Best Cruise Ships & Vacations in the US

Table Of Content

• Special Offers
• American Jazz is the Perfect Ship for the Route
• New England Fall Foliage Cruise
• ACL American Liberty
• Airfare
• Grand Ohio River Cruise

Princess Cruises offers a number of itineraries that call on the ports of the scenic Pacific coast. Some international cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Cunard also have ships that homeport in the U.S. It's hard to beat the romance and adventure of traveling on the best ocean or river cruise vacations.

Special Offers

Entrees were accompanied by fruits and vegetables that felt like they were fresh from the fields the ship was passing through. Explore the Yankee Seaport this summer and visit Plymouth, MA, a picturesque coastal town and the site of the first Pilgrim settlement. Immerse yourself in the fascinating maritime history of New London, Mystic, and Essex, CT. For a limited time receive Free Airfare & Savings up to $2,000 on select sailings. 8-day / 7-night "Yankee Seaports Cruise" (visiting 8 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports NYC and Boston. Call ports include Long Island (Sag Harbor/day 2, Port Jefferson/day 3), New London Connecticut (Mystic Seaport/days 4-5 overnight), Newport Rhode Island (day 6), Plymouth Massachusetts (day 7).

American Jazz is the Perfect Ship for the Route

Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages - Star Tribune

Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages.

Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Musicians, historians, and naturalists join every cruise, creating an entertaining onboard experience. Our cruises in this region focus heavily on southern history and culture, where even the most self-proclaimed history buffs will learn something new. You will experience an authentic crab fest in Baltimore and delicious oysters in Charleston, but you will also taste exquisite cuisine onboard our ships. Our team of award-winning chefs locally sources ingredients with food that brings every region to life.

New England Fall Foliage Cruise

Upon the return of the guests on tours and the final shuttle, the ship spent the late afternoon and early evening cruising San Francisco Bay, including crossing under both the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. With bright clear skies, the captain managed a complete close-up circle of Alcatraz, which he told us is not always possible. The 7-night/8-day "San Francisco Bay Cruise" itinerary (roundtrip from San Francisco) visits four other Californian ports (Stockton, Sacramento, Napa, Vallejo) and ends with an overnight in San Francisco. A pre-cruise hotel package (inclusive of San Francisco Four Season Hotel overnight stay) is optional. The islands and harbors of New England and Maine are among the most desired summer vacation retreats.

ACL American Liberty

The third leg is from Maine to New York/up the Hudson River (ship American Independence). In May 2023 ACL announced the introduction of the 34-night/35-day "Civil War Battlefields Cruise" visiting all major battlefields from the American Civil War ( ) in 13 states. The classic 10-night "Grand Puget Sound Cruise" itinerary visits Washington's San Juan Archipelago. In 2024 (spring and fall) ACL introduced voyages leaving roundtrip from Washington DC, with the ship (American Constitution) mooring/docking at The Wharf (along the city's southeastern waterfront). Due to the COVID pandemic, ACL suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all vessels) canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through May 2021. IN January 2020, ACL signed a 5-year preferential berthing agreement with Port NOLA (New Orleans) for Thalia Street Wharf/riverboat dock.

Airfare

8-day / 7-night "Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise" (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip departing from NYC/New York City NY. All call ports are in the New York state and include Catskill, Albany, Kingston/Hyde Park, West Point, Sleepy Hollow, and NYC (overnight stay before debarkation). 8-day / 7-night "Maine Coast and Harbors Cruise" (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip from Portland ME. Call ports include Bar Harbor ME, Belfast ME, Camden ME, Rockland ME, Boothbay Harbor ME, Bath ME. Themed as "American Revolution Cruise", they traverse the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River, and the York River, with Washington DC serving as homeport. The 10-night/11-day "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary visits Annapolis MD, St Michaels MD, Cambridge MD, Norfolk VA (overnight), Williamsburg/Yorktown VA, Mount Vernon VA, and ends with an overnight in Washington DC.

