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Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage Cruise
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Charleston, SC to Baltimore, MD
Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC
8 Days / 7 Nights
Cruise Overview
Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage Cruise
On this 8-day voyage, enjoy the tranquil beauty and pristine wilderness found along the Mid-Atlantic Inside Passage. This seldom traveled part of the Intracoastal Waterway offers spectacular examples of the East Coast’s unique ecosystems and some of the best birdwatching in the country, all interwoven between historic towns and cities that have played pivotal roles in our Nation’s development.
Begin your journey in the enchanting city of Charleston, rich in Revolutionary and Civil War history. Led by our engaging expert guides, take a Historic Mansions Tour in Wilmington and visit the site of the Wright Brothers first flight in Kitty Hawk.
Explore the Naval Station in Norfolk, the central hub of the US. Navy’s Atlantic fleet. Stroll along the picturesque waterfront of St. Michaels, as we dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, a former shipbuilding village. End your journey in Baltimore and discover its maritime heritage and beautiful harbor.
Along the way, enjoy the finest cuisine, our award-wining onboard enrichment programs, and the most personalized service available in cruising.
Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage Cruise Itinerary
Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage Cruise Itinerary
Day By Day Itinerary
See reverse itinerary
- Day 1 Charleston, SC
- Day 2 Wilmington, NC
- Day 3 Beaufort, NC / Morehead City, NC
- Day 4 Kitty Hawk, NC
- Day 5 Norfolk, VA
- Day 6 St. Michaels, MD
- Day 7 Baltimore, MD
- Day 8 Baltimore, MD
Day 1 - Charleston, SC
The port city of Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and pastel antebellum houses. The scene of Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, the city is considered by many to be a living museum. Our experience in Charleston focuses on the city’s role in the Civil War, culminating in a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument, the island fortress where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. You will also have time to visit Charleston’s famous Centre Market and stroll along the Battery, a waterfront lined with antebellum homes and gardens.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 1 - Charleston, SC
The port city of Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and pastel antebellum houses. The scene of Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, the city is considered by many to be a living museum. Our experience in Charleston focuses on the city’s role in the Civil War, culminating in a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument, the island fortress where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. You will also have time to visit Charleston’s famous Centre Market and stroll along the Battery, a waterfront lined with antebellum homes and gardens.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 2 - Wilmington, NC
Founded in 1739, Wilmington prospered during its early years as a major port and ship-building center. Today, the city continues to flourish and boasts an outstanding reputation as a leader in preservation efforts. Explore Georgian, Victorian, and antebellum-style homes restored to their original grandeur. Stroll through beautiful gardens and city streets lined with shopping venues and seafood eateries.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 3 - Beaufort, NC / Morehead City, NC
Tour the meticulously restored town of Beaufort, NC, the third oldest town in North Carolina. Explore the 21-block historic district that includes a boardwalk lined with boats on one side and unique shops on the other. Just across the Newport River is Morehead City, a bustling port town, with a mix of fishing boats, art galleries, antiques, and a rich seafaring history.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 4 - Kitty Hawk, NC
In 1900, when Orville and Wilbur Wright were looking for a site for their aviation experiments, they sought a location with winds regularly over 15 mph, gentle hills for glider launching, a sandy surface for soft landings, and a remote location to avoid public attention. A citizen of Kitty Hawk wrote a letter to the Wright Brothers assuring them that Kitty Hawk was the ideal location. The rest is history.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 5 - Norfolk, VA
Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk has enjoyed a dramatic history dating back to 1607, when British settlers first arrived on American shores. Today, the city embraces its colorful past while thriving as a modern metropolis. Tall schooners share the surrounding waters with naval vessels and oystermen. Enjoy tours of historic districts, museums, restored homes, and the Norfolk Naval Station.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 5 - Norfolk, VA
Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk has enjoyed a dramatic history dating back to 1607, when British settlers first arrived on American shores. Today, the city embraces its colorful past while thriving as a modern metropolis. Tall schooners share the surrounding waters with naval vessels and oystermen. Enjoy tours of historic districts, museums, restored homes, and the Norfolk Naval Station.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 6 - St. Michaels, MD
Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels, or peruse the charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. As we dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the centerpiece of this historic shipbuilding village, you may gain a unique perspective into the design and construction of wooden boats while visiting the craftsmen who keep the tradition alive. St. Michaels is also a famous crabbing town with a proud waterman history that makes it both a beautiful town and a wonderfully unique place to visit.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 6 - St. Michaels, MD
Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels, or peruse the charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. As we dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the centerpiece of this historic shipbuilding village, you may gain a unique perspective into the design and construction of wooden boats while visiting the craftsmen who keep the tradition alive. St. Michaels is also a famous crabbing town with a proud waterman history that makes it both a beautiful town and a wonderfully unique place to visit.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 7 - Baltimore, MD
Baltimore is a great American city, bustling with excitement, Colonial history, and a rejuvenated maritime spirit. Explore its history aboard the decks of celebrated ships and on the cobbled streets of the charming Inner Harbor. Visit Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 8 - Baltimore, MD
End your journey in Baltimore, one of America's finest cities. Spend an extra day to explore the Baltimore Aquarium and Civil War Museum.
