Small Ship Cruising -- American Cruise Lines
United States Rivers and Coastal Waterways
East Coast, South, Florida
Contact Stoney Creek Travel
877-658-2582
Weaverville / Asheville, NC
American Cruise Lines is one of the elite small ship cruising companies with an Onboard Experience that is sure to please.
They operate four unique vessels on East Coast and Southern itineraries:
The American Spirit 
The American Star
The American Glory
The American Independence
The Queen of the West steamboat which actually is a paddleboat operates one of a kind cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the United States Pacific Northwest Rivers.
True to its name, this cruise line sails on the smooth inland rivers and intercoastal waterways of the United States of America.
Ships are new and fully comply with the new USA safety regulations.
Because the ships are small, with no more than 104 passengers, they are able to offer unique personalized voyages. The ambiance is intimate, relaxing, and gracious.
The ships visit quaint villages along the historic east USA coast, charming Southern towns, and vibrant Florida cities. There is an emphasis on history, culture, and the natural beauty of the United States. Lecturers, authors, historians, and wildlife experts treat guests to behind the scenes tours and provide area information during the cruise. Interesting, norminal cost tours are available in each town visited.
Dining is an event all guests look forward to. In the spacious dining room, every table overlooks the water. Meals are informal. Don't like to dress for dinner -- you'll love the resort casual attire. Food is purchased from ports of call so it is always fresh, and it is always cooked to order.
Tastefully designed staterooms are all ocean view, spacious (over 200 square feet), and comfortable. Each room has 2 twin beds or a king bed, a large picture window and/or balcony, private bath, hair dryer, remote-controlled satellite TV, individual climate control, writing desk, full-length mirror, spacious closet, dresser, and twice-daily service by an all American crew.
Itineraries:
Maine Coast & Harbors
The Maine Coast and Harbor Itinerary is perfect for small ship cruises with its magnificent coastal bays, rivers, and island passages. Guests are treated to magnificent natural sites that also feature historic forts, lighthouses, quaint fishing villages, and a multitude of wildlife. The Maine coast is filled with picturesque islands which are a gorgeous sight as your ship winds through narrow passages.
Independence: 2010
August 7, 14, 21, 28
Independence: 2011
June 5, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
2010 Rates per person. Add $250 for taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
Itinerary:
Day 1: Portland, ME to Boothbay, ME
Day 2: Boothbay Harbor, ME
Day 3: Bar Harbor, ME
Day 4: Camden, ME
Day 5: Belfast, ME
Day 6: Castine, ME
Day 7: Rockland, ME
Day 8: Portland, ME
Courtesy of American Cruise Lines
Historic South and Golden Isles
American Cruise Lines visits stately historical towns in the antebellum south. The elegance and charm of Charleston, SC; Beaufort, SC; Hilton Head Island; Savannah, GA; St. Simons Island, GA; Jekyll Island; and Amelia Island have beckoned history buffs, romantic travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts for years.
Now, cruise guests can visit all these charming river and beach towns in one visit and in an elegant, comfortable style -- never having to pack more than one time. Leave the highways behind as you glide through nature filled rivers to experience the old south.
As you cruise through southern rivers and bays of the smooth east coast inland waterway, your small ship will bring you to charming ports such as historic Beaufort, with its beautifully restored antebellum homes, remote islands filled with legends of bygone eras, and the grand southern cities of Charleston and Savannah that exemplify the graciousness and true southern hospitality of one of America's most elegant regions. For the naturalist, coastal wildlife preserves provide ample opportunity to view the flora and fauna that make this natural environment so unique. Visit the site where the civil war began, listen to the stories of buried pirate treasure or relish in delicious southern cuisine. This combination of historical significance and natural beauty assures you a voyage that will both enlighten and enchant.
2010 Independence:
November 6, 13, 20, 27
December 4, 11, 19, 26
2010 American Star:
November 6, 13, 20, 27
December 4, 11, 19, 26
2010 American Spirit:
November 20, 27
December 4, 11, 19, 26
2010 American Glory:
November 13
December 19, 26
2011 Independence:
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 20
November 5, 12, 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2011 American Star:
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November 5, 12, 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2011 American Spirit:
February 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23
November 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $250 Taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AA: $3880
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
Itinerary (or reverse):
Day 1: Charleston, SC
Day 2: Beaufort, SC
Day 3: Daufuskie Island / Hilton Head Island
Day 4: Savannah, GA
Day 5: St. Simons Island, GA
Day 6: Jekyll Island, GA
Day 7: Cruise to Amelia Island
Day 8: Jacksonville, FL (Amelia Island)
Return transportation is available to home port.
