East Coast Inland Passage – American Liberty

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

The port city of Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and pastel antebellum houses. The scene of Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, it is considered by many to be a living museum. Visit historic Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. Learn how Charleston’s African-American heritage has contributed to the city’s history and unique culture. Enjoy the beauty of the area with a stroll through magnificent parks and gardens.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.