Coastal Ships U.S. East & West Coasts

The cruisetour's signature experiences also include NASCAR-style driving (at Stockton 99 Speedway) and visiting a Napa Valley Winery (wine-tasting excursion). A guided Old Sacramento tour visits the underground city, the port, and the California State Railroad Museum. In late March 2023, ACL announced the 60-day B2B/back-to-back "The Great United States Cruise". The unique itinerary combines 4 rivers and coast-to-coast travel on 3 ships, ranking it ACL's longest-ever domestic itinerary. 15-day / 14-night "East Coast Inland Passage Cruise" (visiting 15 ports) is a one-way itinerary operated between homeports Baltimore and Jacksonville FL/Amelia Island. 8-day / 7-night "New England Islands Cruise" (visiting 8 ports) is a roundtrip departing from Providence RI.

Cruises sailing from or stopping in Florida or Southern California are available year-round, but regions like Alaska, New England and the Pacific Northwest are primarily summer and early-fall destinations. With more than a dozen vessels and a variety of themed voyages, there’s many ways to discover more of America with American Cruise Lines. ACL’s boutique coastal ships and river boats, with an all-American crew and sporting a simple sophistication, visit half of the 50 states on over 35 itineraries ranging from five to 22 days. In 2023 (March-December) ACL had its ever-biggest Mississippi program with five ships (Melody, Heritage, Serenade, Splendor, Symphony) and 12 itineraries running between homeports St Paul MN and New Orleans LA.

Grand Ohio River Cruise

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. The 12-day "American Revolution Cruise" itinerary visits some of the most historically significant port cities along the Chesapeake Bay. The 10-night / 11-day "Grand Historic South" itinerary is roundtrip from Charleston SC to destinations along southeast USA's Intracoastal Waterway. Call ports include Yorktown-Williamsburg VA, Crisfield MD (Tangier VA), Cambridge MD (Oxford MD), St Michaels MD, Annapolis MD. ACL's Coastal Cats/catamarans are currently planned for launch/inauguration two units per year - in 2023 (Eagle, Glory), 2024 (Liberty, Legend), 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028. In January 2023 ACL announced the fleetwide introduction of high-speed (Starlink-provided) satellite internet and Wi-Fi services.

The ship measures 241feet and carries 109 passengers at full occupancy with 50 crew. In 2024 it will offer the seven-night Cape Codder itinerary, round-trip from Boston. Following the maiden cruise, American Glory will spend the rest of the season sailing on the seven-night Historic South & Golden Isles itinerary between Charleston and Jacksonville and the 14-night East Coast Inland Passage cruise from Baltimore. A stand out facility is the adventure and swim deck, equipped with kayaks and a tender to offer a different perspective of the waterways being visited. An error occurred while retrieving the deckplan for the ship you have selected. In addition to the Complimentary Featured Tours and Excursions offered on every cruise, we also offer a number of Signature Tours for an additional cost.

As you cruise the legendary Mississippi River, our dedicated crew will treat you with gracious hospitality and the utmost care. Enjoy the intimacy and comfort of small-ship cruising, where our crew will quickly learn your name and preferences as you travel with us. Our onboard experts don’t just lecture, they spend time with guests aboard and on shore, giving real insight and depth to each destination visited.

The next YouTube video is the company's official release about the signature "Mississippi River Paddlewheeler" cruising experience. From New Orleans, LA to St. Paul, MN, enjoy well-customized excursions, led by engaging local guides who live and work in these great port cities of America’s Heartland. Get a backstage pass to Elvis’ Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis. Explore the boyhood town of Mark Twain in Hannibal and be treated to a live show at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville. You are now signed up to receive communications and exclusive offers from American Cruise Lines. Lowest pricing is based on our 3rd party pricing supplier and valid as of April 23rd, 2024.

