There’s a lot to be said for ocean cruising. Some mega-ships resemble floating amusement parks. Facilities range from roller coaster-type rides and carousels to bumper cars and basketball courts.There’s also another kind of voyage which, as I learned recently, has its own attractions, activities and advantages: river cruises.
I sailed aboard the American Eagle, an American Cruise Lines ship which went from Amelia Island, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina. It followed the Intracoastal Waterway, the 3,000-mile-long stretch of river, canals and bays that runs from Massachusetts to Florida paralleling the Atlantic Ocean coastline. The vessel docked each day at some of the South’s most charming cities and towns, and the selection of outings at each port appealed to many interests. It didn’t take long to recognize similarities to ocean cruising, along with some differences. For starters the staterooms on my ship were very spacious, shore excursions were intriguing, and meals and entertainment equaled those on the most upscale vessels plying the open seas.
Then there were the differences, which add appeal to sailing along rivers and lakes, and following the country’s coastlines. The 90-to-180 passenger limit on American Cruise Lines’ boats provides an intimate setting. Rather than the sea stretching to the horizon, I enjoyed seeing towns in the distance; watching dolphins that followed in our ship’s wake; having close-up views of gulls, pelicans, and other birds, and spotting pleasure craft carrying passengers whose friendly waves I returned.
The cities and towns where the ship docked each day are among the South’s most charming, and the selection of outings at each port appealed to many interests. The love affair of Hollywood with Beaufort (pronounced Byoo-fert), South Carolina began in 1914, when scenes for a film were shot there. The small-town atmosphere, streets lined by graceful antebellum homes and canopies of Spanish moss-festooed oak trees continue to be a photographer’s dream. Savannah, Georgia is home to the Prohibition Museum, the only one of its kind in the nation. Exhibits, dioramas and other displays bring the “Roaring Twenties” to life in a colorful an immersive way.
Charleston’s low-rise setting, cobblestone streets and romantic appeal recall its founding in 1670. Given that history, I wasn’t surprised when a guide referred to a church which was build in 1855 as “new.”
Enjoying the historic atmosphere of these quintessential southern enclaves set the stage for selecting from a long list of other tours available to passengers aboard the American Cruise Line ship. In Charleston they included a visit to the magnificent Magnolia Gardens and Plantation, which was founded in 1676, and Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. In addition to the Prohibition Museum, Savannah offers walking, trolley and horse-drawn carriage tours. Those who go ashore at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina could check out an alligator and wildlife preserve or take a dolphin-watching cruise. Brunswick, Georgia can mean visiting a rice plantation which operated from 1800 until 1915, or sailing on a shrimping boat to see a variety of denizens of the deep netted and, if desired, handled before being returned to the sea. And the list went on.
As far-reaching as was this variety of things to see and do on land, it was equaled by almost around-the-clock activities offered aboard the ship. On-board experts and guest lecturers described the next day’s shore excursions and delved into topics like Music of the Civil War, the Civil War at Sea and Early American Religion. Fun and games activities included bingo, trivia and arts and crafts. A Veterans Appreciation Ceremony honored passengers who served in the military, and those journeying on their own had a Solo Travelers Meetup. Evening entertainment was equally varied, highlighting musicians, singers, a talented ventriloquist and an equally gifted Gullah woman. She described and portrayed the culture, music and food of that African-American ethnic group whose members live predominantly in the Southeastern states.
Speaking of food, it added greatly to the enjoyment of the trip. Virtually around-the-clock opportunities for a snack or seated meal proved challenging for weight-watchers. Warm fresh-baked cookies were put out twice a day, snacks and beverages were available in the Sky Lounge, and a casual snack bar offered light breakfasts and lunches. The feast began at 6:30 am with an Early Riser’s Breakfast, included pre-dinner cocktail hour with more-than-ample hors d’ouevres and peaked in the white tablecloth dining room. The dinner menus reflected the culture and tastes of the region through which the ship was sailing. Main course selections included local favorites like crab cakes, barbeque pork chops, and shrimp and grits.
The American Eagle, like all American Cruise Lines’ small ships, was specifically designed to navigate this country’s waterways and coastlines. They’re known for offering spacious staterooms, many of which like have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to an outside private balcony.
American Cruise Lines lists a choice of more than 50 itineraries that visit 35 states and last from six to 61 days. Even with its no-tipping policy, every crew member was pleasant and helpful, and left little for passengers to do except to relax and enjoy the experience. The company’s ships skip over-touristy ports in favor of small, often overlooked on-shore treasures. Among items on the list of what it does not offer are inside staterooms, overpriced shore tours and pre-paid beverage packages (compared with its open-bar
policy).
Explore river cruises, from the US to Indochina on Travelstride.
Photos:
ACL cuisine: poached seafood salads: Winter Caplanson
Visitors walking in Magnolia Plantation & Gardens: Margaret619/Dreamstime.com
Prohibition Museum: Victor Block
American Eagle, American Eagle at Dock, American Eagle sun deck: American Cruise Lines