Excursions & Entertainment
Charleston Experience
The city of Charleston is exquisitely preserved and aesthetically pleasing with its charming blend of antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks. Travel through narrow streets lined with the townhouses of colonial planters. Witness where generations of patriots lived, and worshiped in some of America’s oldest religious buildings. Listen to fascinating stories of the American Revolution and the War between the States. Your journey will include a stop at the Battery Waterfront and a tour of the elegant interior of a restored historic home, the Joseph Manigault House.
Note: Only offered on cruises ending in Charleston, SC or on the East Coast Inland Passage cruise.
Fort Sumter
Take a ferry ride over to historic Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Once aboard the ferry, experience a relaxing narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter. Learn about the events which led to the outbreak of America’s most bloody war. When you arrive, you will be greeted by National Park Service Rangers who will provide further details on the history of Fort Sumter and its pivotal role in the American Civil War as you explore a captivating onsite museum.
Historic Mansion Excursion
Enjoy a narrated trolley tour of Wilmington’s historic district where you can view numerous historical sites and magnificent mansions. Following the tour, you will visit Bellamy Mansion, one of North Carolina’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture. Make sure you take time to browse the many shops and attractions within walking distance from the ship.
Historic Beaufort Exploration
From atop a 1967 English double-decker bus, local narrators weave stories about Beaufort’s past, featuring pirates, star-crossed lovers, and Confederate spies. After you finish making your way through the historic district, you will visit two of Beaufort’s most beautiful historic homes.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Learn about the history, legends, and lore of the Outer Banks as you travel to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC. Enjoy an introduction by a park ranger and learn about the fascinating history of aviation that took place at this site. After the introduction, tour the Visitor Center where the Wright brothers' story is told through exhibits and reproductions. You may also climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a breathtaking view of the area from sound to sea.
Naval Station & MacArthur Memorial Excursion
Norfolk is home to the largest Naval Station in the world with its beginnings closely tied to the U.S. entry into World War I. Today, Naval Station Norfolk is the hub of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet, and home port to dozens of ships, submarines, aircraft, and more. Led by our expert guide, witness aircraft carriers, destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and learn about the fascinating history of the Naval Base. The tour will also stop at the MacArthur Memorial, a memorial celebrating Army General Douglas MacArthur, one of the most controversial figures in American history.
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse & Botanical Gardens Exploration
Explore Virginia Beach on a relaxing riding tour. This guided bus tour includes stops at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse as well as the breathtaking Norfolk Botanical Gardens, which are made up of 155 beautiful acres intertwined by bridges, coastal waterways, and 12 miles of pedestrian trails.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
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’ passengers will enjoy a private tour of this fascinating museum.
Winnie Estelle Ecology Cruise
Enjoy this amazing cruise which focuses on Chesapeake Bay’s history, ecology, and economics. During your journey, witness critters on an oyster reef and try your hand at water quality testing. Bird watchers will enjoy the route, known for its eagle and osprey population and heron rookery. Don’t forget your camera!
Baltimore City Excursion
See the best-known sights of Baltimore on this narrated tour. Visit the city’s most noted landmarks such as Federal Hill, Oriole Park, Fells Point, Little Italy, Mount Vernon Place, the Washington Monument, the Inner Harbor, and Fort McHenry.
Back in Baltimore
If you choose to extend your stay, a number of great excursions are available, including the Baltimore Aquarium and Civil War Museum. Feel free to call an American Cruise Lines specialist to assist you with your travel arrangements.