American Cruise Lines New England Islands itinerary brings you the heritage of America like no other cruise line. Visit the quaint fishing village of New Bedford and Nantucket with their historic whaling heritage. See the Victorian homes on Martha's Vineyard. Historians will enjoy the famous battleship, Massachusetts, and nature lovers will enjoy hiking the trails on Block Island.
2010 American Star:
August 7, 14, 21, 28
2011 American Star:
June 19, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
2011 American Glory:
July 3, 9, 16
2011 Independence:
May 22, 28
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $250 Taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AA: $3880
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
Itinerary:
Day 1: Providence, RI cruising to New Bedford, MA
Day 2: New Bedford, MA
Day 3: Nantucket Island
Day 4: Martha's Vineyard
Day 5: Bristol, RI / Fall River, MA
Day 6: Newport, RI
Day 7: Block Island, RI
Day 8: Return to Providence, RI
New England Islands
Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay is steeped in colonial history. Baltimore's Inner Harbor will remind you of days gone by as you gaze upon schooners, and Baltimore Clippers. Williamsburg is America's premier living history site. See quaint fishing villages where residents have lived off the sea for centuries. Cambridge is a perfectly preserved slice of history. Nature lovers will enjoy the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Like to shop? Then you'll love the boutiques and shops in St. Michaels -- and history buffs will delight in the Chesapeake Maritime Museum with its numerous maritime exhibits. Annapolis has been an icon of American history for over 200 years.
2010 American Star:
October 31
2010 American Spirit:
August 7, 14, 21, 28
September 4, 11, 18, 25
October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November 6
2010 American Glory:
October 31
2011 American Star:
June 4, 11
October 30
2011 American Spirit:
July 17, 23, 30
August 6
September 11, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
November 5
2011 American Glory:
May 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
October 30
2011 Independence
May 14
October 23
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $250 Taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AA: $3880
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
2010 Itinerary:
Day 1: Baltimore, MD cruising to Williamsburg, VA
Day 2: Williamsburg, VA
Day 3: Crisfield/Tangier Island/Solomons Island, MD
Day 4: Cambridge, MD
Day 5: Oxford, MD
Day 6: St. Michaels, MD
Day 7: Annapolis, MD
Day 8: Baltimore MD Return
Hudson River Fall Foliage
Cruise along a river passageway that has remained virtually untouched since the seventeenth century. The Hudson River flows for over 300 miles from the mountains of upstate New York to the New York City harbor. Historians will love walking on the grounds of historic West Point and viewing the West Point Museum. Kingston was once a popular Dutch trading post and many historic homes still stand. As you cruise along the river, you'll be amazed at Vanderbilt's magnificent estate and "Springwood," the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as many other grand, stately homes perched on towering cliffs. But, the main attraction is the beautiful fall colors of gold, crimson, and orange.
2010 American Star:
October 3, 9, 16
2010 American Glory
September 26
October 2, 9, 16, 23
2010 Independence
October 3, 9, 16
2011 American Star:
October 1, 8, 15
2011 American Glory
September 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22
2011 Independence
October 1, 8, 15
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $250 Taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AA: $3880
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart New York City, cruise to West Point, NY
Day 2: Catskill, NY
Day 3: Albany, NY
Day 4: Kingston, NY
Day 5: Sleepy Hollow, NY
Day 6: Hudson River Cruising
Day 7: New York City Return
Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage
Cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway is an enchanting experience with stops in the 400 year-old seaport of Norfolk, Oriental with its 18th century colonial homes, Morehead and Beaufort with history and homes dating back to the 1700's, the alluring shops and museums of Wilmington, the excitement of Myrtle Beach, and stately Charleston. This cruise offers something for everyone.
You will trace the route along Chesapeake Bay and the Inland Passage Way, stopping at small ports on your way to Charleston, SC.
2010 Independence: 10/30
2010 American Star: 11/6
2010 American Spirit: 11/13
2010 American Glory: 11/6
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $250 Taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AA: $3880
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
2010 Itinerary (or reverse):
Day 1: Baltimore, MD cruising through Chesapeake Bay
Day 2: Norfolk, VA
Day 3: Oriental, NC
Day 4: Morehead City / Beaufort, NC
Day 5: Wilmington, NC
Day 6: Myrtle Beach, SC
Day 7: Charleston, SC
Day 8: Charleston Disembark
Great Rivers of Florida
Cruise down the north-flowing St. John's River, which was selected as one of 14 American Heritage Rivers in the United States. The cruise travels through the heart of the Ocala National Forest, teaming with wildlife such as bald eagles, great white herons, alligators, and the Florida panther. Palatka was once known as "The Gem of the St. John's", and Ravine Gardens State Park is still stunning with over 100,000 azaleas and other subtropical plants. The cruise also visits Green Cove Springs, home to a cool mineral springs, shimmering lakes, and beautiful forests. St. Augustine, established in 1565, is America's oldest surviving European settlement. Finally, Amelia Island features a lovely historical center with St. Peter's Episcopal Church and 16 blocks of restored 19th century Victorian homes and shops.
