Chesapeake Bay Cruise

Before your cruise, treat yourself to a 1-night stay at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. Enjoy breakfast and a special visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s Entertainment Nation exhibit, an extraordinary collection of theater, music, sports, movie, and television artifacts and interactive experiences that tell the story of our country’s entertainment history.

View the famous Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard Oz, an exhibit exclusively sponsored by American Cruise Lines. You will then be transferred to ship, where your luggage will be waiting for you in your stateroom.

Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Enjoy a walking and trolley exploration of Historic Yorktown. Led by our knowledgeable guide, visit the Yorktown Victory Monument. Walk down Main Street and learn about the history and significance of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War. Continue to the Gallery at York Hall where local artisans display their work, before boarding the Trolley for the return to the ship.  

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore the Jamestown Settlement and discover the story of the people who founded this historic town. Learn about the Native Americans of Virginia they encountered, through film, gallery exhibits, and living history. Visitors can board replicas of the three ships that sailed from England to Virginia in 1607 and explore life-size re-creations of the Colonists’ fort as well as a Powhatan village. In the outdoor areas, costumed historical interpreters describe and demonstrate daily life in the early 17th century.

Activity Level: Medium | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown tells the story of the nation’s founding, from the twilight of the colonial period to the dawn of the Constitution and beyond. Exciting indoor galleries feature period artifacts, immersive environments and films, including “The Siege of Yorktown,” with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

In the evening, board the Yorktown & Co. Steamer Wagon for a guided ride through the historic village.  Listen to stories about recurring ghostly experiences happening in nearby buildings that date back to before the Revolutionary War. Hear past and present tales of paranormal activity, unmarked graves, and places locals will not go at night. Walk through one of the most haunted buildings in Yorktown, the Cole Digges House c.1726. Now home to Mobjack Coffee and Petite Café, here you will participate in a candlelight champagne toast to the ghosts of Yorktown. End your excursion at the Yorktown Monument and enjoy a scenic view of Chesapeake Bay. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial 
 

Board a Yorktown & Co. open air historic steamer wagon at the Somerwell House c 1692, now Little York Confectionery.  Delight in a narrated exploration by a National Park Certified Guide. Witness the site of the last major battle of the American Revolution. Walk to a viewing station at Surrender Field, where you can see original cannons from the Revolution displayed to commemorate America’s victory. Ride alongside the vast fields where the make-shift hospitals cared for the wounded, soldiers camped, and cannons and ammunitions were stored. Cross the stream to the location of George Washington’s camp headquarters, bow your head at site of the French Cemetery, or simply ride along and feel the weight of these hallowed grounds as you follow the timeline of battle and victory at Yorktown. Stop at the National Park Service Visitor Center Museum where you will see one of George Washington’s campaign tents, exhibits depicting the 1781 siege of Yorktown, Revolutionary War artifacts, and the campaign table used by General Cornwallis. After enjoy exploring Main Street, Little York Confectionery, Historic Mobjack Petite Café, as well as local Art Galleries and shops. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial 
 

Travel along the Colonial Parkway, which connects Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, to witness beautiful views of the York River and the Virginia countryside without the obstruction of commercial traffic or signage. Upon arrival in Colonial Williamsburg, enjoy a guided walking excursion through this 18th-century city followed by free time to explore at your leisure.

Activity Level: Medium | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial 

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Since the 1880s, skipjacks have sailed the Chesapeake Bay. While there were once as many as 800 or more of these beautiful vessels, today fewer than two dozen of the original dredge boats remain. The Nathan was built by volunteers to preserve wooden boat building technology and the nautical heritage of the region and offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the vanishing skipjack heritage. Cruise on the scenic Choptank River, help raise her sails, or take a turn at the helm, and hear stories of the working watermen.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Enjoy an adventure exploring the landscape surrounding the childhood home of Underground Railroad Conductor Harriet Tubman. Led by a certified National Park Service guide, view the setting of her escapes north. Visit Stewart’s Canal, the waterway dug by Harriet and her father, Ben Ross. View Harriet Tubman State Park and explore the Bucktown General Store, the site of her first known act of defiance.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Explore Dorchester County’s Little Blackwater River, a premier wildlife waterway, led by a local naturalist. As you paddle along this serene national refuge, view a bald eagle’s nest while searching for its inhabitants. Watch Great Blue Herons fishing on the banks and search for the endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel, and so much more. Be sure to bring your camera for great photo opportunities.

