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American Cruise Lines

American Splendor

Intimate ship

The 185-passenger American Splendor paddlewheeler has been cruising the Mississippi River since 2016 (initially as America) and underwent a makeover in 2022.

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American Splendor, the paddlewheeler from American Cruise Lines, offers multiple itineraries along the Mississippi River.

At a glance

American Splendor is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by American Cruise Lines, in service since 2016. It carries 185 guests and 52 crew (3.6 guests per crew member). It is the 2nd largest of 20 American Cruise Lines ships by guest capacity.

Builder's plate

Specs

Guests
185
Crew
52
Decks
5
Length
266 ft
Maiden voyage
2016
Space ratio
3.6
Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew
3.6

Bliss scores

What American Splendor is best at

We have not scored this ship yet. Until we do, its cruises rank neutrally in the app's Bliss search.

Our review

American Splendor: Paddlewheel cruises along the Mississippi

The 185-passenger American Splendor paddlewheeler has been cruising the Mississippi River since 2016 (initially as America) and underwent a major makeover in 2022. American Cruise Lines calls her "the finest Mississippi paddlewheeler ever built, introducing features never before seen on a Mississippi riverboat."

American Splendor is a throwback to an earlier era of river cruising, with traditional Victoria-style accents and classic design. At the same time, it boasts modern technology and amenities. Look for gleaming woodwork, brass fixtures, historic decor, the largest staterooms of any small cruise ship and private balconies that are 60 square feet. 

Who will like sailing on American Splendor

Travelers who like small riverfront towns and the experience of sailing on an old-timey riverboat will enjoy cruising on America. Also, you need to be OK with a cruise where a majority of the passengers are in their 70s and 80s. 

Where America sails

American Splendor cruises the Mississippi River with 7-night sailings out of New Orleans, a 7-night Memphis to St. Louis and St. Louis to New Orleans cruise, cruises along the Upper Mississippi to St. Paul, Minn., and occasional longer sailings. 

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Watch the sun rise over farmlands and plantations during your cruise along the Upper Mississippi River aboard American Cruise Lines.
Watch the sun rise over farmlands and plantations during your cruise along the Upper Mississippi River aboard American Splendor. Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Modern conveniences & classic ambiance

America and her sister ship American Heritage are paddlewheelers that ply their passengers up and down the Mississippi.  On American Splendor, you get the convenience of a modern ship with the ambiance of a classic river paddlewheel. Third and fourth deck staterooms and suites feature sliding glass doors to access private balconies allowing you to experience great scenery from the privacy of your stateroom as the ship makes its way down the river.

Additional amenities Include:

  • Large, spacious staterooms 
  • Floor to ceiling sliding glass doors to private balconies
  • Personalized service
  • In-room phones for complimentary room service and breakfast served on your private balcony
  • Elevators to all decks
  • Outdoor exercise area and putting green
  • Guest laundry
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in all staterooms
  • Satellite TV and DVD player in all staterooms
  • Gourmet coffee brewers in all staterooms

Amenities on this ship

Note: There's no pool, fitness center, spa facilities or casino on American Splendor. Passengers get their exercise by going ashore and walking around the port towns.

Your take

Have you sailed on American Splendor? What was it like? Please share a story, tip or discovery. What was the highlight? We'd love to hear about your experience — please share!

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Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on American Splendor, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or call 1-877-322-3773.

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Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 12