2010 American Glory:
November 20, 27
December 4, 11
2011 American Glory
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $250 Taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AA: $3880
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart Jacksonville Area
Day 2: St. John's River, Cruise to Palatka, FL
Day 3: Palatka / Lake George, FL (Ocala National Forest)
Day 4: Green Cove Springs, FL
Day 5: St. Augustine, FL
Day 6: Cruise to Tolomato River
Day 7: Amelia Island, FL
Day 8: Return Jacksonville, FL
East Coast Inland Passage
This American Cruise Lines majestic cruise of the east coast takes you through the entire eastern coastal waterway system of connecting rivers, bays, and canals from Baltimore, MD to Jacksonville, FL.
Every port on this 14-night grand coastal tour will give you a unique glimpse of America. The East Coast Inland Passage, comprised of connecting rivers, bays, estuaries, and canals, allows passengers to fully appreciate the natural unspoiled beauty of some of the most scenic preserved areas in the country. From the unique vantage point of a small ship, discover the limitless birds and wildlife that call this passage their home. Cruise through a rich past that has influenced the shape of our country since the days of early exploration. Experience the elegance of a restored southern mansion, the solemn serenity of a Civil War battlefield, and the sheer enormity of a plantation and the secrets it holds.
2010 American Star:
October 30
2010 American Spirit:
November 13
2010 American Glory:
November 6
2010 Independence:
October 30
2011 American Star
April 30
October 29
2011 American Spirit
April 23
November 12
2011 American Glory
May 7
November 5
2011 Independence
April 30
October 29
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $440 Taxes
Category A: $6880
Category AA: $7620
Category AAL (Balcony): $8305
Category AAC (Balcony): $8830
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $11665
Single (Balcony): $9565
Single: $8965
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart Baltimore, MD and cruise to Norfolk, VA
Day 2: Norfolk, VA
Day 3: Oriental, NC
Day 4: Morehead City, NC
Day 5: Wilmington, NC
Day 6: Myrtle Beach, NC
Day 7: Cruise to Charleston, SC
Day 8: Charleston, SC
Day 9: Beaufort, SC
Day 10: Daufuskie Island and Hilton Head, SC
Day 11: Savannah, GA
Day 12: St Simons Island, GA
Day 13: Jekyll Island, GA
Day 14: Amelia Island, FL
Day 15: Jacksonville, FL
Sample Stateroom Layout
Bedding Options: King or Two Twins
American Cruise Lines: Ship -- American Spirit
Onboard Experience
A personalized experience awaits you on an American Cruise Lines ship, with one crew member for each 2 passengers. Less people also allows for more satisfying daily activities since there are less persons on shore excursions and there can be more one-on-one time with naturalists and historians.
An all American crew makes communication more simple and cruising on American rivers and waterways means no passports are required.
Corporations like to book cruises on American ships because the meetings can be deducted on their taxes.
Naturalists & Historians: Carefully selected “enlighteners”- naturalists, historians, and other experts – to join you onboard to enhance your cruise experience. During informal lectures, open discussions and activities, they bring the local history, nature and culture alive with their knowledge and passion for American heritage. They also lead shore excursions, giving guests behind-the-scenes tours of some of America’s best-kept secrets and favorite treasures.
Onboard Activities: Evening activities and entertainment onboard are just as unique as the ports visited, and include lectures, guest musicians from the local towns, demonstrations, minor theatrical performances and games. Each activity is rich in history and culture, and is designed to highlight the areas visited. You’ll find the absence of casinos, glitzy shows and discos to be much appreciated. The library and numerous lounges found on each vessel are ideal for curling up with a good book, and the observation decks serve as perfect vista points for the passing scenery and wildlife.
Dining Experience: The dining experience with American Cruise Lines is a very special one. Each ship has a spacious dining salon that seats all passengers at one time. Highly skilled chefs trained at the some of the most prestigious Culinary Institutes prepare each meal to order with the utmost care and quality. There are a variety of choices at every meal that frequently include a specialty dish highlighting flavors from the local region. The young, all-American dining room staff is always friendly and accommodating, and eager to pamper you, making sure that your dining experience is just the way you like it.
