Southeast Sea Islands Cruise

Step into Charleston, where centuries-old architecture lines the streets and the harbor buzzes with activity. Walk past preserved homes, explore local markets, and taste classic Lowcountry dishes. Visit Fort Sumter National Monument, the site where the Civil War began. Learn about the city’s role in American history, including its Revolutionary War roots, maritime stories, and African American heritage. Stroll through historic districts and landscaped gardens that reflect Charleston’s layered past.

Hotel Stay
Meet in the hotel lobby on cruise morning. Staff arranges direct transportation to the ship. Your luggage goes straight from the hotel to your stateroom, allowing you to board without hassle.

Step onto the ship and attend the Welcome Reception to kick off your trip. Meet crew members, onboard specialists, and fellow guests. Cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway while passing salt marshes, small towns, and barrier islands. Watch for dolphins near the surface and take in the shifting colors of the sky as the sun goes down.

Welcome Aboard
Join the opening event with drinks, small bites, and live entertainment. Connect with others, ask questions about the itinerary, and settle into the rhythm of life at sea.

Amidst the bustling streets of the historic district, horse-drawn carriages weave through a maze of 18th and 19th-century homes, each boasting the distinctive charm of Beaufort-style architecture. This port has a unique history of European explorers, Native American legacies, British settlements, and Civil War clashes that still reverberate through time. These grand homes make it obvious why Beaufort once earned the prestigious title "Newport of the South”. 

Cypress Wetlands – Complimentary Excursion
Board your motorcoach with a knowledgeable guide who will provide local history as you make your way to Port Royal Cypress Wetlands. Upon arrival, explore the natural wonders of this diverse ecosystem. Discover the unique sights and sounds of this tranquil sanctuary and learn about the wetland's importance for local wildlife and its role in preserving the region's biodiversity. Stroll along the wooden boardwalk, surrounded by towering cypress trees and thriving marsh vegetation. Spot a variety of bird species, from elegant egrets to colorful songbirds, and keep an eye out for sunbathing alligators. 

Activity Level: Low | Accessible: Partial

Hilton Head Island, hidden along the shimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean, captivates visitors with its pristine beaches and maritime forests. Renowned for its world-class golf courses and upscale resorts, Hilton Head beckons golf enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. 

It’s not all putting greens and perfect swings, though. On a private boat ride, explore 600 acres of preserved forest and spot the many indigenous plants and animals that live here—even the American alligator. 

Harbor Town – Complimentary Excursion
Step ashore via tender to explore Harbor Town, nestled along the waterfront and framed by picturesque yachts and moss-draped oaks. Enjoy a perfect blend of scenic charm, boutique shopping, and inviting places to soak in the coastal ambiance. At your own pace, stroll the quaint streets lined with locally owned shops featuring resort wear, handcrafted jewelry, nautical treasures, and unique gifts. Stop for an old-fashioned ice cream cone and enjoy it in one of the many shaded seating areas along the marina. For those with a love of history and a bit of adventure, visit the Harbor Town Lighthouse Museum and climb the 114 steps to the top for panoramic views of the harbor and beyond. Please remember to wear your cruise lanyard for complimentary entry into the museum.

Activity Level: Low, High (if exploring the lighthouse) | ADA Accessible: Partial 

Coastal Discovery Museum – Complimentary Excursion
Visit the Coastal Discovery Museum for a fun-filled learning experience. Here, you can discover and explore the wonders of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Take a leisurely stroll around the Museum's majestic 68-acre property. Investigate the salt marsh on the boardwalks. Marvel at the beauty of the Spanish Moss dangling from Live Oaks. Take a step back in time to imagine life on Hilton Head years ago. Start off your excursion with a museum introduction before exploring on your own. 
 
Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Yes

Savannah, Georgia, exudes a timeless allure, where cobblestone pathways wind beneath the shade of ancient oaks dripping in delicate Spanish moss. Wander through its meticulously preserved historic district, where each brick and wrought-iron railing is a window into the true architectural artistry from the 18th – 19th century. Treat yourself to the peach cobbler, shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes this city is known for. 

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a narrated ride to The National Museum of The Mighty 8th Airforce. Throughout the journey your local expert will engage with you and discuss the fascinating Mighty 8th Museum and share some amazing Savannah history. The Eighth Air Force was activated in January 1942 only a short distance from Downtown Savannah.  The museum features over 90,000 square feet of exhibits, interactive experiences, artifacts, and a collection of aviation art. Hear the unforgettable stories of bravery, experience a bomber mission and briefing, and see the ongoing restoration of the World War II B-17 Flying Fortress. Members of the Eighth Air Force are currently in the spotlight with the release of AppleTV's Masters of the Air!

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Civil War Walking Exploration – Complimentary Excursion
Join your onboard historian for a captivating walk through the streets of historic Savannah, a city deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Civil War. This thoughtfully guided exploration begins in one of Savannah’s iconic squares, once the site of impassioned rallies for secession and the growing tensions that led to war.

