East Coast Inland Passage Cruise

Day 1: Baltimore, MD

Settle into your hotel and enjoy Baltimore often called “Charm City.” This vibrant waterfront destination is known for its bustling Inner Harbor, where historic ships, world-class museums, and lively shops and restaurants create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The city played a key role in American history, notably during the War of 1812, when Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Today, Baltimore blends its maritime heritage with a thriving arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and renowned institutions like the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum, making it a captivating stop on any Chesapeake Bay cruise.

Day 2: Day of Cruising

Baltimore is alive with energy, infused with colonial history. Explore its historical narrative aboard celebrated ships and stroll through the cobbled streets of the Inner Harbor. Visit the Baltimore Basilica with its stunning architecture and the iconic National Aquarium, showcasing a dazzling array of sea life. As you wander, don’t miss the chance to sample Baltimore’s renowned crab cakes or explore the culinary delights in the bustling markets. This city offers a mix of historical exploration and delicious dining at every corner.

Day 2: St. Michaels, MD

Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels or explore the quaint gift shops and boutiques on the tree-lined Talbot Street. Known as the “Heart of the Chesapeake,” St. Michaels has a long history as a vibrant shipbuilding and seafood hub. As you arrive at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once a prominent shipbuilding village, you get a glimpse into the daily life of the 1800s. This area allows you to experience the maritime traditions of the past through restored ships and historic buildings. Also notable is the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, a significant historical landmark, offering educational exhibits and sweeping views that deepen your connection to this historical town.

Day 4: Norfolk, VA

Here, the impressive Nauticus stands as a beacon of naval history, showcasing the formidable Battleship Wisconsin, a symbol of American strength on the waters. Wander the cobblestone paths of the historic Freemason District, where well-preserved homes reflect the early days of America’s founders. The Chrysler Museum of Art, a centerpiece of Norfolk’s cultural scene, dazzles with its extensive glass collection, shedding light on the artistic endeavors that shape the city. As night descends, the waterfront comes alive, celebrating Norfolk’s enduring spirit and its pivotal role in American history.

Day 5: Kitty Hawk, NC

Kitty Hawk, NC, resonates with tales of daring innovation, where the winds have long been friends to dreamers of flight. This is where the Wright Brothers transformed their ambitious goals into tangible achievements, marking this area as a significant site in aviation history. As you walk, the expansive sands and resilient dunes at Kitty Hawk seem to retain the spirit of that significant first flight that forever changed our skies. The Wright Brothers National Memorial serves as a tribute to this monumental feat, inviting visitors to connect with the surge of those groundbreaking moments. As the evening settles, the skies above Kitty Hawk light up with golden and amber hues, paying daily tribute to the pioneers of flight against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic.

Day 6: Beaufort, NC / Morehead City, NC

Beaufort and Morehead City, NC, each display unique characteristics that contribute to the vibrant landscape of the Crystal Coast. In Beaufort, the town’s deep maritime history is palpable among the weathered docks and colonial-era homes where stories of pirate encounters and sea traders thrive. Here, the North Carolina Maritime Museum stands out, showcasing artifacts like the Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard’s notorious flagship, and detailing the daily life of colonial seafarers.

Meanwhile, Morehead City offers a contrast as a lively marina, where fishing boats haul in their daily catch and seafood markets buzz with activity. The town is particularly noted for its annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, which attracts anglers from across the globe. As the sun sets, both towns light up their waterfronts, providing a picturesque setting for dining by the water or enjoying the cool sea breeze on a peaceful evening walk along the docks.

Day 7: Wilmington, NC

This port city seamlessly blends historical elegance with contemporary life along the Cape Fear River. The city’s historic district showcases beautifully maintained homes and brick-lined streets that tell stories of a distinguished past. The bustling Riverwalk, lined with shops and cafés, serves as the city’s center, offering stunning river views and a welcoming atmosphere.

Culturally rich, Wilmington is well-known for its arts scene, featuring performances at Thalian Hall, one of America’s oldest continually operating theaters. Adjacent to the cityscape, the Battleship North Carolina stands as a formidable monument to WWII, inviting exploration and historical reflection. This port is perfect for leisure and learning in one setting.

Day 8: Day of Cruising

After days of discovery, unwind as you journey along the East Coast Inland Passage. This historic waterway has long served as a vital route for travelers navigating north and south along the Eastern Seaboard, as well as an east-west passage skimming the Gulf of Mexico’s edge. Let the gentle rhythm of the water carry you through ever-changing coastal scenery, where each passing mile offers a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for America’s breathtaking shoreline.

