East Coast Inland Passage Cruise

Pre-Cruise: Four Seasons Package - Baltimore, MD

For cruises setting sail from Baltimore, take advantage of our optional Pre-Cruise Package for a seamless start to your journey. On the morning of your departure, enjoy breakfast followed by our engaging Baltimore City Exploration, which concludes right at your ship’s dock.

Take a narrated coach ride through the many scenic and historic treasures of Baltimore. Along the way, you will view the Inner Harbor, Fells Point – the oldest neighborhood in Baltimore, Little Italy, Lexington Market- the world’s largest continuously running market, the USS Constellation, the Hippodrome which opened as a vaudeville theatre in 1914, the grave of Edgar Allen Poe, and much more.

Stop to stretch your legs and explore the grounds at Fort McHenry, where in 1814 the heroic defense of the fort from attack by the British inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to our U.S. national anthem. Also visit the Maryland Center for History & Culture which boasts a collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks that chronicle Maryland’s past, from its early colonial days to the present.

Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

Day 1: Baltimore, MD

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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Day of Cruising

After so much exploration, take it easy on the East Coast Inland Passage. This iconic waterway serves as a crucial watery roadway for cruisers heading both north and south along the East Coast, as well as an east-west course skirting the edges of the Gulf of Mexico. Experience the gentle sway of the sea and the unfolding beauty along this renowned path, where each mile brings a fresh perspective and a new appreciation for America’s coastal landscapes.

Day 8: Charleston, SC

This city, where history is vividly displayed on every colorful facade and intricate iron gate, winding between cobblestone streets and the gentle sway of palmetto trees. The air, filled with salt of the harbor and the sweet scent of jasmine, guides you through a town marked by its refined allure and historical depth. At the city’s edge, the Battery promenade offers sweeping views of Fort Sumter, a silent guardian at the harbor’s entrance.

In the French Quarter, the spires of St. Philip’s Church stand tall against the skyline, surrounded by art galleries and stately homes that line the aged streets. As you wander beneath grand oaks draped in Spanish moss, Charleston unfolds its soul, a blend of culture, history, and Southern hospitality that invites you to experience its calm beauty and timeless style.

Day 9: Beaufort, SC

Beaufort’s narrative is etched with tales of European explorers, Native American tribes, British settlements, and Civil War skirmishes. Today, horse-drawn carriages meander through the district’s narrow streets, passing homes that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, each displaying the distinctive Beaufort-style architecture—a showcase of historical resilience and elegance. These stately structures bear witness to a rich past, while historic forts and regal homes spread beneath ancient oaks, recounting the days when Beaufort was known as the “Newport of the South,” a beacon of aristocracy and charm. Exploring Beaufort allows you to walk through history, where every corner and shadowed porch offers a story, capturing the enduring spirit and historical significance of the South.

Day 10: Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head stands as a premier resort destination, celebrated for its championship golf courses that sprawl across the landscape and miles of pristine beaches that edge the Atlantic. Embarking on a boat tour through The Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers an intimate glimpse of Hilton Head’s natural splendor, revealing the diversity of indigenous plant and animal life. Here, you might catch sight of the formidable American Alligator sunning itself along the banks. This island not only captivates with its leisure and luxury but also with its fascinating natural ecosystems, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and natural wonder.

Day 11: Savannah, GA

Savannah mesmerizes visitors with its thick canopy of live oaks, cobblestone streets, and regal architectural landmarks, standing proudly as a busy seaport. The city is famed for its historic districts like the Victorian District, where the ornate details of 19th-century homes tell tales of old-world splendor. Listen in on the local lore with a narrated guided excursion that highlights significant sites and stories or brave a Ghost Walk after sunset to explore Savannah’s spookier legends. The shopping scene is one to beat, with boutiques in the Historic District offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage antiques. Each experience in Savannah is a step through a living museum, where the sights and sounds of the past meet the dynamic present under the expansive Southern sky.

Day 12: St. Simons Island, GA

St. Simons Island offers a glimpse into its historical significance, with well-preserved 18th-century battlefields where key events once shaped the region’s future. The island also hosts expansive estates that portray the architectural styles and societal structures of early American life. As a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, the island is dotted with ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, providing cool shade along its numerous walking paths. Notably, the St. Simons Lighthouse, a historical landmark, stands as a guidepost of maritime heritage, housing an extensive museum that chronicles the intricate history of the Georgia Coast. Here, each landmark not only tells a story of the past but also invites a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural tapestry that defines this picturesque island.

Day 13: Jekyll Island, GA

Explore the history of Jekyll Island, where, at the close of the 19th century, titans of American industry such as J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt transformed it into an exclusive hunting retreat celebrated for its exclusive isolation. This private sanctuary served as a winter haven where America’s elite could revel in luxury and privacy. Today, Jekyll Island is a cherished part of Georgia’s Sea Isles and is home to “Millionaire’s Village,” a sprawling 240-acre area filled with opulent homes and winter cottages. This enclave has gained recognition as a National Historic Landmark, offering a window into the extravagant lifestyles of its former inhabitants. Jekyll Island now invites visitors to traverse its historic pathways, explore its grand estates, and uncover the stories of decadence and tradition that hide within its grounds.

Day 14: Fernandina Beach, FL

Unearth the pristine splendor of Amelia Island, where stretches of quartz-sand beaches and softly rolling dunes define the coastal landscape. Fernandina Beach, the sole city on the island, is a haven for history enthusiasts and collectors, filled with unique antique shops and intriguing finds. Take part in a guided walking excursion of Centre Street’s Historic District, where meticulously restored Victorian homes and quaint 19th-century shops line the cobblestone sidewalks. Embrace the island’s tranquil charm as you stroll along its tree-lined avenues, each adorned with historic markers and shaded by ancient oaks, offering a glimpse into Amelia Island’s storied past and calm environment.

Day 15: Amelia Island, FL

Bask in the glorious sunshine of northern Florida as you step onto the shores of Amelia Island. Take a moment to savor the incredible experiences and cherished memories you’ve created on your journey thus far. To ensure your journey home is as seamless as possible, American Cruise Lines provides complimentary transportation to Jacksonville Airport, allowing you to depart with ease and convenience. As you bid farewell to this adventure, we look forward to welcoming you for the next one.