October 12, 2018. The Mississippi River, Paducah, Ky. The American Cruise Line.

This is the most unusual cruising company in that they hire all American staff. On all other ships we have been on, most staff members come from many different countries. But as this is an American company that work in American waters, they hire American staff. In addition, they pay American wages. One young man we chatted with told us that he can earn more money with American Cruise Line than he could on land. Many of the young staff members are working in order to go back to University. The young lady who looks after us for meals has been accepted at Penn State and will get a Masters degree in Hospitality Business. She is a manager in training. The other aspect of their system is that the staff members sign a four month contract. At the end of their contract, they must either quit or ask to be trained as a manager. The cruise line does not allow their staff members to sign on for an additional four month cruise, working at the same level. The result of that practice is the staff is new. Our observation is that the cruise line in understaffed. The stewards were trained to look after 10 cabins but now they are looking after 13. Everyone does double duty. The most important aspect of the staff is their friendliness. They are unfailingly polite and encouraging. The policy of the cruise line states that the staff are not allowed to accept tips. The tips are included in the price of the cruise which is another unusual aspect of the business plan. The American Cruise Line is a sister company with Pearl Sea Cruises. I don't know what that means but I do know they are connected. So this is an usual operation and we are enjoying understanding their system. Our friends Freddie and Phyllis are on the cruise of The Colombia and The Snake Rivers with the same company. I look forward to finding out their experience. For us, we are enjoying being on the mighty Mississippi River and we are loving dining in solitary splendor!!