[David Dewey]

HI all,
I just got an email from ACL and to quote:
"Experience first class service with just the lift of a finger. All staterooms and suites will feature a telephone system that can be used to call for room service at any time of the day. Enjoy breakfast served on your private balcony as the sun rises up over the Mississippi River or enjoy a late night snack as you gaze at the
stars up above.

Amenities Include:
Largest and most spacious staterooms on the Mississippi
Sliding glass doors to private balconies
The most PRIVATE balconies on the Mississippi
Room Service "

Gee, sounds like you could stay in your room the entire cruise and not be "bothered" by other passengers!
Hmm, that's just not my idea of Steamboatin' --interacting with others onboard is part of the experience--an attractive part, IMHO. I'd rather step out on deck and visit with other Steamboaters walking past. The image of the cabin looks like a normal hotel room.
It seems to me that they are making the same mistakes that Majestic America Line did in regarding what is important on the rivers. But, maybe there are enough folks out there who want nothing more than a floating, moving Hotel room??
OTOH, I'm still paying off my last trips--but I would do it all again!!
S'
David D.