East Coast Inland Passage Cruise

Pre-Cruise: Four Seasons Package - Baltimore, MD

For cruises departing from Baltimore, enhance your journey with our optional Pre-Cruise Package for a smooth and enriching start. Begin your departure day with a delightful breakfast, followed by an engaging Baltimore City Exploration that concludes right at your ship’s dock.

Enjoy a narrated coach tour showcasing Baltimore’s scenic and historic highlights. Admire the bustling Inner Harbor, stroll through Fells Point—the city’s oldest neighborhood—and take in the charm of Little Italy. Pass by Lexington Market, the world’s longest continuously operating market, and view iconic landmarks such as the USS Constellation, the Hippodrome Theatre (originally a vaudeville venue from 1914), and the grave of Edgar Allan Poe.

Stretch your legs at Fort McHenry, where the fort’s valiant defense in 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the U.S. national anthem. Then, explore the Maryland Center for History & Culture, home to a remarkable collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks that chronicle the state’s rich history from colonial times to the present.

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

Day 1: Baltimore, MD

Baltimore is a vibrant city steeped in colonial history and maritime charm. Step aboard historic ships and wander the cobblestone streets of the Inner Harbor, where the past meets the present. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Baltimore Basilica, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the National Aquarium, home to a dazzling array of marine life. As you explore, be sure to savor Baltimore’s famous crab cakes or indulge in the diverse flavors of its bustling markets. With a perfect blend of history, culture, and cuisine, Baltimore invites you to discover its rich heritage at every turn.

Day 2: St. Michaels, MD

Stroll along the scenic waterfront of St. Michaels or browse the charming boutiques and gift shops along tree-lined Talbot Street. Known as the “Heart of the Chesapeake,” this picturesque town boasts a rich history as a thriving shipbuilding and seafood hub. At the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum—once a bustling shipbuilding village—step back into the 1800s and experience daily life through restored ships, historic buildings, and interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, a treasured landmark offering fascinating educational displays and breathtaking views that deepen your appreciation of this maritime gem.

Day 3: Norfolk, VA

Nauticus stands as a tribute to naval history, featuring the mighty Battleship Wisconsin, a powerful symbol of American maritime strength. Stroll through the historic Freemason District, where cobblestone streets and well-preserved homes offer a glimpse into the nation’s early days. The Chrysler Museum of Art, a cultural gem of Norfolk, captivates visitors with its renowned glass collection, showcasing the artistry that has shaped the city’s creative spirit. As night falls, the waterfront buzzes with energy, reflecting Norfolk’s rich heritage and its lasting influence on American history.

Day 4: Kitty Hawk, NC

Kitty Hawk, NC, echoes with the spirit of innovation, where the steady coastal winds once carried the dreams of flight pioneers. It was here that the Wright Brothers turned ambition into reality, securing this town’s place in aviation history. As you walk along the windswept sands and towering dunes, you can almost feel the energy of that first groundbreaking flight. The Wright Brothers National Memorial stands as a tribute to their achievement, inviting visitors to relive the excitement of those historic moments. As dusk falls, the sky over Kitty Hawk glows with golden and amber hues, a breathtaking tribute to the pioneers who forever changed the way we travel the skies.

Day 5: Beaufort, NC/Morehead City, NC

Beaufort and Morehead City, NC, each add their own charm to the dynamic landscape of the Crystal Coast. In Beaufort, maritime history comes alive along weathered docks and colonial-era homes, where tales of pirates and seafaring traders still linger. The North Carolina Maritime Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this past, featuring artifacts from Blackbeard’s infamous flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, and exhibits on the daily lives of colonial mariners.

Just across the water, Morehead City pulses with energy as a bustling marina town. Fishing boats unload the day’s fresh catch, and seafood markets brim with local flavors. The town is especially renowned for the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, drawing anglers from around the world. As the sun dips below the horizon, both towns illuminate their waterfronts, creating the perfect backdrop for a seafood dinner by the water or a leisurely evening stroll along the docks.

Day 6: Wilmington, NC

This vibrant port city effortlessly blends historic charm with modern energy along the Cape Fear River. Its historic district boasts beautifully preserved homes and brick-lined streets, each echoing the stories of a distinguished past. At the heart of it all, the lively Riverwalk invites visitors to stroll along its scenic path, lined with charming shops, cafés, and stunning waterfront views.

Wilmington’s rich cultural scene thrives with performances at Thalian Hall, one of the nation’s oldest continually operating theaters. Just beyond the cityscape, the mighty Battleship North Carolina stands as a tribute to WWII history, offering an immersive glimpse into the past. Whether you seek relaxation or exploration, Wilmington offers the perfect blend of leisure, history, and culture.

Day 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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.