Day By Day Itinerary
See reverse itinerary
- Day 1 Baltimore, MD
- Day 2 Baltimore, MD
- Day 3 St. Michaels, MD
- Day 4 Norfolk, VA
- Day 5 Kitty Hawk, NC
- Day 6 Beaufort, NC / Morehead City, NC
- Day 7 Wilmington, NC
- Day 8 Charleston, SC
Day 1 - Baltimore, MD
End your journey in Baltimore, one of America's finest cities. Spend an extra day to explore the Baltimore Aquarium and Civil War Museum.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 2 - Baltimore, MD
Baltimore is a great American city, bustling with excitement, Colonial history, and a rejuvenated maritime spirit. Explore its history aboard the decks of celebrated ships and on the cobbled streets of the charming Inner Harbor. Visit Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 3 - St. Michaels, MD
Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels, or peruse the charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. As we dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the centerpiece of this historic shipbuilding village, you may gain a unique perspective into the design and construction of wooden boats while visiting the craftsmen who keep the tradition alive. St. Michaels is also a famous crabbing town with a proud waterman history that makes it both a beautiful town and a wonderfully unique place to visit.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 3 - St. Michaels, MD
Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels, or peruse the charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. As we dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the centerpiece of this historic shipbuilding village, you may gain a unique perspective into the design and construction of wooden boats while visiting the craftsmen who keep the tradition alive. St. Michaels is also a famous crabbing town with a proud waterman history that makes it both a beautiful town and a wonderfully unique place to visit.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 4 - Norfolk, VA
Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk has enjoyed a dramatic history dating back to 1607, when British settlers first arrived on American shores. Today, the city embraces its colorful past while thriving as a modern metropolis. Tall schooners share the surrounding waters with naval vessels and oystermen. Enjoy tours of historic districts, museums, restored homes, and the Norfolk Naval Station.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 4 - Norfolk, VA
Located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk has enjoyed a dramatic history dating back to 1607, when British settlers first arrived on American shores. Today, the city embraces its colorful past while thriving as a modern metropolis. Tall schooners share the surrounding waters with naval vessels and oystermen. Enjoy tours of historic districts, museums, restored homes, and the Norfolk Naval Station.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 5 - Kitty Hawk, NC
In 1900, when Orville and Wilbur Wright were looking for a site for their aviation experiments, they sought a location with winds regularly over 15 mph, gentle hills for glider launching, a sandy surface for soft landings, and a remote location to avoid public attention. A citizen of Kitty Hawk wrote a letter to the Wright Brothers assuring them that Kitty Hawk was the ideal location. The rest is history.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 6 - Beaufort, NC / Morehead City, NC
Tour the meticulously restored town of Beaufort, NC, the third oldest town in North Carolina. Explore the 21-block historic district that includes a boardwalk lined with boats on one side and unique shops on the other. Just across the Newport River is Morehead City, a bustling port town, with a mix of fishing boats, art galleries, antiques, and a rich seafaring history.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 7 - Wilmington, NC
Founded in 1739, Wilmington prospered during its early years as a major port and ship-building center. Today, the city continues to flourish and boasts an outstanding reputation as a leader in preservation efforts. Explore Georgian, Victorian, and antebellum-style homes restored to their original grandeur. Stroll through beautiful gardens and city streets lined with shopping venues and seafood eateries.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 8 - Charleston, SC
The port city of Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and pastel antebellum houses. The scene of Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, the city is considered by many to be a living museum. Our experience in Charleston focuses on the city’s role in the Civil War, culminating in a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument, the island fortress where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. You will also have time to visit Charleston’s famous Centre Market and stroll along the Battery, a waterfront lined with antebellum homes and gardens.
Excursions & Entertainment
Day 8 - Charleston, SC
The port city of Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and pastel antebellum houses. The scene of Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, the city is considered by many to be a living museum. Our experience in Charleston focuses on the city’s role in the Civil War, culminating in a visit to Fort Sumter National Monument, the island fortress where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. You will also have time to visit Charleston’s famous Centre Market and stroll along the Battery, a waterfront lined with antebellum homes and gardens.