Grand New England: Discover the majestic seafaring heritage of coastal towns and quaint island villages on the 10-night Grand New England Odyssey. Your elegant small ship will dock in the heart of each historic harbor, amidst working boats and luxurious private yachts. Steps away you'll find whaling and maritime museums, scenic bluffs and beaches, cobblestone streets and unique shops.
By meticulously selecting the most captivating ports of call from southern New England to Maine, this epic cruise invites you to discover America's birthplace and savor the local cuisine, from the succulent lobsters of the Penobscot Bay and a warm slice of fresh blueberry pie, to the best chowders of Nantucket.
Your one-way journey begins either in Providence, RI or Bangor, ME and harbor hops along the historic coastline to such legendary destinations of Bar Harbor, Martha's Vineyard, Rockland, Nantucket and Camden, to name a few. You'll linger in these summer paradises, with plenty of opportunity to explore on your own or participate in shore excursions led by guides whose expertise is informed by generations of native lore and a passion for the past. As you cruise through the Cape Cod Canal and sail around the islets that skirt the coast of Maine you'll want to keep a lookout for the whales, seals and puffins that frequent New England's northern waters.
From beautifully preserved historic districts to the enticing delights of small shops and farm markets, to the breathtaking natural splendor of national parks, your cruise will leave you with enduring, resonant recollections of this wonderful corner of America.
2010 American Glory:
August 4, 14, 25
September 4, 14
2011 American Glory:
July 23
August 3, 13, 24
September 3, 13
2010 Rates per person. Add $330 for taxes
Category A: $4895
Category AA: $5440
Category AAL (Balcony): $5945
Category AAC (Balcony): $6310
Owner's Suite: $8525
Single ((Balcony): $6810
Single: $6290
2010 Itinerary:
Day 1: Bangor, ME
Day 2: Belfast, ME
Day 3: Camden, ME
Day 4: Rockland, ME
Day 5: Bar Harbor, ME
Day 6: Boothbay Harbor, ME
Day 7: Portland, ME
Day 8: Gloucester, MA
Day 9: Martha's Vineyard, MA
Day 10: Nantucket, MA
Day 11: Providence, RI
Return transportation is available to home port.
NOTE:
Itineraries and Pricing Subject To Change
Itineraries Subject To Change
Photos Courtesy Of American Cruise Lines
American Star Deck Plan
What Is Included In An American Cruise Lines Cruise?
- Large accommodations over 220 square feet
- Delectable dining, including wine with lunch & dinner
- Snacks
- Soft drinks
- Complimentary cocktail party each evening
- Naturatlist and Historian
- Low key entertainment with lecturers, guitarist, etc.
New Ship: American Independence
Standard Ship Features
- Oversized staterooms – largest in industry
- Most with private balconies
- Flat screen satellite TV and DVD players in all staterooms
- Wireless internet access shipwide
- Hairdryers in all staterooms
- Individual climate control in all staterooms
- 4 decks / elevators to all decks
- 4 oversized lounges
- Large, glass-enclosed single seating dining salon
- Designed and built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp., Salisbury, MD
- United States registry
- Variety of 6-, 7- and 14-night cruise itineraries
The New American Independence
This ship is larger than the American Spirit, the American Star, the American Glory and the American Eagle. Therefore, the interior areas -- including staterooms and balconies are more spacious and deluxe. It is also fully stabilized with Rolls Royce stabilizers. While United States rivers offer smooth sailing, these stabilizers will allow the vessel to sail, comfortably, to even more fascinating destinations.
New Ship: Queen of the West
Staterooms
American Glory Deck Plan
American Spirit Deck Plan
Philadelphia and Potomac
Departing from Philadelphia, PA or Washington DC
Discover the glorious cities and towns that helped to shape early American history including some which have served as our nation’s capitol. Your journey begins in Philadelphia, a city boasting centuries of political, economic, social, and cultural achievements and full of historical landmarks. Along the cruise you'll visit places such as St. Michaels, MD known as the ‘town that fooled the British,’ America’s sailing capital, Annapolis, MD, and Mt. Vernon, VA the former plantation home of our first president, George Washington. With each port having its own unique history and culture this cruise is sure to be the perfect way to explore the making of America as we know it today.
2011 American Spirit
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4
2010 Rates Per Person: Add $250 Taxes
Category A: $3495
Category AA: $3880
Category AAL (Balcony): $4200
Category AAC (Balcony): $4465
Owner's Suite (Balcony): $5985
Single (Balcony): $4785
Single: $4385
