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Exploring The USA On Cruise Ships With American Cruise Lines

Jim Zim
Jim Zim
🥈Expert
👁️ 5K views📅 3 months ago⏱️ 11:49
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship Review🥈Expert Creator
OtherVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I've done 11 cruises with ACL, which have taken me to some amazing destinations across the United States.

The vibe on these American Cruise Line ships is just perfect for me. It's relaxed and casual.

They're never trying to nickel and dime you. Something the big cruise lines are constantly trying to do.

All of your onboard meals, cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, beer, wine, and bottled water are all included.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Book a solo cabin on ACL to avoid the single supplement penalty.
Extend your pre-cruise hotel stay to explore the embarkation city.
Use the self-service laundry facilities which are free with provided soap pods.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Jet lag from flying to EuropeCruise within the USA to avoid jet lag and passport hassles.
Single supplement penalty for solo cruisersBook a solo cabin on ACL to avoid this penalty.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhy choose American Cruise Lines over European river cruises?
QWhat are the advantages of cruising within the United States?
QHow does ACL compare to big mega cruise ships?

Topics Covered

Cabin Interior4 Happy BaconDining Bars Drinks4½ Happy BaconService Crew4½ Happy BaconShip Condition4 Happy BaconValue Pricing4½ Happy BaconWifi Connectivity4½ Happy BaconExcursions4½ Happy BaconCrowd Capacity4½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Key West4½ Happy Bacon
Top: Butterfly Sanctuary
Nashville4½ Happy Bacon
New York City4½ Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

Why fly all the way to Europe for a river cruise when the best cruising experience is right here in the USA? In this video, I explain why I’ve taken 11 cruises with American Cruise Lines (ACL) and why I prefer them over European river cruises and the big "mega ships." We’ll look at the huge advantages of cruising within the United States, from avoiding jet lag and passport hassles to enjoying spacious cabins and American-sized bathrooms. I also break down the incredible value ACL offers—including complimentary Starlink WiFi, laundry, excursions, and pre-cruise hotels—and why their "no nickel-and-diming" policy makes for a stress-free vacation. Plus, I share details on the new ships being built at Chesapeake Shipbuilding (like the American Encore) and give a shout-out to the #1 travel agent for American Cruise Lines who handles all my bookings. In this video: Why I skip European river cruises for US itineraries. The "Mega Ship" vs. ACL comparison (crowds, lines, and hidden fees). A look at the all-inclusive perks: Alcohol, WiFi, Tips, and Excursions. Excellent ship design, dining, and the casual atmosphere. If you enjoyed this video, please hit the thumbs up and subscribe for more cruise content! If you're interested in booking a cruise with American Cruise Lines, I'd like to suggest that you take advantage of the services of my travel agent, Caitlin Gallagher. She is an expert on booking travel with ACL. In fact, she was the #1 travel agent for American Cruise Lines cruises in 2025 out of over 11,500 travel agents in the "Outside Agents" network. Visit Caitlin's web site at www.AmbrenTravel.com or give her a call at 1-904-364-5774. Hashtags: #AmericanCruiseLines #RiverCruising #SmallShipCruising #Travel #JimZim #CruiseLife