Excursions & Entertainment
Back in Baltimore
If you choose to extend your stay, a number of great excursions are available, including the Baltimore Aquarium and Civil War Museum. Feel free to call an American Cruise Lines specialist to assist you with your travel arrangements.
Baltimore City Excursion
See the best-known sights of Baltimore on this narrated tour. Visit the city’s most noted landmarks such as Federal Hill, Oriole Park, Fells Point, Little Italy, Mount Vernon Place, the Washington Monument, the Inner Harbor, and Fort McHenry.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
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’ passengers will enjoy a private tour of this fascinating museum.
Winnie Estelle Ecology Cruise
Enjoy this amazing cruise which focuses on Chesapeake Bay’s history, ecology, and economics. During your journey, witness critters on an oyster reef and try your hand at water quality testing. Bird watchers will enjoy the route, known for its eagle and osprey population and heron rookery. Don’t forget your camera!
Naval Station & MacArthur Memorial Excursion
Norfolk is home to the largest Naval Station in the world with its beginnings closely tied to the U.S. entry into World War I. Today, Naval Station Norfolk is the hub of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet, and home port to dozens of ships, submarines, aircraft, and more. Led by our expert guide, witness aircraft carriers, destroyers, amphibious assault ships, and learn about the fascinating history of the Naval Base. The tour will also stop at the MacArthur Memorial, a memorial celebrating Army General Douglas MacArthur, one of the most controversial figures in American history.
Old Cape Henry Lighthouse & Botanical Gardens Exploration
Explore Virginia Beach on a relaxing riding tour. This guided bus tour includes stops at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse as well as the breathtaking Norfolk Botanical Gardens, which are made up of 155 beautiful acres intertwined by bridges, coastal waterways, and 12 miles of pedestrian trails.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Learn about the history, legends, and lore of the Outer Banks as you travel to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC. Enjoy an introduction by a park ranger and learn about the fascinating history of aviation that took place at this site. After the introduction, tour the Visitor Center where the Wright brothers' story is told through exhibits and reproductions. You may also climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a breathtaking view of the area from sound to sea.
Historic Beaufort Exploration
From atop a 1967 English double-decker bus, local narrators weave stories about Beaufort’s past, featuring pirates, star-crossed lovers, and Confederate spies. After you finish making your way through the historic district, you will visit two of Beaufort’s most beautiful historic homes.
Historic Mansion Excursion
Enjoy a narrated trolley tour of Wilmington’s historic district where you can view numerous historical sites and magnificent mansions. Following the tour, you will visit Bellamy Mansion, one of North Carolina’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture. Make sure you take time to browse the many shops and attractions within walking distance from the ship.
Charleston Experience
The city of Charleston is exquisitely preserved and aesthetically pleasing with its charming blend of antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks. Travel through narrow streets lined with the townhouses of colonial planters. Witness where generations of patriots lived, and worshiped in some of America’s oldest religious buildings. Listen to fascinating stories of the American Revolution and the War between the States. Your journey will include a stop at the Battery Waterfront and a tour of the elegant interior of a restored historic home, the Joseph Manigault House.
Note: Only offered on cruises ending in Charleston, SC or on the East Coast Inland Passage cruise.
Fort Sumter
Take a ferry ride over to historic Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Once aboard the ferry, experience a relaxing narrated cruise to historic Fort Sumter. Learn about the events which led to the outbreak of America’s most bloody war. When you arrive, you will be greeted by National Park Service Rangers who will provide further details on the history of Fort Sumter and its pivotal role in the American Civil War as you explore a captivating onsite museum.
Ships
Ships Deck Plans, Staterooms
American Star
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American Star
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American Star
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American Star
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American Star
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Independence
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Independence
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Independence
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Independence
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Independence
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Other Cruises in the South East
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- Pre-Cruise Baltimore, MD
- Day 1 Baltimore, MD
- Day 2 Norfolk, VA
- Day 3 Williamsburg, VA
- Day 4 Yorktown, VA
- Day 5 Washington, D.C.
- Day 6 Mount Vernon, VA
- Day 8 Cambridge, MD
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- Day 10 Annapolis, MD
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- Pre-Cruise Baltimore Four Seasons Pre-Cruise Package
- Day 1 Baltimore, MD
- Day 2 Yorktown / Williamsburg, VA
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- Day 1 Charleston, SC
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- Day 8 Amelia Island, FL
