Chesapeake Bay
Cruise Highlights:
- Explore the Ocala National Forest, alligator country
- Learn about the oldest surviving European settlement in the United States as you take in Spanish Renaissance architecture and Gilded Age mansions
Save $400 when you book 3 months in advance
At a glance
Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights
Coverage: Roundtrip Baltimore, MD
From: $3,595
Season: May - November
Activities: History, Wildlife
Departing from the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, you’ll wind your way to the mouth of the James River, where you can immerse yourself in centuries of history with a visit to the Jamestown Settlement, a recreation of Virginia’s first permanent colony, to the renowned Williamsburg living history museum, or to the Yorktown Victory Center which celebrates Washington’s defeat of the British in 1781. Then set sail for Crisfield and Tangier Island, weaving along the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the company of the skipjacks, schooners, and bugeyes, the traditional sailing craft that ply these waters.
Along the shore you’ll pass shipwrights, marinas and scenic lighthouses, gliding into ports accessible only to your small ship. Perhaps you’ll choose to tour the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, or follow James Michener’s wanderings in Oxford, the setting for his novel Chesapeake. You’ll certainly want to investigate the fascinating exhibits at the Chesapeake Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, and the shops that line its charming streets. These serene, historic villages are steeped in five centuries of history, having played crucial roles in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the War Between the States. Annapolis is an 18th-century port which pleasingly preserves its colonial American charm, with magnificent architecture and the United States Naval Academy, a national historic landmark. With city streets lined with 1,300 pre-1900 buildings from 15 different architectural styles, Annapolis is often called a “museum without walls.” With its superb collection of charming boutiques and world-class shops, Annapolis is a great place to shop too.
Your journey ends back in Baltimore, passing Fort McHenry, site of the inspiration for Francis Scott Key’s anthem “The Star Spangled Banner.” Memories of your Chesapeake Bay cruise will follow you home, from the sound of the wind in the rigging or the church bells at St. Michaels, to the scents of a fresh sea breeze and tempting regional cuisine served each evening. You’ve discovered a part of America that truly represents "the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
A good value and a great chance to make new friends.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 - Baltimore, MD
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Baltimore is truly a great American city, bustling with excitement, colonial history and a rejuvenated maritime spirit. Explore this history aboard the decks of celebrated ships and on the cobbled streets of the charming waterfront Inner Harbor, or visit Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner".
- Day 2 - Yorktown / Williamsburg, VA
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Step back in time to the American Revolution in a town that transformed the history of a nation. Yorktown is known for its monumental battlefields, authentic colonial homes, and storied past. Discover museum exhibits, recreated Continental Army encampments and restored homes from the 1700's. Or you may choose to visit Colonial Williamsburg - once the political and economic center of the Virginia Colony, today the world's premier living history site.
- Day 3 - Crisfield/Tangier Island, VA/Solomons Is., MD
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Settled in 1608 by Capt. John Smith, the charming island of Tangier retains many customs and much of the appearance of an earlier era, thanks in part to the remarkably recent introduction of modern amenities and technology. Stroll through the delightful village, abundant with crab shanties, shops and charming homes.
- Day 4 - Cambridge, MD
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The richly restored port of Cambridge boasts a charming historic district, where buildings dating from the mid-1700's represent a variety of architectural styles - a perfect port to enjoy a leisurely walking tour! Nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest conservation areas in the state of Maryland, is recognized as the most spectacular location for viewing wildlife in the entire Chesapeake Bay region.
- Day 5 - Oxford, MD
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Founded in 1683, Oxford gained its prominence as a thriving seaport in colonial days by being mandated in 1694 as the first and only port of entry on the Eastern Shore. Today the town invites guests to discover a rich maritime history of shipbuilding and oystering, with houses dating back to the late 1600s, historically fascinating museums, and the original Oxford-Bellevue Ferry.
- Day 6 - St. Michaels, MD
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Stroll along the waterfront of scenic St. Michaels, or peruse through charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. Docking right at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once a famed shipbuilding village, the quiet enchantment, exciting past and romantic atmosphere of this lovingly restored town will take you back in time to the 1800's.
- Day 7 - Annapolis, MD
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This 18th century port pleasingly preserves its colonial American charm, boasting magnificent architecture and the United States Naval Academy, a national historic landmark. With city streets boasting 1,300 pre-1900 buildings from 15 different architectural styles, Annapolis is often called a "museum without walls".
- Day 8 - Baltimore, MD
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Disembark.
Dates & Rates
| American Star | Categories | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | A | AA | AAL | AAC | Owner's Suite |
Single* |
| June 2 | $3,595 | $3,980 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 |
| October 28¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 |
| 2013 | A | AA | AAL | AAC | Owner's Suite |
Single* |
| June 1, 8 | $3,595 | $3,980 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 |
| October 27¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 |
| American Glory | Categories | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | A | AA | AAL* | AAC* | Single* | Single |
| June 9, 16 | $3,595 | $3,980 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| June 23¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| October 28¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| 2013 | A | AA | AAL* | AAC* | Single* | Single |
| June 8, 15 | $3,595 | $3,980 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| June 22¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| October 27¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| Independence | Categories | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | A | AAL* | AAC* | Owner's Suite* |
Single* | Single |
| May 12¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 |
| October 21¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 |
| 2013 | A | AAL* | AAC* | Owner's Suite* |
Single* | Single |
| May 11¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 |
| October 20¹ | $3,110 | $3,435 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 |
*Private Balcony
¹6 Night sailings
Map
Ships
American Glory
The America Glory offers discerning travelers the most unique and modern style of small ship cruising. Each unique and off-the-beaten path port visited gives guests a glimpse into the cultural heritage that is the fabric of our great nation. The country-club atmosphere onboard allows guests to relax, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interests in American history and culture. The spacious public lounges and observation decks are frequented by guests who wish to mingle with friends new and old. View ship details...
American Spirit
A small ship cruise on the modern American Spirit is for the traveler who pursues the exceptional. Uniquely designed to navigate the inland waterways of the magnificent East Coast, the American Spirit brings passengers to some of the most fascinating places in America. In the intimate atmosphere onboard, guests find that fellow travelers share their passion for these historic places, and often become fast friends. It's easy to relax and feel comfortable in the huge public spaces onboard. View ship details...
American Star
The American Star entered service in June 2007. Similar to the American Spirit, it will offer guests the same unique style of cruising that has become the hallmark of American Cruise Lines. From charming small towns to gracious southern ports, the American Star brings guests to places of historic interest and magnificent beauty. Onboard, each guest will be able to unwind in the friendly and accommodating atmosphere created by the staff. View ship details...
Cruise Reviews
- American Spirit - June 2008
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We arrived in Baltimore and stayed an extra night in the Inner Harbor. It was a lovely area to walk around during the day. We were right near the Aquarium which we enjoyed for a few hours. The ship docks right in the inner harbor so we walked right to the ship. We were pleased with the accommodations, our cabin was large as well was our bathroom compared to other smallish ships we have been on in the past.
The Chesapeake Bay Book, A Complete Guide - by Allison Blake & Tracy Sahler - $18.95