Learn about the strategic importance of Forts Pulaski and McAllister, key coastal strongholds that played pivotal roles in the Union’s blockade strategy and General Sherman’s famous March to the Sea. Trace the footsteps of Confederate leaders to understand how Savannah’s role shifted from hub of resistance to a key objective in the Union’s Southern campaign. Discover the locations of once-bustling military headquarters, hospitals, and hidden spots tied to both the Confederacy and the eventual occupation by Union forces. Brandon will also explore the post-war period, painting a picture of reconciliation and reflection as figures like Jefferson Davis, Alexander Stephens, and Robert E. Lee returned to Savannah in the years following the war.  

Accessible: Partial | Activity Level: High 

The Webb Military Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Located in Historic Downtown Savannah, Webb Military Museum features military artifacts from the American Civil War to Desert Storm and honors the servicemen from all wars and branches. Original uniforms, headgear, and equipment are displayed in a walk-through setting. Many of the displays contain named groupings of servicemen highlighting their stories of service. A visit to Webb Military Museum will certainly bring back one’s love of history and highlight the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Savannah Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Shops and restaurants throughout Savannah’s main streets have varying operating hours. 
Spend time exploring the Catfish Capital of the World, Savannah, Tennessee. This convenient loop will bring you to various locations throughout the town:

Tennessee River Museum – Spend time learning about the pre-historic life to post-war reconciliation in the area through educational exhibits and one-of-a-kind artifacts.
Cherry Mansion – Stop here for an exterior self-guided exploration of the historic antebellum house, once used as General Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters at the time of the Civil War Battle of Shiloh.
Downtown - Complete your experience by spending time downtown to stroll, shop and enjoy the quaint town. 

 Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Let the gentle rhythm of the waves set the pace for a day of relaxation enrichment. Glide past picturesque landscapes of salt marshes and coastal estuaries, where flocks of seabirds dance against azure skies. As the sun paints the horizon with hues of gold and crimson, sip on a refreshing cocktail on your private balcony, savoring each moment of a day well spent on the water.

A Day of Cruising
There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia, hum with lively energy, where the sun-drenched shores swell, and sailors navigate the coastal currents. Discover historic landmarks like the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, once a retreat for America's wealthiest families, and explore St. Simons Lighthouse, standing tall as a beacon of maritime history. Uncover the fascinating narrative of Jekyll Island, nestled among Georgia's Sea Isles, where history comes alive amidst the opulent grandeur of "Millionaire's Village." Spanning 240 acres, this enclave boasts extravagant homes and winter cottages, a testament to the lavish lifestyles of America's elite. Today, revered as a National Historic Landmark, it offers a captivating glimpse into an era of wealth and luxury, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the legacy of this remarkable destination along the golden isle.

Hofwyl-Broadfield Estate -Complimentary Excursion
A rice plantation from 1806 to 1915, Hofwyl-Broadfield features acres of moss laden live oak trees, remnants of rice levees and a dairy operation, and seven nineteenth century buildings. Explore the onsite museum detailing the history of the plantation and of rice growth on the South Atlantic Coast. Enjoy a guided exploration of the main house, filled with antiques original to the home and the family who once lived here, including 18th and 19th-century furniture and Cantonese china. View the buildings behind the house where workers lived and worked. The site also includes a nature trail that leads back to the Visitor Center along the edge of the marsh where rice once flourished.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

Makers Art Café – Complimentary Excursion
If you’re feeling inspired and creative, why not stop by the Makers Art Café, just a short walk from the ship? Upon arrival, choose from the following art activities:

Sun and Sea Watercolor- This easy step-by-step exercise using watercolors and markers allows you total artistic freedom, resulting in a unique piece of art.  
Butterfly Art – Using black card stock in the shape of a butterfly, use a simple cotton swab to add color to one side of a wing. Press together and then your beautiful butterfly magically appears.
Marble Art- This low pressure, high return project lets marbles do the design work. You will take home an art piece like no other.
Watercolor Birds – From a simple cardboard shape and watercolor paints create your own watercolor birds.
Bookmarks- With watercolors, stamps, and pens, make 3-4 bookmarks for yourself or as gifts.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Walk along mesmerizing expansive quartz beaches and undulating sand dunes awaits exploration. In Fernandina Beach, the island's sole city, history intertwines with charm, offering a bounty of treasures from antiques to collectibles. Step into the past with a guided stroll through Centre Street's Historic District, with 50 blocks of meticulously restored 19th-century Victorian homes and shops of architectural splendor and timeless elegance.

Bask in the balmy breeze of northern Florida as you conclude your journey on the picturesque shores of Amelia Island. Cherish the moments and unforgettable experiences you've gathered along the way. As a parting gesture, American Cruise Lines extends complimentary transportation to Jacksonville Airport, ensuring a seamless and convenient departure from this idyllic destination.