American Cruise Lines · All American Cruise Lines ships · Paddlewheeler
American Splendor: ship guide
The newest 180-guest paddlewheeler, Memphis to New Orleans and the Tennessee River.
Best for: Travelers who want the newest and largest classic paddlewheeler for the Memphis to New Orleans run or the Tennessee River, with 300-square-foot balconies and everything included. Sails from Memphis, TN, New Orleans, LA, Nashville, TN, Chattanooga, TN in 2026 and 2027.
About American Splendor
American Splendor is the largest and newest of the American Cruise Lines paddlewheelers, built in 2016 for 180 guests and described by the line as the world’s newest paddlewheeler. It gives guests the nostalgia of sternwheel travel with modern comforts: elevator access to all five passenger decks, a glass-enclosed restaurant with open seating, three distinct guest lounges, The Study, a fitness center and a sun deck. The decor pays homage to the legendary Mississippi with a serene palette and sophisticated artwork.
Every balcony stateroom is 300 square feet with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, whether Standard Balcony on deck 2, Deluxe Balcony on decks 3 and 4 or Premium Balcony on deck 5. Veranda Suites of at least 360 square feet sit on decks 3, 4 and 5, Main Deck Standard Waterview rooms are 245 square feet, and solo travelers have Single Balcony rooms of 235 square feet. The Paddlewheel Lounge at the stern, River Lounge at the bow and Sky Lounge on deck 4 give plenty of room to watch the river go by.
In fall 2026 American Splendor sails the Tennessee Rivers and Music Cities routes, then from late October 2026 through spring 2027 runs eight-night Lower Mississippi River cruises between Memphis and New Orleans, calling at Vicksburg, Natchez, Baton Rouge and Oak Alley. Summer and fall 2027 bring 15-night Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers cruises to Nashville and eight-night Tennessee Rivers cruises between Nashville and Chattanooga.
- The line’s newest and largest paddlewheeler, built in 2016 for 180 guests
- All balcony staterooms are 300 square feet with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Veranda Suites of at least 360 square feet on three decks
- Paddlewheel Lounge at the stern overlooking the working sternwheel
- River Lounge at the bow for the nightly cocktail hour and live music
- Sky Lounge, midship lounge and The Study, plus a fitness center on deck 4
- Elevator access to all passenger decks and a guest laundry on deck 5
- Lower Mississippi cruises between Memphis and New Orleans, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in summer 2027
Staterooms and suites
Veranda Suite
At least 360 square feet on decks 3, 4 and 5 with a seating area with table and chairs, stocked refrigerator, king bed, a large shower and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to a private balcony with deck furniture.
Premium Balcony
300 square feet on deck 5, the top stateroom deck beside the sun deck, with full-size furniture, a large shower and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to a private balcony.
Deluxe Balcony
300 square feet on deck 4 (Deluxe Balcony 1) and deck 3 (Deluxe Balcony 2) with an open layout, full-size furniture and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to a private balcony.
Standard Balcony
300 square feet on deck 2, the same footprint as the deluxe grades with a full private balcony, one deck lower and the best value balcony on the ship.
Standard Waterview
245 square feet on the Main Deck with picture windows, a lounge chair, a closet, deep dresser drawers and a desk, the entry grade.
Single staterooms
Single Balcony rooms of 235 square feet on decks 2, 3 and 4 with a sitting area and private balcony, and a 200-square-foot Single Waterview on the Main Deck, both sold for solo travelers.
American Splendor deck plans
Deck by deck, straight from our booking engine: the plan, the stateroom categories on that deck and the public rooms. Pick a deck.
Deck 6
Sun Deck.
- Sun DeckTake a deep breath of fresh air and immerse yourself in the breathtaking 360º view of the passing scenery from this ideal setting.Unwind with your favorite book or simply bask in the serenity of your surroundings.
Plans are the cruise line’s current drawings as supplied to our booking engine. Layouts change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the exact stateroom when you book.
On board American Splendor
Dining on American Splendor
RestaurantIncluded
Glass-enclosed Main Deck dining room with open seating and menus of American specialties from locally sourced ingredients, from Memphis barbecue to Louisiana seafood along the route.
Cocktail hourIncluded
A complimentary cocktail party with full bar, top-shelf spirits and hors d’oeuvres is hosted every evening before dinner.
Lounges and The StudyIncluded
Coffee, soft drinks and snacks are available around the clock in the lounges and The Study on deck 3.
Drinks policyIncluded
All meals, snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the fare, with wine and beer poured at lunch and dinner.
Entertainment and activities
- Nightly performances by local musicians in the River Lounge, from Delta blues to Nashville country
- Onboard expert giving daily talks on the Civil War, Mark Twain and Southern river towns
- Paddlewheel Lounge at the stern for cocktails over the turning sternwheel
- Sun deck on deck 5 with lounge chairs for 360-degree river views
- Sky Lounge, midship lounge and The Study for reading, puzzles and card games
- At least one complimentary featured excursion in every port, with premium and signature tours available
- Fitness center on deck 4 with elliptical machines and exercise bikes
- Complimentary pre-cruise hotel night in the embarkation city with transfer to the ship
Families and who it suits
American Cruise Lines has no children’s program or kids’ facilities and does not publish a minimum age; the ship, its lectures and its included excursions are designed for adult travelers, so ask SmartCruiser before booking a child.
Best for: Travelers who want the newest and largest classic paddlewheeler for the Memphis to New Orleans run or the Tennessee River, with 300-square-foot balconies and everything included.
Sails from: Memphis, TN, New Orleans, LA, Nashville, TN, Chattanooga, TN · Regions: Lower Mississippi River, Tennessee River, Cumberland River
American Splendor questions we answer every day
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Facts checked against American Cruise Lines: American Splendor, American Cruise Lines: dates and fares for American Splendor, American Cruise Lines: Lower Mississippi River Cruise, American Cruise Lines: all-inclusive on October 14, 2026. Ship details change with refurbishments; your SmartCruiser advisor confirms the current layout when you book.
Every American Splendor sailing, priced all-in
Every American Splendor departure the cruise line is selling, priced live with taxes, fees and port expenses included. SmartCruiser picks at the top are sailings where booking with us gets you something extra. Stack the filters, then sort by lowest price, best value per night or sail date.
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Sorted by what you save, biggest firstEvery American Splendor sailing
Stack any filters, then pick a sortPrices are per person, double occupancy, in US dollars, and include cruise fare, taxes, fees and port expenses as published by the cruise line at the moment you load this page. Fares are capacity controlled and change daily; the fare is confirmed when you book. Flights, hotels and transfers are extra unless the line’s offer says otherwise. Onboard credit shown on a sailing is per stateroom and applies to the lowest category offered unless stated otherwise.