  • St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square in Vieux Carre, New Orleans.
    St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square in Vieux Carre, New Orleans.
  • Take in the colorful fall foliage during a sailing on the Minnesota River.
    Take in the colorful fall foliage during a sailing on the Minnesota River.
  • Meet the Natchez Belles and tour antebellum mansions in Natchez, Miss., during your river cruise.
    Meet the Natchez Belles and tour antebellum mansions in Natchez, Miss., during your river cruise.
  • Take a tour of Civil War era plantations when you reach Natchez, Miss.
    Take a tour of Civil War era plantations when you reach Natchez, Miss.
  • Cruise to New Orleans and enjoy the festivities and rows of drinking spots along Bourbon Street.
    Cruise to New Orleans and enjoy the festivities and rows of drinking spots along Bourbon Street.
  • New Orleans boasts interesting architecture throughout the French Quarter, including this building at the corner of Royal and Dumaine.
    New Orleans boasts interesting architecture throughout the French Quarter, including this building at the corner of Royal and Dumaine.
  • Visit historic Jackson Square in New Orleans for a chance to ride on a vintage horse-drawn carriage.
    Visit historic Jackson Square in New Orleans for a chance to ride on a vintage horse-drawn carriage.
  • Passengers onboard the Queen of the Mississippi will appreciate the peaceful, green scenery as the ship sails on the Ohio River.
    Passengers onboard the Queen of the Mississippi will appreciate the peaceful, green scenery as the ship sails on the Ohio River.
  • Enjoy classic melodies from bar and street performers in New Orleans during your sailing on American Cruise Lines.
    Enjoy classic melodies from bar and street performers in New Orleans during your sailing on American Cruise Lines.
  • The northern Mississippi River and skyline of Minneapolis, Minn., during autumn. See it on an American Cruise Lines sailing.
    The northern Mississippi River and skyline of Minneapolis, Minn., during autumn. See it on an American Cruise Lines sailing.
  • Book a cruise on the Queen of the Mississipi and spend part of your vacation in St. Louis visiting the eye-catching 630-foot Gateway Arch, the world's tallest arch.
    Book a cruise on the Queen of the Mississipi and spend part of your vacation in St. Louis visiting the eye-catching 630-foot Gateway Arch, the world's tallest arch.
  • Oak Alley Plantation, a historic plantation on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, Louisiana. See it on a river cruise.
    Oak Alley Plantation, a historic plantation on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, Louisiana. See it on a river cruise.

Dining 1

  • Guests will enjoy local dishes paired with wines in the dining room aboard your American Cruise Lines sailing.
    Guests will enjoy local dishes paired with wines in the dining room aboard your American Cruise Lines sailing.

On board 3

  • Passengers can hear a historian tell stories about the history of the Mississippi in the Chart Room, a forward space on the observation deck of your American Cruise Lines ship.
    Passengers can hear a historian tell stories about the history of the Mississippi in the Chart Room, a forward space on the observation deck of your American Cruise Lines ship.
  • Head to the vintage-inspired Paddlewheel Lounge on deck 2 of your American Cruise Lines ship and relax between calls on port cities.
    Head to the vintage-inspired Paddlewheel Lounge on deck 2 of your American Cruise Lines ship and relax between calls on port cities.
  • Sit comfortably on white wicker chairs, chat with your friends and enjoy the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Sky Lounge of your American Cruise Lines ship.
    Sit comfortably on white wicker chairs, chat with your friends and enjoy the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the Sky Lounge of your American Cruise Lines ship.

Staterooms 1

  • Couples can enjoy the perfect honeymoon in one of the spacious staterooms on an American Cruise Lines ship, which feature contemporary furniture and a private balcony.
    Couples can enjoy the perfect honeymoon in one of the spacious staterooms on an American Cruise Lines ship, which feature contemporary furniture and a private balcony.

More photos 7

  • American Splendor, the paddlewheeler from American Cruise Lines, offers multiple itineraries along the Mississippi River.
    American Splendor, the paddlewheeler from American Cruise Lines, offers multiple itineraries along the Mississippi River.
  • The 185-passengers American Splendor paddlewheeler has been cruising the Mississippi River since 2016 (initially as America) and underwent a makeover in 2022.
    The 185-passengers American Splendor paddlewheeler has been cruising the Mississippi River since 2016 (initially as America) and underwent a makeover in 2022.
  • Here's the rule: You can't visit New Orleans without trying beignets (pronounced ben-YAYS). A treat at Café du Monde on Decatur Street.
    Here's the rule: You can't visit New Orleans without trying beignets (pronounced ben-YAYS). A treat at Café du Monde on Decatur Street.
  • A carriage ride in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
    A carriage ride in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
  • Explore scenic wetlands and waterways on an American Cruise Lines sailing to Lacrosse, Wis.
    Explore scenic wetlands and waterways on an American Cruise Lines sailing to Lacrosse, Wis.
  • Nature lovers will enjoy viewing the natural landscapes of the upper Mississippi River, including Alma, Wis.
    Nature lovers will enjoy viewing the natural landscapes of the upper Mississippi River, including Alma, Wis.
  • Watch the sun rise over farmlands and plantations during your cruise along the Upper Mississippi River aboard American Cruise Lines.
    Watch the sun rise over farmlands and plantations during your cruise along the Upper Mississippi River aboard American Cruise Lines.

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