Two major milestones converge in 2026, a serendipitous occasion that is, as Mark Twain described coincidence, “a delightful thing”: the 150th anniversary of the publication of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and the nationwide commemoration of America 250, marking the semiquincentennial of the United States.

And one of the most delightful ways to celebrate both is aboard American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade as it glides up the Mississippi River, the very waterway that shaped Mark Twain’s imagination and helped define the nation’s identity.

In mid-July we boarded the sleek 180-passenger ship in hopes of experiencing towns that Twain described in "Life on the Mississippi" as “comely, clean, well built, and pleasing to the eye, and cheering to the spirit.”

The American Serenade feels like an invitation to slow down and savor: a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere; cabins that are calming in color and refined in their relaxed elegance, each with private balcony and plenty of elbow room; and fellow passengers who are friendly, curious and ready to have a good time.

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"In the small town of Hannibal, Missouri, when I was a boy, everybody was poor, but didn’t know it; and everybody was comfortable, and did know it."

Hannibal, Missouri

Twain’s hometown is a highlight of any Mississippi River cruise, and American Cruise Lines honors it with theatrical flair—with a familiar figure stepping aboard. Mark Twain himself, or rather, local interpreter Richard Garey, looking dapper in the author’s iconic white “I don’t give a damn” suit, led guests on a stroll through Hannibal.

Laid out in 1819, the town that inspired "Tom Sawyer," "Huckleberry Finn" and so many of Twain’s enduring observations, remains a living museum of the author’s boyhood. It is anchored by the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, a complex of five historic homes, including the Becky Thatcher House, Huckleberry Finn House and the Clemens Justice of the Peace office.

A costumed Tom and Becky greeted our group as we headed up the short block to stand before the whitewashed fence that Tom Sawyer famously conned his friends into painting. Displays in the museums are so well done, with figures of the author holding court in various rooms, cabinet doors that open to reveal Clemens family letters and artifacts and first editions of Twain’s books.

We also explored the Interpretive Center with more than two dozen original Norman Rockwell paintings, browsed the gift shops and snapped photos of the sculpture featuring Twain’s most mischievous characters, Tom and Huck, swaggering about at the foot of Cardiff Hill.

Later that afternoon, we boarded the coach for a guided excursion into Mark Twain Cave, a labyrinthine natural wonder mentioned in "Tom Sawyer." Afterward, our group enjoyed a wine tasting at Cave Hollow Winery. The hands-down favorite at my table? The semi-dry, juicy and dark Mark Twain Reserve.

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"There is no unhappiness like the misery of sighting land (and work) again after a cheerful, careless voyage."

Muscatine, Iowa

Twain spent over a year in Muscatine, contributing articles to the local newspaper, the Muscatine Journal, which was owned and operated in the 1850s by his brother, Orion Clemens.

He later wrote in "Life on the Mississippi" that he never saw sunsets more beautiful than those over this river town, and it’s easy to see why. Muscatine sits on bluffs and hills overlooking the riverfront, offering front-row views of the sky shifting from gold to rose to violet as the sun melts into the Mississippi.

Muscatine is utterly charming, its historic downtown district home to a variety of shops, like the Merrill Soap Company—the perfect place to stock up on fragrant shower melts, whipped body scrubs and other lotions and potions.

It is also home to the National Pearl Button Museum. Once known as the Pearl Button Capital of the World, Muscatine puts its heritage on display in artwork, advertising, machinery and a movie all relating to the history of the mother-of-pearl button once carved from freshwater mussel shells harvested from the Mississippi.

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"I have found out there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them."

Dubuque, Iowa

One of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi, Dubuque also has ties to Twain, who was among the roster of famous guest—along with Abraham Lincoln and “Buffalo Bill” Cody—who stayed at the stately Hotel Julien.

Dating back to the 1830s, today boutique hotel, located in Dubuque’s Historic Old Main District, is the hallmark of luxury, from its amenity-laden guestrooms to onsite spa, locally sourced cuisines offering a taste of Dubuque and craft cocktails served in the aptly named Riverboat Lounge.

We made a beeline for the Fenelon Place Elevator, the historic cable car known as the shortest and steepest scenic railway. The (free) ride seats about six comfortably for the near-vertical climb up the hill to see some of the most spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

We also visited the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium to catch the exhibit on the elusive narwhal, the “unicorn of the sea,” and the Dubuque Museum of Art to see artist Thomas Metcalf’s intricate beetle sculptures—and to enjoy the two swings suspended from the ceiling in the main building.

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"Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates."

Red Wing, Minnesota

I couldn’t find any Twain ties to Red Wing—the town is known for its pottery and iconic boots—but, having been tipped off by onboard lecturer Christine Hall, we walked the few blocks to Fair Trade Books, a cozy indie with a retro vibe, famous for its tradition of gifting newcomers a book based on their reading interests.

In fact, since opening in 2014, owners Rick and Zoe DeVoe have given away a whopping 98,000 books. I left with a locked room mystery—my favorite genre.

During her Red Wing port talk, Hall had also remarked on the charm of the Red Wing Depot. Not only it is an active Amtrak station, but it is also an outstanding art gallery filled with paintings, pottery, jewelry and other handicrafts of more than 120 regional artists. (I did not leave empty-handed.)

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American Cruise Lines’ extra touches enhance every voyage

Aboard the American Serenade, the pleasures are both grand and delightfully small, with special touches that elevate comfort while lending the voyage its gentle rhythm and quiet charm:

I love any cruise line that offers guest laundry facilities, and American Cruise Line is at the top of the list. Not only does the laundry room have three washers and three dryers, but it also has containers of free detergent pods and dryer sheets.

Fresh watermelon from Muscatine, the Watermelon Capital of the World, was brought onboard during our stop in this charming city. What an absolutely delicious treat, the kind that is possible with small-ship cruising and a crew that goes the extra mile.

Onboard experts present daily enrichment programs tailored to the region's history and culture. On this cruise, historian Christine Hall held the audience in thrall with her talks on the Mississippi, particularly “Tragedy and Disaster on the River” and “Women on the River.”

Molly Brown (as in “the unsinkable”) mesmerized the audience during her one-woman show, part of the ship’s evening entertainment that ranged from live music (classical, jazz, bluegrass) to performance pieces.

A self-service cappuccino machine (with everything from coffee and lattes to hot chocolate to hot water for tea) and bottomless sweet and salty snacks are available 24/7 in the Sky Lounge.

Quiet nooks like the Game Room and Storytelling Lounge made reading, playing cards and working on puzzles a fun and peaceful way to while away an afternoon.

The fitness center, located in two spaces on Deck 2, was well-equipped and included a half dozen treadmills—my favorite piece of workout equipment.

The daily 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour, featuring top-shelf spirits and a changing array of tempting hors d’oeuvres, was a great place to share the day’s experiences with fellow passengers.

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Plan Your Travels

American Cruise Lines is an all-American family company, with ships designed and built in the United States and itineraries that explore the country’s most storied waterways for river, coastal, specialty—even National Park-themed—cruises. With more than 50 itineraries calling on ports from Alaska to New England to Florida and river towns in between, the line offers something for every traveler.

All-inclusive fares are exactly that, with all meals, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) included as well as a daily cocktail hour, complimentary hotel stay in the embarkation city, including luggage service and transportation to the ship and tips, gratuities, port charges and fees. Additionally, all itineraries offer at least one complimentary Featured shore excursion in each port of call. (Premium and Signature excursions are offered at an additional cost.)

For more information about American Cruise Lines, visit www.americancruiselines.com or call 800-460-4518.

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