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along flat surfaced roadways into Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Led by a local guide, learn about local history and culture as you search for Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, many species of waterfowl, as well as deer and turkey.

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Board your motorcoach and explore the scenic beauty of Blackwater Wildlife National Refuge, a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.  Travel through a variety of habitats, including marshes, forests, and wetlands. Blackwater is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 250 species calling the refuge home. Keep a look out for majestic bald eagles, graceful herons, and vibrant waterfowl and listen for unique bird calls.

Along the way, stop at a variety of observation points for panoramic views of the refuge's expansive wetlands.  Encounter a diversity of wildlife with the chance to spot river otters, deer, and perhaps even Delmarva fox squirrel. A highlight of the excursion is the scenic drive along Wildlife Drive, a designated route that winds through the heart of the refuge offering an up-close look at tidal marshes and reservoirs.

Activity Level: Low | ADA accessible: Yes
 

Visit RAR Brewing, an artisanal brewery founded in 2013 and housed in an 80-year-old former pool hall and bowling alley. Explore the inner workings of this esteemed brewer as your knowledgeable guide leads you through the brewing process, sharing insights into the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each unique brew. Enjoy a tasting, where you can sample a curated selection of RAR Brewing's finest creations, from crisp and refreshing IPAs to robust and flavorful sours. As a memento of your visit, receive a specially curated six-pack of RAR Brewing's signature beers to take home.  

 Activity Level: Low | ADA accessible: Yes

Enjoy a guided walking exploration of historic St. Michaels, a charming waterfront town, named as one of the Top 10 Best Small Coastal Towns in America by USA Today. Explore the picturesque harbor front on Maryland's Eastern Shore, lined with bustling marinas and ornamented with boats of all shapes and sizes.

Stroll through St. Michaels' famed Historic District, as we rediscover 350 years of shipbuilding, classic historic homes, and the famous battle of St. Michaels from the War of 1812. Our exploration concludes along the community's quaint Talbot Street shopping district, lined with one-of-a-kind boutique shops, fabulous eateries, and towering church steeples.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This 18-acre waterfront museum, which is dedicated to furthering the understanding of the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay area, features 10 exhibit buildings, a historic lighthouse, and a working boatyard. Docking right in the heart of the museum, American Cruise Lines’ guests can enjoy a private exploration of this fascinating museum.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

The Classic Motor Museum is dedicated to appreciating and preserving America’s heritage of automotive innovation. Explore the museum to learn the history of motoring, from its earliest days to the current state of transportation. View everything from a Ford model T to today's Porsche 911 Turbo.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

A Colonial-attired guide will lead you through Annapolis' historic district and into the Maryland State House. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington, where in 1783, inside the State House, he resigned as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Continuing through the downtown area, pass many 18th-century mansions and learn about the significance of their beautiful architecture. Throughout your exploration, your guide will share Annapolis history with you, including stories of the famous statesmen that built these magnificent structures.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Step aboard the classic Harbor Queen for a narrated cruise along the Annapolis Harbor and the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy. Hear the history of the Academy, discover Annapolis' role as a historic seaport, and learn about the region's waterways. Along the way, catch of a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Founded in 1845 by Secretary of the Navy, George Bancroft, the Academy was started as the Naval School at Old Fort Severn. Experience “Life on the Yard” as you explore the Academy campus with a professional, certified guide. The excursion highlights life at the U.S. Naval Academy past and present and includes Lejeune Hall, Bancroft Hall, Tecumseh, Herndon Monument, Main Academy Chapel (when open) and the crypt of John Paul Jones, Revolutionary War hero.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Ride through the streets of the Annapolis Historic District as an experienced and knowledgeable colonial-attired guide provides historical anecdotes and narration throughout your journey. Pass Maryland's Governor's Mansion and the Historic State House, the country's oldest state capitol in continuous use. Other sights include Hammond-Harwood House, St. Mary's Church, and Charles Carroll House, as well as St. John's College, originally a young men's school that educated George Washington's grandsons. Enjoy a stop at the Maryland WWII Memorial which overlooks the scenic Severn River and the U.S. Naval Academy for an opportunity to stretch your legs and take photos.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

If you choose to extend your stay, a number of great excursions are available, including the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Civil War Museum, and the city's many art museums.