In 2023, American Cruise Lines launched 2 new boats in another new series of small coastal cruise ships, American Eagle and American Glory. In 2024, American Cruise Lines will launch the 3rd and 4th ships in the series, Coastal Cats, American Liberty and American Legend. American Cruise Lines has announced more riverboats and small ships, already under construction, set to launch in 2025. The itinerary includes ample time for river watching between the ports of Sacramento, Stockton, and Napa (where the ship has two full days). A day anchored in Vallejo provided time for a San Francisco shuttle, a city tour and an excursion to Alcatraz.

ACL-American Cruise Lines itinerary program includes the USA's Eastern and Western coasts. ACL also offers Alaskan cruises during summer as well as the USA's river cruise regions Mississippi-Ohio (northbound and southbound itineraries) and Columbia-Snake (eastbound and westbound itineraries). Any ACL guest booking river cruises on Mississippi or Columbia rivers gets absolutely free shore excursions.

Our fleet of American riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of-the-art navigation, and safety equipment. American Jazz is slated to operate on the Columbia and Snake rivers for the summer, then return to the Napa Valley itinerary through the fall and winter, including holiday week cruises. We spoke to the hotel manager onboard about the excitement generated by the new itinerary. He said there have even been requests from port cities to light up the ship during the holidays.

Book now and get the best deals on your next American Cruise Line cruise vacation. The voyage includes passing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island. A guided San Francisco city tour visits Ghirardelli Square and Fisherman's Wharf.

This 11-night Cruise Is the Only in the World to Dock in Washington, D C.

Table Of Content

• An All-American Experience
• Upper Mississippi
• Portland, ME
• Must-See Sights on the Mississippi River
• Cruise Cancellation Protection Plan
• ACL-American Cruise Lines agrees to enhance fleet accessibility

We felt the cruise line adapted quite well, by using the motor coaches that travel with the ship to transport guests from San Francisco hotels to the ship waiting in Sacramento on embarkation day. On departure day, guests with flights from San Francisco or post-cruise hotel packages were also taken by coach. We were lucky enough to visit with president and CEO, Charles Robertson, who was onboard the ship for part of the cruise. He is very proud that the new route is bringing cruising to the region and hopes to continue working through the difficulties of starting up a cruise itinerary where none has existed before. He puts a great deal of faith in the team on the boat to make things work, saying that he's known the current captain (Captain Andrew Howes) his entire life, noting that Howes has been with the family-owned company longer than any other captain.

An All-American Experience

Fares were inclusive of a pre-cruise hotel stay in New Orleans, daily excursions, onboard entertainment/meals/beverages/WiFi/tips/gratuities, all land transportation and hotels between the segments, all port charges. With rebooking was offered 125% FCC (Future Cruise Credit based on the fares paid for the canceled sailings) valid before December 31, 2021. In November 2016 ACL announced the start of the construction on a 3rd (larger / new-class "Modern Riverboat") vessel with capacity 195 passengers. In mid-February, 2020, ACL signed with Vicksburg MS a 20-year deal for preferential berthing rights and ACL investments for upgrading the riverfront docking facility. By the deal, ACL pays the city per-passenger fees and receives priority mooring along the waterfront.

Upper Mississippi

With our Air Travel Service, American Cruise Lines can make your next cruise even easier. Purchase round-trip air travel directly from American for the most convenient travel experience possible. By booking a cruise with American Cruise Lines, Inc., you agree to the “Terms & Conditions of Passage” which outlines our guests’ rights and obligations relating to all cruises. Details of these terms and conditions can be found at /terms or mailed to you upon request.

American Queen cruise line going out of business - Winona Post

American Queen cruise line going out of business.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Portland, ME

Enjoy one of our themed cruises along the River, perfect for afternoon aficionados, culinary connoisseurs and history enthusiasts. Our annual cruise guide provides an in-depth look at the amazing U.S. ports and destinations we visit, our modern fleet of riverboats, excursions and adventures on shore, our onboard amenities and personalized services, and more. It's the homeport for almost all cruise ships that sail in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Canada, as well as the Panama Canal.

