency information and details about the line’s loyal past guest Eagle Society.
Most importantly, it has a QR code that guests can scan to access the American Explorer app and download it. Proving invaluable during our cruise, this app provided us with real time updates for the ship’s schedules, shore excursions and dining menus.
As for onboard service, we'd say that it was quite good overall. Hotel director Floriano was someone I’d met on a previous cruise, and he's fabulous. He continually circulated around the ship chatting with guests, checking how things were going, and proactively asking guests if they needed anything. A true asset for ACL, he attentively handled questions or any concerns. He was even observed helping the bar team concoct drinks on several nights during cocktail hour in the River Lounge. Our cruise director was also quite good.
Several servers in the River Lounge also were exceptional, always proactively offering to bring guests a cup of coffee, a napkin, a pastry or whatever the guest mentioned that they’d like. That said, ACL was training many new crew members on our cruise, particularly in the dining room. My cabin steward was also a new crew member. And yes, the newness showed in some cases, but service was mostly on track.
So, overall, I'd characterize the onboard service as friendly, helpful and down-home, not stuffy or formal.
Parting Thoughts
Overall, American Serenade is a very nice, small-ship, American-flagged product that creates an appealing option for travelers seeking a deep dive into American culture and heritage. I’ve traveled and covered the U.S. South for decades, and this was a robust itinerary on a lovely small ship.
I've also sailed on ACL in the past, and this was by far, my best cruise on the brand. I and fellow guests also won't soon forget encountering the "Fighting Okra" while ashore in Cleveland, MS!
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