Potomac River & Chesapeake Bay Cruise-American Eagle

Cruise the Chesapeake Bay roundtrip from Baltimore on these 6-night  departures! Visit beautiful ports of call like Annapolis, Yorktown, and Tangier Island. But what makes a Chesapeake Bay cruise especially special? Fresh Crab! The history of Chesapeake Bay is alive in these small ports and towns as old as the 1600s. The region has always been important, for trade, industry, and military. Tour the history of early America as you cruise around the Bay including Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown.

 

Including: Baltimore | Yorktown | Cambridge | St. Michaels | Annapolis | Williamsburg | Yorktown

Cruise Details

Clock8 Days & 7 Nights

Double Occupancy from $5,990 pp/do*

Single Occupancyfrom $8,360 pp

CalendarJune 2, 2025 | June 7, 2026

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees.
Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

    1Embark in Washington, D.C.
    Our ships are perfectly sized to go where most cruise ships can’t: Washington, D.C. This capital city is one of monumental significance, where the grandeur of its history is evident in its streets and buildings. The National Mall stands as the heart of the city, a sprawling green expanse bordered by the profound Lincoln Memorial at one end and the iconic, towering obelisk of the Washington Monument at the other. Capitol Hill, with the imposing U.S. Capitol Building, serves not only as the nation’s legislative hub but as a symbol of America’s democratic ideals, its dome gleaming against the skyline. Beyond these landmarks, the city unfolds in an array of museums, memorials, and neoclassical architecture, from the solemn beauty of the World War II Memorial to the inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, each site telling a piece of the American story.

    2Williamsburg & Yorktown, VA
    No three towns represent early American history better than Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Jamestown Settlement. You can take the Yorktown Trolley through 9 stops throughout historic Yorktown, including battlefields and the Watermens Museum. Transportation is available to 18th century Colonial Williamsburg, once the largest British capital in the New World. From there, you can take a shuttle to the Jamestown Settlement, the first permanent English colony established in 1607. If you’d like to spend your day a little differently, head over to the Williamsburg Winery, the largest winery in Virginia.

    3Cruising the Chesapeake Bay
    Spend your day navigating the stunning waters of the Chesapeake Bay, North America's most illustrious cruising grounds. Known as the largest estuary in the United States, its name, "Chesapeake," derives from the Algonquian for "at a big river." The Bay encompasses over 22 miles of diverse aquatic environments, including waterways, canals, lakes, and rivers. This remarkable mix of saltwater and freshwater has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem, thriving with fish and the famed blue crabs, alongside other abundant natural resources. Enjoy cruising the Chesapeake Bay and ride past the picturesque landscapes, and explore the charming, historic ports and towns scattered along the shoreline.

    4Cambridge, MD
    Explore Cambridge, a lively Chesapeake town celebrated for its historical significance and stunning architecture. Participate in a sailing adventure aboard a traditional skipjack to delve into the area's robust nautical culture or opt for a kayak trip along the serene shores. Venture to the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a vital habitat for migrating waterfowl and resident bald eagles, offering extensive trails for wildlife viewing. Stroll through Cambridge’s cobblestoned streets, dotted with unique art galleries and boutique shops, capturing the essence of its colonial and maritime past. Cap off your visit with a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, where you can savor local delicacies while enjoying views of the Choptank River.

    5St. Michaels, MD
    Start with a walking tour of colonial St. Michaels before venturing out to explore the many options in this town. St. Michaels is home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and 18-acre waterfront property with 10 exhibit buildings, working boatyard and the historic lighthouse. Or take a private eco tour of the Chesapeake Bay with a naturalist to point our wildlife and landmarks as you go.

    6Annapolis, MD
    A trolley tour of Annapolis is available, giving you a good overview of the history and the town. Get your ID out for a tour of the Naval Academy, founded in 1845. Or if those don’t interest you, perhaps visit the Annapolis Maritime Museum, located in an old oyster packing building, or take an audio tour of historic Annapolis.

    7Baltimore, MD
    At the heart of this vibrant city on the Chesapeake Bay lies the iconic Inner Harbor, a bustling waterfront area filled with restaurants, shops, and historic sites. Home to a thriving culinary scene, delight in everything from fresh seafood to innovative farm-to-table dining. For art enthusiasts, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum showcase an impressive range of artworks, from classical to modern. Just a short distance away, Fort McHenry stands as a symbol of American resilience. Its successful defense during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to pen The Star-Spangled Banner, which would eventually become our national anthem. Explore the fort's well-preserved structures, walk the ramparts for stunning views of the harbor, and learn about its history through interactive exhibits and living history programs.

    8Baltimore, MD
    Your captivating Chesapeake Bay Cruise through history wraps up in the lively city of Baltimore, where it all started. Have one last breakfast aboard the ship before you disembark to either start your journey home or to extend your stay for further exploration. If you choose to linger, Baltimore offers an array of attractions, from vibrant cultural districts and historic sites to eclectic dining and shopping opportunities. Take your time to wander through the renowned Inner Harbor, visit world-class museums, and enjoy the local cuisine. You can’t leave without covering something in Old Bay Seasoning which pairs perfectly with fried potatoes or fresh seafood.

Cabin Categories

Cabin Single Price Double Price
Grand Suite (GS)$11,310 pp
Sky Suite (SKY)$9,315 pp
Vista Balcony (VB)$7,380 pp
Premium Balcony (PB) $6,995 pp
Premium Waterview (PW) $5,990 pp
Single Balcony (SGB) $8,360

Ship Read more about the American Eagle

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

Crabfest

The fresh and salt waters of the Chesapeake Bay is home to the beautiful and tasty fresh blue crab! The Chesapeake Bay culture and industry, of course, is partially built on this harvest, and people travel from all over the world each year to indulge. Every Chesapeake Bay cruise will serve crab. But the Crabfest dates will dive deep into the culinary and economic legacy of the blue crab in the region.

Onboard Experience

The American Cruise Line fleet of ships are the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships in the US. The cruise line prides itself on their hospitable staff, and that you’ll be graciously received no matter which ship you cruise on. The large staterooms with interior entrances ensure you have a relaxed, private area to watch the river from, or visit any of the many onboard lounges. Daily entertainment will be brought onboard, including musicians, historians and naturalists.

Regionally-Inspired Menus

American Cruise Lines uses fresh, local ingredients to show off the culinary glory of the region you’re cruising in. On the Mississippi River, that could mean Andouille Gumbo, a po’boy with red beans and rice, and bourbon pecan pie. In New England, you could find Littleneck clam ceviche on the menu followed by a spiced apple pudding with maple whipped cream. In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fresh fish on the menu, including shrimp bisque or Dungeness Crab cake, and a marionberry cheesecake that’ll make your mouth water! Your ship will provide you with a list of all the locally-sourced ingredients when you unpack.

Eagle Society

Once you’ve cruised aboard any American Cruise Line ship, you are an Eagle Society member. It’s free to be a member, but your loyalty to American Cruise Lines is greatly rewarded. You’ll receive Eagle Society luggage tags, and member-only gifts when you board each cruise. After 3 cruises, you’ll receive complimentary premium shore excursions. After 10 cruises, you’ll get a complimentary 11th cruise. There are special Eagle Society cruise dates every year. Plus all Eagle Society member benefits can be used when booking with USA River Cruises, plus you’ll still be eligible for our loyal customer benefits as well.

Book Today

Potomac River & Chesapeake Bay Cruise-American Eagle

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

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