He and the captain both talked a bit about the strength of the company's training programs that allow them to promote heavily from within. He said the percentage of newbies isn't always that low, but repeaters are a big part of the business model. Next cruise bookings onboard were encouraged daily, but it was a relatively soft sell approach.

Tennessee Rivers Cruise

Enjoy our complimentary offerings, including breakfast room service, select onshore excursions, all meals, evening cocktails, and more. The cuisine onboard this cruise was nicely paired with the region, and included options of seafood, meat or poultry most nights, with lighter options for lunch. Lobster tails were offered (individually and as a combination with the steak on the menu) on the final night of the cruise.

Experience two of America’s greatest rivers on this enchanting cruise through the Heartland. As you cruise the Ohio River in the comfort of our new riverboat, immerse yourself in our American roots from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. Cruising the legendary Mississippi River, surround yourself with the landscapes and idyllic towns that inspired Mark Twain. On this epic journey, travel along the picturesque waterways of New England that tell the story of American history, from the Mayflower’s landing to the Boston Tea Party. A centuries-old shipbuilding tradition lives on here in shipyards along the shoreline and schooners that adorn the harbors. Along with the most spacious staterooms in the industry, you will experience breathtaking views and unobstructed scenery on your private balcony.

The season featured a new boat (American Serenade) and the new 8-day itinerary "The Tennessee Rivers Cruise" between Chattanooga TN and Nashville TN. ACL's entire Mississippi 2023 program included voyages with a complimentary pre-voyage 1-night hotel. Since January 2022, all ACL deals with added domestic flights (between airports in the USA, which includes all the company's 19 ports in 16 US states) are with flat-rate priced airfares (fixed/not subject to future changes). Our guests enjoy their onboard and onshore experiences while cruising the most fascinating parts of the country and we take care of the rest.

From Colonial pioneers to entrepreneurs, much of America’s story has been forged – or fought – along their length. The Mississippi River is navigable from New Orleans, Louisiana to the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and forms a maritime corridor through the U.S. heartland. European explorers found sanctuary in the bountiful lands of the Southeast centuries ago. Now, these tranquil waterways allow American Cruise Lines to provide guests with an exploration of history and natural beauty.

Carrying just 180 passengers, American Jazz is a sleek six decks high -- five passenger decks, plus an open sun deck on six). It has a V-shaped bow that opens to reveal a forward gangway that can be used for beaching the boat, plus a swiveling Z-drive propulsion system tucked beneath its relatively flat-bottom hull. All of that works together to make it easy for the ship to maneuver through tight turns and at a variety of depths, while providing a smooth ride for passengers. Taste the best regional cuisine while listening to the area's finest entertainment. Feel the warm camaraderie of the crew and fellow guests as you relax in personalized comfort. Next up are visits to Virginia's “Historic Triangle,” including Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown.

The interior has a bright and open feel, with a central atrium-style lobby area traversing the five passenger decks. Staterooms all have private balconies, and are spacious by most cruise ship standards. Rooms have more of a hotel feel than a cruise ship feel because furnishings aren't built in, plus electrical outlets are standard 110-volt U.S. household wall plugs scattered generously around the room.

In New England, we recommend soaking up the fall foliage or summertime ocean views while enjoying your morning cup of coffee or evening cocktail. The best time of year to cruise to New England depends on whether you prefer warmer weather or more colorful landscapes. Perhaps one of the most popular times for cruising New England is in September and October, when the fiery hues of fall foliage are in full display. For cruises between late June and early September, temperatures are generally in the 70s and 80s, varying slightly depending on where you are along the coast. In the summer, you can pack lighter clothing but don’t forget at least one pair of long pants and a jacket or sweater to be prepared for cooler weather.