—By Judy Colbert—
More than 37 million people are expected to go on a cruise this year, and it’s easy to understand why. Regardless of a family’s specific wants and needs, most cruises cover all of the vacation essentials in one package.
Cruise ships are known for providing their own unique worlds for guests to explore. Going big is the norm, and cruise ships often have so many amenities that passengers don’t necessarily have to leave the boat at all to have a good time. One example is Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas, which features the world’s largest water park at sea with slides and a first-of-its-kind Open-Air Aqua Coaster, a multi-deck pool area, a trampoline, and numerous “neighborhoods.” And that only scratches the surface.
On the other hand, some people want the experience of a cruise without all of the extra flair. Often, they’re after a more intimate experience, visiting smaller ports instead of the larger ones made to handle thousands of guests. These folks count on options like American Cruise Lines (ACL), the masters of the small-ship vacation.
A Small-Boat Voyage for a Unique Cruise Vacation
Most of us find ourselves in smaller towns when we take a trip. As we journey to our main vacation destination, there is something about those quaint regions we stop by along the way. Perhaps it’s the unique people, attractions, culture, food, scenery, and accommodations, or maybe something else — an essence or vibe that’s harder to describe.
With each trip, you must also decide where to stay, banking on convenient and available accommodations while dealing with other obstacles like traffic and parking. Once settled, you’ll need to select restaurants that satisfy everyone, find fuel, pack and unpack for one or more nights — just a few of many factors that can conflict with a restful getaway.
For those looking to enjoy the charm these distinct places have to offer without the hassle, a small-boat voyage is one alternative.
Vacationers routinely opt to take the wheel out of their own hands and put the captain in charge by setting sail on an ACL cruise. It’s up to you how you spend your time, whether you find a nook for some quiet reading or decide to forge some new connections on board.
The time you spend on the ship is just one element, as you’ll have plenty to peruse once you dock and step foot on land to explore. Even if you’re visiting the same places you’d drive to, the approach and scenery are different. You see the waterfront (or more specifically, back) of homes with balconies and patios for outdoor dining — just one of many one-of-a-kind perspectives from the water. All the while, a boat or two, motorized or sailing or both, bob in the waves.
Like any cruise, ACL has the details covered, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your time off.
These cruises stand apart from mega ships that can sleep 6,000 guests and thousands of crew members in all of the best ways. Their two-dozen vessels hold 100 to 200 passengers as the ship travels more leisurely from place to place. With so few people, boarding and check-in are a snap.
ACL cruises offer a less frenetic vacation than cruises on larger, energy-charged voyages. Instead, most ACL passengers want an itinerary that features history, geography, architecture, and scenery. For these reasons, an ACL cruise could even be the perfect choice for an unforgettable, multi-generational getaway.
American Cruise Lines: A Family Alternative
Founded in 1991 by Charles B. Robertson, ACL was established with a mission to offer vacationers luxury, small-ship cruises along the U.S. coastlines and rivers, focusing on American destinations. While many immediately turn to cruise ships filled with activities specifically tailored to children, many families find ACL cruises are the better choice. Though, that’s not to say this is the norm.
Children make up about 1 to 2% of the passengers on an ACL cruise, where the average age is 72.
“Our cruises are primarily marketed to retired, culturally curious, mature travelers, but we allow families,” ACL Public Relations Manager Alexa Paolella said. “Depending on your family, some itineraries can be great.”
Unlike those larger cruise packages, Paolella said ACL doesn’t not have features tailored to young kids, like pools, babysitters, or kid-specific entertainment. Rather, she said ACL tends to be a better option for self-sufficient teens and adult children looking for a more intimate experience with their parents and other relatives.
ACL offers “small-ship cruising done perfectly,” with large cabins (most of which have a private balcony), resident historians, and less-crowded ports of call. The trips, lasting five to 11 days or more, are generally all-inclusive. Even better, fares for children up to 16 are discounted when staying in a room with two full-paying adults.
History and geography lovers should be fascinated by the 50-plus itineraries, so it’s likely you’ll find the perfect match as you account for your child’s interests. There are more than 400 shore excursions, including a tour of the Field of Dreams, whale or dolphin watching, Civil War battlefield tours, the National Quilt Museum, a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, or a scenic float down the Chilkat River through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
With all of these options and more, taking your next road trip on the water is that much easier with ACL.
A family poses on an ACL cruise ship
A Parent’s Point-of-View
To truly understand how kids experience ACL cruises, you don’t have to take our word for it:
“My 12-year-old daughter went on an Alaska cruise,” said Karen Heike Spieler, referencing an ACL excursion. “She loved it.”
From the various food options, the dinner conversations with other cruisers, and the stops along the way, the trip was a hit for Spieler’s daughter — the youngest of four kids on the vessel.
“The crew was amazing and all knew her,” Spieler continued. “Depends on the kid, but we have been taking history- and nature-based vacations all her life, so she didn’t need any typical kid entertainment on board.”
Employees Offer an Inside Look
Cruise ship employees are the most familiar with the happenings on these massive ships, and they share many of the same sentiments as they observe child guests making the most of their nautical vacations.
“I used to work on the cruise ships,” Hannah Plank said. “I have seen several kids go on the boats. It is absolutely no issue at all for most of them, especially if they’re into history. They have a lot of fun with it and the chefs and everyone make sure to accommodate very well with kiddos’ needs.”
Plank wasn’t alone here, as former ACL employee Airyn Jones reported many of the same experiences during her time on the sea.
“[I] worked on the Independence while a 7-year-old kid was onboard and he had a blast!” Jones recalled. “We made him his own name tag, and his housekeeper got him a stuffed lobster. We also had children onboard every week on the American Splendor. I’d say they’re safer [there] than on the larger cruises targeted for children.”
Guest Perspectives
Other passengers also notice that cruises tend to be a great time for the kids on board, even if they didn’t bring children along themselves.
“We had a 10-year-old boy on one cruise who was absolutely adorable,” passenger Lauri Goff said.“His parents were older and ‘Howie’ soon became everyone’s grandson! He was a little genius, loved history and science. The captain gave him his own bridge tour and some captain bars. He went on all the tours. He was like a very short adult.”
Goff admitted that she didn’t initially feel so positive, but her tune changed as the days went on.
“When I saw him board the ship, I groaned internally because, like many of us, I enjoy a child-free experience,” she said. “By the end of the cruise, I adored that boy!”
An ACL passenger poses at a stop in Multnomah Falls
Final Thoughts
American Cruise Lines cruises offer a less frenetic vacation than cruises on larger energy-charged voyages. With so many different itineraries to choose from, there’s sure to be a departure port within a few-hour drive or quick Amtrak ride from your home.
ACL may not have all the bells and whistles that other cruise lines have to offer. Still, you’ll find it’s that special intimacy, inviting passengers to be present and enjoy every moment of the journey, that makes these small-ship experiences so magical.
Photos courtesy of American Cruise Lines
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About the Author: Judy Colbert is an award-winning author and photographer whose three dozen books and articles
include travel guides to the Mid-Atlantic area. Her next books are “Virginia Off the Beaten Path, 13th
Edition” and “Unique and Unusual USA.”
