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Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines
Small Ship Cruising - Coast to Coast
American Cruise Lines specializes in a unique style of small ship cruising along the inland waterways and rivers of the United States. Thirteen fascinating itineraries include the Pacific Northwest, Maine, New England Islands, Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, the Historic South & Golden Isles and Florida. With no more than 120 guests onboard, passengers experience each port of call, up close and personal, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers and the exemplary service that is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines.
We’ve been in business for 30 years, but we boast the youngest fleet in the small ship cruising industry. Built in 2000, 2002, and 2005, our staterooms are the most spacious in small ship cruising – all over 200 square feet in size, and each with large, opening picture windows and a private bathroom. Many even have private verandahs. American Cruise Lines passengers are accustomed to luxury and a certain level of service, both of which are in abundant supply onboard our cruises. From the sumptuous meals served at breakfast, lunch and dinner, to the highly personalized service dispatched by each of our crew members, guests are secure knowing that their individual needs and preferences are being addressed throughout the cruise.
Not only does American Cruise Lines provide unique ports on its cruises but unique entertainment as well. Activities are designed to highlight the areas in which we visit including guest lecturers, local musicians, demonstrations, minor theatrical performances and games. From a performance by a fife and drum corps on Chesapeake Bay to a visit from a local lobsterman in Maine or a visit from costumed antebellum characters in the historic south, activities are as rich in history and culture as the ports themselves. Unlike the mega ships, you won’t find glitzy shows or casinos, instead American Cruise Lines offers a refreshingly casual atmosphere with an intimate ambience that is perfect for congenial camaraderie with fellow passengers and quiet relaxation. Open decks and glassed-in observation lounges allow for the watching of passing scenery and wildlife, while a well-stocked library provides reading material and videos focusing on the areas to be visited.
Dining Experience
American Cruise Lines makes it a top priority to offer a first-class dining experience at every meal. Expect exceptional cuisine prepared by chefs who have extensive culinary credentials and training from some of the most prestigious culinary institutes. The all-American crew offers an outstanding level of service to make the most discerning passenger’s journey memorable and relaxing. Dining onboard is informal, dress is resort casual, and seating is unassigned and served in the glass-enclosed dining room where every seat offers a panoramic view. Using only the freshest ingredients, menus are inspired by regional and local specialties. Each evening before dinner passengers are invited to mingle and share their day’s adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Onboard Lecturers
In order to enhance your cruise experience American Cruise Lines invites carefully selected experts to join us on board. Through informal lectures, open discussions and activities, they bring local history, nature and culture alive with their knowledge and passion for American heritage. These enlighteners, naturalists and historians also lead shore excursions while in port to give our guests behind the scenes tours of some of American’s best-kept secrets and favorite treasures. Not only will you find knowledge in these experts but a friend as well.
Meet some of the American Cruise Lines onboard lecturers:
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John Meffertis a distinguished historian and author on the Southern United States. He has served as the director of the National Trust’s Southern Office for Historic Preservation and as the Executive Director of the Preservation Society of Charleston.
Currently John works as a studt leader traveling both domestically and internationally as a consultant in heritage tourism. His expert knowledge and fascinating delivery of depicting history makes him a passenger favorite. -
Rachel Perkinsspecialty is “illustrated” talks. She speaks with a dry marker in her hand and sketches out birds, fish, maps, aquifers, figures … whatever will help make the concepts understood. This spontaneity keeps the sessions lively and amusing.
“I have a keen interest in the relationship of the environment to the human endeavor. I usually start with a basic geology of the region and how it gives rise to the landscape we see. I next bring the human element into the picture and explore how the gifts of the earth – the natural resources – have influenced the development of culture and society.” -
Dr. Harold Cones is a Distinguished Professor of Biology, Emeritus, at a Virginia University where he worked for 40 years. He was the 27-year chairman of the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science and is a far ranging and much sought after educational and environmental consultant. Dr. Cones is the recipient of numerous national, state and regional teaching awards.
A broadly trained naturalist, consultant and nature writer, he arranges and conducts outdoor travel experiences for students from Maine to Florida and develops, arranges and leads tours as a study leader for the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News.
American Cruise Lines Passengers
Passengers appreciate not only the personalized service that has become the hallmark of American Cruise Lines, but also all the advantages of the small ship cruise experience. They are well-traveled individuals looking for a destination-focused adventure where they will have the opportunity to explore the history, culture, natural scenery and wildlife of the unique ports visited. American Cruise Lines’ passengers also enjoy the easy camaraderie with other like-minded travelers. Many new friendships are developed onboard and it is not unusual to see new friends plan future cruises together.
If you . . .
- are a discriminating traveler looking for the intimacy of a small ship opposed to the masses of a large cruise ship,
- appreciate only the best service and quality attention paid to your personal needs,
- prefer a relaxed and casual atmosphere,
- have a desire for travel and learning,
- are looking for an itinerary that will bring you to some of the most fascinating locations in the United States,
. . .then you are ready to join the exceptional group of American Cruise Lines passengers.
Destinations
New England Islands
Historic Antebellum South
Maine Coast & Harbors
Chesapeake Bay
Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage
Hudson River Fall Foliage
Great Rivers of Florida
East Coast Inland Passage
Columbia & Snake Rivers
Mississippi River
Alaska
Website
http://www.americancruiselines.com/
Phone
203-453-6800
Fax
203-453-0147
Toll Free
800-814-6880
Address
741 Boston Post Rd., Ste 200
Guilford, CT 06437 , US