Hey remember my post about Santana in Greece? Just returned from Memphis - New Orleans (no luck selling it). No changes at Santana, if anything it's worse.
Fun and interesting fellow travelers, nice job on board by the American Queen Cruise Line Countess staff.
Pre trip instructions stated E bikes were unnecessary, would not be supported, and are not available for rent. Because it's flat. Arrived to find @ 15 e bikes, including rentals, and had two days of 1000 foot climbs.
A "mid day feast" consisted of some kind of meat and seafood (server did not know what was in it) mixed with pasta,served in a styrofoam box with a stale roll. Vegetarians got 1/2 cup iceberg lettuce and the stale roll.
The boat Bill chartered required us to carry our bikes up and down four flights of stairs every morning and evening. No rigging or plan on the top deck to stabilize or organize bikes.
The usual sarcasm and non answers from Bill, the rest of the staff did a great job hiding, except the bike rental representative. Never knew what we were doing until we were heading out the door, and even then...
One day the "short" ride was 40 miles : 10 miles on the levee (scenic, paved, bike path) and 30 miles on the levee service road (farms, industry, trucks, and no restrooms).
The chaos takes its toll on the participants and the ship's crew. Compared to the Greek trip Santana is cutting corners to maximize profit. Tandem and single bike riders deserve better.