American Cruise Lines specializes in a unique style of small ship cruising along the inland waterways and rivers of the United States.
There’s more to the Sunshine State than theme parks, beaches and blue-water cruising. If you love cruising, and desire close-to-home voyages that don’t require the purchase of international air tickets, you might want to take a look at a relaxing cruise along Florida’s St. Johns River, Tolomato River and Intracoastal Waterway.
American Cruise Line operates a "Great Rivers of Florida" itinerary along these waterways in northeastern Florida.
The cruise is so popular the line plans 12 departures this year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas cruises. Guests sail on the 49-passenger American Glory, a small ship built in 2002. The vessel has 31 staterooms and offers a unique, modern style of cruising.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Guests embark American Glory at Amelia Island, FL (www.ameliaisland.com). The closest airport is Jacksonville International Airport. Once guests are onboard, the ship sails for Palatka along the slow moving waters of the St. Johns River, one of 14 designated American Heritage Rivers in the U.S. and only one of three that flows north.
What to stress to eco-enthusiasts? The area is a hot spot for birdwatching as it's home to more than 200 species of birds including bald eagles, wood storks and swallowtail kites.
Day 2: While today Palatka certainly isn’t a household name throughout the U.S., it was in the late 1800s when timber and citrus created a boomtown. In fact, Palatka rivaled Jacksonville as the St. Johns River’s major port. So, many wealthy northerners built grand homes or plantation mansions in the area. On a port call on Day 2, cruisers might take a Palatka city-mural tour to view the city’s artistic murals and visit the Bronson Mulholland House, a historic Greek revival plantation home. Another shore trip option is a visit to Blue Springs State Park.
Day 3: American Glory continues cruising the St. Johns to the freshwater Lake George, bordered on its west bank by Ocala National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/ocala), the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. The lake itself is home to migratory birds, alligators, blue crabs, the Atlantic stingray and striped bass.
Day 4: Warm mineral springs and historic architecture are the draw during the vessel's port call at Green Cove Springs, FL. During the 1800s, steamboats brought such VIPs as President Abraham Lincoln, circus magnate P.T. Barnum and President Grover Cleveland south to Green Cove Springs in search of a warm winter retreat and springs with reputed medicinal qualities. Cruisers might take a carriage tour to view historic homes, the courthouse and a restored theater.
Day 5: American Glory cruises the Tolomato River for the day. Cruisers will view the Atlantic Ocean, which is visible over the Intracoastal’s barrier islands. A naturalist will provide commentary as the ship passes eco-sights and small villages.
Day 6: Cruisers might take a cruise-line shore excursion (a tram ride) through the Old City of St. Augustine (www.oldcity.com), established in 1565 by the Spanish. Scenic views include the massive Castillo de San Marcos Spanish fortress, architecture created by railroad baron Henry Flagler, and narrow streets that were once the center of Spanish rule in the southeastern U.S.
Day 7: Last port call is at Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, FL; the quaint Historic District comprises 50 blocks of Victorian homes, antique shops and historic sites. Guests may choose a shore trip that’s a walking tour of the sites, or, alternatively, explore the island’s backwaters and Eagan Creek on a narrated river boat cruise.
Day 8: Disembarkation on Amelia Island. Amelia Island offers Amelia Island Plantation, Villas and a number of nice hotels and bed and breakfast options.
www.americancruiselines.com
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