Rates & Dates:
Trip Length: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Prices from: $3,595 pp/do*
Single Price: $4,485 pp
2011 Dates: Oct 29 Nov 5, 12
2012 Dates: May 5, 12, 26 Oct 27 Nov 3, 10
Ships: American Eagle
American Star
American Spirit
American Glory
Notes: *per person/double occupancy. Itinerary also available in reverse: Charleston, SC to Baltimore, MD.
From Baltimore to Charleston, or Charleston to Baltimore, this unique small ship cruise offers you a chance to discover the fabled Intracoastal Waterway
Between these vibrant cities and the barrier islands you’ll find living history unfolding before you. Trace the route along the Chesapeake Bay that John Smith explored in the summer of 1608, delight in Carolina’s Lowcountry with its antebellum charm and colonial heritage. Along the way small ports welcome your small ship with warm Southern hospitality; you’ll tour carefully restored homes and fastidiously tended gardens, you’ll admire the coves and bays where boats can outnumber residents 3 to 1. In Norfolk you’ll find the galleries, museums and military history of a revitalized seaport as well as the attractive shops and sandy beaches of a relaxed resort. Stroll the boardwalk in Dockside Village, in Myrtle Beach with its fun-loving populace and carefree ambiance.
American Cruise Lines small ships are tailor-made for experiencing the Intracoastal, compact enough to bring you up close to towns that are hidden treasures, like Edenton, Beaufort and Morehead City, and nimble enough to navigate the Alligator River and Pungo Canal, Snow’s Cut, and Sunset Harbor. You’ll head to the forward passenger deck or the uppermost observation deck to get a first rate view of the coastline and the wildlife that inhabits the region. In Oriental, you’ll discover a village that proffers an enticing invitation to get back to nature with kayaking and canoeing, or messing about in sailboat. Wilmington will give you a choice of exercising your sea legs on an easy-walking tour of the historic district, with shops and museums along the riverfront or ambling along in a pleasant horse-drawn carriage.
Throughout the trip guest speakers will recount local lore and thrilling stories of pirates and patriots. Best of all, relaxation and good fellowship is assured as you settle into the leisurely pace of life along the Mid Atlantic. It’s a journey that will refresh and restore you, a perfect passage into history.
l Day 1 - Baltimore, MD
Baltimore is truly a great American city, bustling with excitement, colonial history and a rejuvenated maritime spirit. Explore this history aboard the decks of celebrated ships and on the cobbled streets of the charming waterfront Inner Harbor, or visit Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner".
l Day 2 - Norfolk, VA
Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk has enjoyed a dramatic history dating back to 1607 when British settlers first arrived to America's shores. Today the city embraces its colorful past while thriving as a modern city. Tall schooners share the surrounding waters with naval vessels and oystermen. Enjoy tours of historic districts, museums, restored homes and the Norfolk Navy Base.
l Day 3 - Oriental, NC
Known as the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina,” you’ll see why when you stroll along the harbor and see that there are more boats in the water than people in the village. Sailboats from all over the world come to Oriental for its superb sailing waters. Spend an afternoon exploring antique shops and historic homes as you stroll along tree-shaded residential streets.
l Day 4 - Morehead City, NC
Morehead City is a popular port along the Intracoastal Waterway and is always bustling with boat activity and excitement. There are plenty of interesting shops to browse in Morehead or you can tour the meticulously restored town of Beaufort, just across the Newport River. Beaufort is the third oldest town in North Carolina and has a 21-block historic district that includes a boardwalk lined with boats on one side and unique shops perfect for browsing on the other.
l Day 5 - Wilmington, NC
Founded in 1739, Wilmington prospered during its early years as a major port and ship-building center. Today the city continues to flourish and boasts one of the largest districts recognized on the National Register of Historic Places with an outstanding reputation as a leader in preservation efforts. Explore Georgian, Victorian and antebellum-style homes, buildings and houses restored to their original grandeur. Stroll through beautiful gardens and city streets lined with shopping venues and seafood eateries.
l Day 6 - Myrtle Beach, SC
Recognized as one of America's most spectacular beaches, Myrtle Beach is an exciting city with dazzling theatres and unique shops located on Broadway on the Beach. A fascinating lakeside entertainment Mecca includes the Grand Strand with over 100 specialty shops, the Palace Theatre and Ripley's Aquarium.
l Day 7 - Charleston, SC
The scene of major Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, Charleston is brimming with history and culture. Docking in the heart of this "living museum" along the banks of the tranquil Ashley River, you will have the opportunity to truly appreciate Southern antebellum culture. Visit historic Fort Sumter National Monument, experience the African-American influences of the area and stroll through magnificent parks, gardens and plantations. Warm southern breezes, gas lit lamps and cobblestone streets welcome you to the city that is best known as the site where the Civil War began.
l Day 8 - Charleston, SC
Itinerary Subject to Change
Your onboard experience is as important as your onshore experience, so we take special care in providing the best in service, accommodations, entertainment, dining, all in an elegant yet comfortable environment. The all-American crew is there to see to all your needs, with the goal of providing you with the most memorable adventure possible.
Onboard Activities
Not only do we provide unique ports on our cruises, but unique entertainment as well. Activities are designed to highlight the areas in which we visit, including guest lecturers, local musicians, demonstrations, minor theatrical performances and games. From a performance by a fife and drum corps on Chesapeake Bay to a visit from a local lobsterman in Maine or a visit from costumed antebellum characters in the historic south, activities are as rich in history and culture as the ports themselves. Unlike the mega ships, you won’t find glitzy shows or casinos; instead we offer a refreshingly casual atmosphere, with an intimate ambience that is perfect for congenial camaraderie with fellow passengers and quiet relaxation. Open decks and glassed-in observation lounges allow for the watching of passing scenery and wildlife, while a well-stocked library provides reading material and videos focusing on the areas to be visited.
Onboard Experts
In order to enhance your cruise experience we invite carefully selected experts to join us on board. Through informal lectures, open discussions and activities, they bring local history, nature and culture alive with their knowledge and passion for American heritage. These enlighteners, naturalists and historians also lead shore excursions while in port, to give our guests behind the scenes tours of some of American’s best-kept secrets and favorite treasures. Not only will you find knowledge in these experts, but a friend as well. Onboard activities and entertainment are included in your cruise fare.
Dining Experience
We make it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Expect exceptional cuisine prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. The all-American crew offers an outstanding level of service to make the most discerning passenger’s journey memorable and relaxing. Dining onboard is informal, dress is resort casual, and seating is unassigned and served in the glass-enclosed dining room, where every seat offers a panoramic view. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Each evening before dinner, passengers are invited to mingle and share their day’s adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
