8 Day Historic Chesapeake Bay

Enjoy the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay — the “noblest bay in the universe” — and discover the fabled Hudson River, first explored by Henry Hudson in 1609 while searching for a route to the Far East.

Home to some of America’s most historic port cities, the Chesapeake is truly a maritime wonder. Explore its tidal rivers and natural harbors--a shoreline designated almost completely a Protected Wildlife Refuge.

Little can surpass what awaits heading north--the awe-inspiring Statue of Liberty with Manhattan’s skyline as its dramatic backdrop.

Sailing leisurely up the Hudson, the river’s panoramic views unfold as you pass historic villages and shorelines renowned for their scenic beauty.

These unforgettable sights stir the heart and soul making memories for a lifetime on this wondrous maritime journey.

Inquire now on this historic itinerary...

Day 1 - NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
Arrive in New York, N.Y., and transfer to the Spirit of Nantucket. D

Day 2 - CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
After a relaxing morning at sea, arrive in lovely Cape May. From its first days in the 1630s, Cape May was a prosperous fishing and whaling port. Our sightseeing tour provides an overview of the town and its Victorian architecture. BLD

Day 3 - WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
Located at the mouth of the Brandywine River, Wilmington is part of du Pont country. The du Pont family staked their claim — and in many ways enhanced — the region, creating gardens and houses of great beauty. This morning you may choose between a visit to stunning Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s most premier horticultural showplaces, or Winterthur, the former home of Henry DuPont. Purchased by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont in 1906, Longwood offers 1,050 spectacular acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows in outdoor and indoor displays. At Winterthur, rediscover America's heritage through its unparalleled collections of antiques and Americana, venture out over the fields and farmland to learn about the workings of a great American country estate and wander through the breathtaking beauty of the 60-acre naturalistic garden. This afternoon visit the scenic Brandywine River Valley. Exhibiting American art in a 19th-century grist mill, our first stop is at the Brandywine River Museum, internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting. Nearby, the Brandywine Battlefield Park brings to life the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War, fought on September 11, 1777, between the Continental Army led by General George Washington and the British forces headed by General William Howe. BLD

Day 4 - ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
After anchoring in Annapolis Harbor, our explorations ashore include a tour of the historic State House, the U.S. Naval Academy and the William Paca House. BLD

Day 5 - ST. MICHAELS, MARYLAND
In the early morning, the Spirit of Nantucket sails across Chesapeake Bay to St. Michaels, a charming village that was a shipbuilding center for tall-masted Baltimore clipper ships. Our guided tour explores the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and takes a stroll through the town, learning about its rich history as you view its colonial architecture. Later this afternoon, you’ll have the option to sail back in time aboard the skipjack Rebecca T. Ruark. Constructed in 1866 to dredge oysters from the bay, she is the “queen” of North America’s last working fleet of sailboats. BLD

Day 6 - CRUISING THE POTOMAC RIVER & CHESAPEAKE BAY / ST. MARY’S CITY
Enjoy a relaxing morning aboard the Spirit of Nantucket, cruising down the Potomac into the “great bay of shellfish.” One of the most complete estuarine systems in the world, the Chesapeake’s rich waters are fringed by marshlands and mudflats, offering hiding places for waterfowl, and nurseries for oysters and crabs. Historic St. Mary’s City is a museum of history and archaeology in beautiful tidewater Southern Maryland. Explore the houses, museum and lighthouse that perfectly portray St. Mary’s past. BLD

Day 7 - WASHINGTON, D.C. / ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Designed by Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant around 1790, Washington, D.C. is a vast “museum” of our national heritage. Join a morning tour of Mt. Vernon, the meticulously preserved estate of George Washington. In the afternoon, there are independent opportunities to visit the monuments that honor Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt, and to experience the power and beauty of both the White House and Capitol Building. Delve into the exhibits at the Library of Congress, the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institute. After dinner, an optional excursion presents our capital’s unique resplendence, beautifully illuminated by the lights of the city. BLD

Day 8 - WASHINGTON, D.C. / ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Disembark the Spirit of Nantucket after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. B

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.