ONBOARD THE MELODY
MARCH 1, 2024-MARCH 8, 2024
ITINERARY: NEW ORLEANS- HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE
REVIEWED BY LISA TACHEIRA
My Country, ‘Tis of Thee…
Perhaps you have had the privilege of exploring overseas, and now you are interested in traveling a little closer to home or completing your bucket list of visiting all 50 states? While rewarding, traveling can be cumbersome with increased security measures, updated travel documents, or electronic visa requirements. American Cruise Line is the perfect segway to bringing travel experiences closer to home and eliminating a lot of the intimidations of traveling internationally. Checking into your stateroom onboard the Mississippi is as simple as walking into a hotel lobby. On the day of your departure, you will find your cabin door open, clean, and welcoming, with your luggage awaiting your arrival.
Food and drink
The dining room is open as soon as you get onboard, so you can unpack later – lunch is served!
Lunch menu sampler: Grilled Shrimp & Peach Salad or Southern Jambalaya or Angus Burger with Sweet potato fries. You will have the option to set your pallet for dinner as the menus are posted each morning. They even have ½ portion options should you wish to save plenty of room for dessert or try two entrees’ without overdoing it. Speaking of overdoing it, don’t miss cookie time! The pastry chefs seem to outdo themselves as they introduce each flavor. You can find me in the Sky lounge most afternoons nibbling on the cookie of the day with a hot cup of coffee. Peanut butter was my favorite- until Snickerdoodle came along.
With Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between you will be happy for a full day of excursions and remain ready for the next sweet surprise. Did I mention the ever-flowing beverages? American Cruise Line truly sets the bar when they say all inclusive. Spacious accommodations, enriching daily excursions, region inspired dining, cocktail hour and wine and beer served at mealtimes.
My favorite discovery was
Connecting with people. From the incredible staff onboard the Melody, to the friendly shipmates who soon felt like family, to the southern hospitality of each tour guide or store employee ashore. Each person has a story, and I was happy to be a part of theirs.
Out of all the travelers I connect with, I feel the woman who travels solo, whether by choice, or otherwise, impact me the most. Their independence and courage to see the world inspires me.
My favorite port of call and why
The Houmas House plantation was the perfect place to start this historic river cruise. This mansion which has been restored to the antebellum era sufficed all imaginations of how one might live on a successful sugarcane farm in the 1800s. The convenient lanyard that would hold your room key as well as your ID to board the ship, also served purpose as entry to many excursions that you could visit at leisure. Much like the cookies onboard the ship, I am having a difficult time choosing a favorite excursion. Our time in Natchez, Mississippi offered a truly off the beaten path outdoor adventure. We learned about the history of the King and Swayze family also known as the Jersey settlers, all the while riding side-by-side ATVs, trying our shot at tomahawk throwing and archery.
Traveler Tip
Leave your expectations of river cruising at home. Open your mind and be ready to learn, relax and enjoy who you’re with and where you’re visiting. If you’re looking to be entertained, consider another style of cruising. If you’re looking to make connections and immerse yourself in the history of this great river, experience the history and a bit of southern folklore in a seamless fashion, this is for you. And most important! For those of us who talk fast, eat fast, drive fast, or have difficulty slowing down, this is the perfect place to practice. You will be fixin’ to mosey along in no time.
