I never thought I would have a complaint about American Cruise Lines, but here it is, writes SeaView editor David Simpson.
For the first time in four voyages I must say how thoroughly miserable our day-long Hyannis Experience turned out.
The only saving grace of the day-long tour was the JFK Museum. The rest of the day comprised long periods of either ambling around or waiting for something to happen.
The much-vaunted Italian restaurant lunch was poor, served much too early by surly waiters. Then we were allowed an hour for shopping which was spent trying to find one or two shops that offered nothing new.
American Legend passes the pilgrim ship Mayflower in Plymouth before, below, berthing to unload its own cargo of 100 guests. Top of page: departing Boston at the start of our cruise
After another amble around the Cape Cod Maritime Museum for an hour, we were directed to the meeting point for our harbour cruise where we had to wait another 45 minutes for the boat to arrive. The vessel was rather weather beaten and terribly noisy, with the straining engine drowning out the commentary. We believe we saw the Kennedy Compound, which housed a good many of the legendary family in the Sixties, but could’t be sure.
All in all our time would have been better spent relaxing on American Legend. And there were others who felt the same.
Now, having said all of that, the rest of our Cape Codder cruise was exactly what we have come to expect of American Cruise Lines, if not even better.
The cuisine – lobster galore if you want it – and wide range of evening entertainment were as good as anything I have experienced in almost 40 years of cruising. As was the company we kept. We were the sole visiting Brits surrounded by Americans. And we had so much fun.
The crew made us all feel special, creating a great atmosphere. And a special shout out to our waiter Alex Krienitz who was faultless and the young attendant C-see whose smile lit up the ship.
Good food and good friends, above, including waiter Alex, while lobster galore included a a traditional bake at Ford Adams in Newport, below
The Hyannis Experience apart, the other excursions we signed up for were time well spent, even though the weather did its best on occasions to spoil things. One thing that came across was that we were in a playground of the rich. From Provincetown to Plymouth, Newport Island and beyond. there was the smell of money. Fabulous homes, fabulous yachts and more.
And especially Martha’s Vineyard. Our three-hour tour was memorable and maybe this could have been extended into a Signature excursion allowing us more time in Edgartown, otherwise known as Amity of Jaws fame, where our time was limited to just 30 minutes. It would also have been a great place for lunch.
And as for the revolutionary coastal seacat American Legend, it provided us with a five-star experience. The 100-guest ship was so spacious, gave off a luxurious vibe, and our stateroom (225) was a wonderful home for a week, although the air conditioning could have been a touch quieter. Always a difficult one to conquer.
Another seacat, the American Glory, beckons next year cruising Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River as we continue in our pursuit of sailing as many US rivers as possible. My wife and I are already counting down the days.