Day 9: Charleston, SC

In this city, history comes alive through every vibrant facade and ornate iron gate, weaving its way between cobblestone streets and the swaying fronds of palmetto trees. The salty breeze from the harbor mingles with the sweet scent of jasmine, guiding you through a place where elegance and heritage intertwine.

At the city’s edge, the Battery promenade offers sweeping views of Fort Sumter, standing as a silent sentinel at the harbor’s entrance. In the heart of the French Quarter, the towering spires of St. Philip’s Church rise above streets lined with art galleries and stately historic homes. Beneath the shade of grand oaks draped in Spanish moss, Charleston reveals its soul—a timeless blend of culture, history, and Southern charm that invites you to linger and savor its beauty.

Day 10: Beaufort, SC

Beaufort’s story is steeped in the legacy of European explorers, Native American tribes, British settlers, and Civil War conflicts. Today, horse-drawn carriages glide through the district’s charming narrow streets, passing homes that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These homes, with their distinctive Beaufort-style architecture, stand as proud symbols of historical resilience and elegance.

Beneath the shade of ancient oaks, grand forts and regal homes whisper the tale of Beaufort’s past, when it was known as the “Newport of the South,” a hub of aristocratic allure and Southern charm. Strolling through Beaufort is like walking through time, where every street, every porch, holds a story, capturing the timeless spirit and rich history of the South.

Day 11: Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head is a premier resort destination, renowned for its world-class golf courses that stretch across the island and its miles of unspoiled beaches along the Atlantic. A boat tour through The Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers a close-up view of the island’s natural beauty, showcasing a rich variety of native plants and wildlife. You may even spot a mighty American Alligator basking in the sun along the banks. Hilton Head enchants not only with its luxurious resorts and leisure activities but also with its vibrant ecosystems, offering the ideal mix of relaxation and natural wonder.

Day 12: Savannah, GA

Savannah captivates with its majestic live oaks, cobblestone streets, and stately architecture, all set against the backdrop of a thriving seaport. The city is renowned for its historic districts, like the Victorian District, where the intricate details of 19th-century homes speak of bygone elegance. Dive into the city’s rich history with a guided tour that brings significant sites and stories to life, or venture on a Ghost Walk after dark to uncover Savannah’s eerie legends.

Savannah’s shopping scene is equally impressive, with boutiques in the Historic District offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage antiques. Every corner of this city feels like a living museum, where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the energy of the present beneath the wide Southern sky.

Day 13: St. Simons Island, GA

St. Simons Island offers a window into its rich history, with well-preserved 18th-century battlefields where pivotal events shaped the region’s legacy. The island is also home to grand estates that showcase the architectural styles and social structures of early American life. As a haven for diverse wildlife, it is dotted with ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, providing cool shade along scenic walking paths.

The iconic St. Simons Lighthouse stands tall as a beacon of maritime history, with an expansive museum that delves into the detailed past of the Georgia Coast. Each landmark on the island not only tells the story of its past but also offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural heritage that makes this picturesque destination so unique.

Day 14: Jekyll Island, GA

Step back in time to explore the history of Jekyll Island, once the exclusive retreat of America’s industrial titans like J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt. At the close of the 19th century, these influential figures transformed the island into a secluded hunting getaway, renowned for its privacy and luxury. This sanctuary became a winter haven where the country’s elite could indulge in the finest comforts away from the public eye.

Today, Jekyll Island is a treasured part of Georgia’s Sea Isles, home to the famous “Millionaire’s Village,” a sprawling 240-acre enclave filled with grand estates and winter cottages. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, it offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of its former residents. Visitors are invited to explore its historic trails, wander through stately homes, and uncover the stories of excess and elegance that still echo through the island’s grounds.

Day 15: Fernandina Beach, FL

Discover the untouched beauty of Amelia Island, where miles of quartz-sand beaches and gently rolling dunes create a stunning coastal landscape. Fernandina Beach, the island’s only city, is a treasure trove for history buffs and collectors, offering a variety of antique shops brimming with unique finds. Take a guided walking tour through the Historic District on Centre Street, where lovingly restored Victorian homes and charming 19th-century shops line the cobblestone streets.

Savor the island’s peaceful allure as you wander down tree-lined avenues, each marked with historic plaques and shaded by ancient oaks. These tranquil paths offer a glimpse into Amelia Island’s rich past, blending history and serenity in a picturesque setting.

Day 16: Amelia Island, FL

Soak up the warm northern Florida sunshine as you step onto the shores of Amelia Island. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and lasting memories you’ve created throughout your journey. To make your departure effortless, American Cruise Lines offers complimentary transportation to Jacksonville Airport, ensuring a smooth and convenient trip home. As you say goodbye to this adventure, we look forward to welcoming you on your next one.