East Coast Inland Passage-American Independence

The East Coast of America is unique and diverse, and the intracoastal waterway is a great way to experience the regional changes and history that formed our nation. From the horse-drawn carriages in Beaufort, to the cobblestone streets of Charleston, the Wright Brothers’ great flying machine in Kitty Hawk, and the 18th century battlefields on St. Simons Island – the history of America will unveil itself before your eyes on this cruise!

 

Baltimore | Savannah | Hilton Head | Beaufort | Charleston | Myrtle Beach | Norfolk | Kitty Hawk

Cruise Details

Clock15 Days & 14 Nights

Double Occupancy from $8,515 pp/do*

Single Occupancyfrom $12,380 pp

CalendarNovember 6, 2024

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 Jacksonville, FL
    You'll be greeted at the ship, and we'll enjoy a Welcome Reception onboard.

    2Jekyll Island, GA
    Discover the fascinating history of Jekyll Island. At the end of the 19th century, wealthy men in America, including J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt, purchased the entire island as a hunting resort prized for its “splendid isolation." Today, Jekyll Island is part of Georgia’s Sea Isles and boasts “Millionaire’s Village,” 240 acres of extravagant homes and winter cottages recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

    3St. Simon's Island, GA
    St. Simons Island offers guests a view of the area’s rich past, including the momentous 18th-century battlefields and sprawling, antebellum plantations. Enjoy its diverse wildlife as well as the moss-draped oaks that shade walkways. Make sure to visit St. Simons Lighthouse, which houses a fantastic museum devoted to the history of the Georgia Coast.

    4Savannah, GA
    With its emerald tree canopy, quaint cobblestone streets, and majestic architecture, Savannah is a bustling seaport with renowned historic districts that preserve its 19th-century opulence. Join a narrated tour of Savannah’s “Historic and Victorian Districts," brave an evening Ghost Walk, or explore the area's magnificent shops.

    5Hilton Head, SC
    Hilton Head is a first class resort known for its championship golf courses and miles of pristine beaches. A boat tour of The Sea Pines Forest Preserve gives you a close-up view of Hilton Head's indigenous plant and animal life, including the American Alligator.

    6Beaufort, SC
    Beaufort’s history includes European explorers, Native American inhabitants, British settlements, and Civil War battles. Today, horse-drawn carriages bring you through the narrow streets of this district, past 18th and 19th-century homes, famous for unique Beaufort-style architecture. Visit historic forts, elegant homes, and majestic plantations, to discover why Beaufort was once heralded as the “Newport of the South."

    7Day of Cruising
    Enjoy a leisurely day of cruising as you continue on your journey through the East Coast Inland Passage. This classic water way is known as the highway for north and southbound East Coast cruisers, and an east-west path along the outskirts of the Gulf of Mexico.

    8Charleston, SC
    Take a city tour on the cobblestone streets of Charleston! This charming town is known for its beautiful pastel antebellum homes, gas-lit lamps, and many fascinating museums. The site of historic Civil War and Revolutionary War battles, legends of pirates, and the legendary Fort Sumter. Visit the beautiful Magnolia Gardens plantation on one of the excursion options.

    9Wilmington, 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 an outstanding reputation as a leader in preservation efforts. Explore Georgian, Victorian, and antebellum-style homes restored to their original grandeur. Stroll through beautiful gardens and city streets lined with shopping venues and seafood eateries.

    10Beaufort, NC/Morehead City, NC
    Visit the meticulously restored town of Beaufort, NC, the third oldest town in North Carolina. Explore the 21-block historic district that includes a boardwalk lined with boats on one side and unique shops perfect for browsing on the other. Just across the Newport River is Morehead City, a bustling port town, with a mix of fishing boats, art galleries, antiques, and a rich seafaring history.

    11Kitty Hawk, NC
    Learn about the birth of flight in Kitty Hawk, where the Wright Brothers successfully piloted sustained powered flights in the first incarnations of modern airplanes.

    12Norfolk, VA
    Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk has enjoyed a dramatic history dating back to 1607, when British settlers first arrived on American shores. Today, the city embraces its colorful past while thriving as a modern metropolis. Tall schooners share the surrounding waters with naval vessels and oystermen. Enjoy tours of historic districts, museums, restored homes, and the Norfolk Naval Station.

    13St. Michaels, MD
    Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels, or peruse the charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. As you dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once a famed shipbuilding village, get a glimpse of life in the 1800's.

    14Baltimore, MD
    Baltimore is a great American city, bustling with excitement, Colonial history, and a rejuvenated maritime spirit. Explore its history aboard the decks of celebrated ships and on the cobbled streets of the charming Inner Harbor. Visit Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner".

    15Disembark in Baltimore, MD
    Enjoy breakfast on board the ship, before beginning your journey home. Reflect upon your adventures and the new friends along the way.

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Cabin Categories

Cabin Single Price Double Price
Veranda Suite (VS)$13,600 pp
Deluxe Balcony 1 (DB1)$10,920 pp
Deluxe Balcony 2 (DB2)$10 pp
Standard Waterview (SW)$8,515 pp
Single Balcony (SGB)$12,380

Ship Read more about the American Independence

*Prices may vary due to seasonality

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

East Coast Inland Passage-American Independence

Book Now Request More Info

or call 800.578.1479

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