Chesapeake Bay Cruise

Start your trip in Baltimore, a working port city packed with maritime heritage and historic landmarks. Walk the Inner Harbor, step onto preserved naval ships, and explore cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings. As your ship sets sail, pass by Fort McHenry—the site of the key battle that inspired the lyrics of the national anthem. Notice the bold Maryland flag displayed in windows and on buildings throughout the city, a local symbol of pride.

Welcome Aboard
Kick off your cruise at the Welcome Aboard Reception. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and live entertainment. Get introduced to the crew, meet onboard specialists, and connect with fellow travelers. Review the itinerary and prepare for the days ahead, packed with history, culture, and scenic cruising.

Visit three of the most significant locations in early U.S. history—Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg—known together as the Historic Triangle. Walk the waterfront at Yorktown, where the final major battle of the American Revolution took place, sealing the nation’s independence.

At Jamestown Settlement, tour a detailed museum that reconstructs life in the first permanent English colony, established in 1607. View full-scale replicas of colonial ships, a fort, and a Powhatan village while exploring exhibits that explain the challenges early settlers faced.

American Revolution Museum at Yorktown - Complimentary Excursion
Learn how the United States took shape at this engaging museum. Explore exhibits covering the colonial era through the post-war period. Watch “The Siege of Yorktown” film on a 180-degree screen with surround sound and special effects. View authentic artifacts and walk through recreated historical settings.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Historic Yorktown Trolley - Complimentary Excursion
Hop on the trolley at River Walk Landing for a ride to key historic locations. Stop at the Yorktown Battlefield and the Visitor Center to view exhibits on the Revolutionary War. Walk through original 18th-century buildings and shop for handmade items and local art in nearby stores and galleries.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Colonial Williamsburg, meticulously restored to its 18th-century splendor, once served as the capital of Britain's vast empire in the New World. This historic site was the vital political and economic center of the Virginia Colony and has evolved into the premier living history museum in the world. Here, visitors can explore an array of original buildings and faithful reconstructions, ranging from grand public buildings like the Capitol and the Governor's Palace to humble tradesmen's shops and taverns.

Under the guidance of expert historians dressed in period attire, stroll through the narrow, time-worn streets that have preserved their colonial character. Engage with blacksmiths, cobblers, and other artisans practicing their crafts just as the first English colonists did. Colonial Williamsburg offers a vivid re-creation of a thriving colonial town, inviting you to step back in time and live the daily life and feel the revolutionary spirit of the era.

Bask in the beauty of Chesapeake Bay as you cruise along serene and picturesque landscapes and charming waterfront communities. Pass by lush shorelines and small islands that showcase the region’s natural beauty. From the comfort of your private balcony, enjoy the opportunity to spot birds, dolphins, and other marine life.
 
Sailing into St. Michaels, the iconic lighthouse with historic red-and-white stripes stands proudly and welcomes you at the entrance to the harbor. Dotted with fishing boats and yachts, St. Michaels showcases a timeless maritime charm and serves as the perfect introduction to the town’s blend of history, coastal beauty, and welcoming atmosphere.

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.

The port of St. Michaels is a picturesque harbor on Chesapeake Bay, well-known as a keystone locale in colonial history, serving as a trading post for farmers in the region.

Docking at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once a famed shipbuilding village, get a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800's. Explore the museums variety of exhibits, including historic boats, artifacts, and interactive displays that highlight the area's maritime culture, shipbuilding history, and environmental issues.

As you walk through its gorgeous streets, lined with antique shops, galleries, and unique boutiques, you will see a true reflection of America’s historical beginnings.

A charming historic city located on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is known for its rich maritime heritage and picturesque waterfront. As the state capital, the city is home to the Maryland State House, the oldest state capitol in continuous use, where George Washington famously resigned his commission as commander-in-chief.

Delight in the cobblestone streets and colonial-era buildings that provide a glimpse into its storied past. Explore the city's beautiful waterfront parks, a peaceful retreat offering stunning views of the Bay.

Explore the Inner Harbor bustling waterfront area ornamented with historic ships, where you can visit The National Aquarium, home to thousands of marine species, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Take a journey through Fort McHenry, the historic site that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner and experience the Baltimore Industry Museum with exhibitions and artifacts that document the contribution of the workers and entrepreneurs who built Baltimore.

A visit to Baltimore wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its famous seafood, especially the famous Maryland crab cakes.

Baltimore Industry Museum – Complimentary Excursion
Located in an 1860s oyster cannery on a five-acre waterfront campus, the Baltimore Museum of Industry interprets the diverse and significant human stories behind the city’s labor and industrial innovation. Baltimore is home to the nation’s first passenger railway, oldest gas company, first traffic light, first telegraph message received, the Linotype machine, and many other “firsts” in industry. Explore exhibitions and artifacts that document the contribution of the workers and entrepreneurs who built Baltimore into a manufacturing powerhouse and thriving industrial center.  

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

The National Aquarium - Complimentary Excursion
One of the largest attractions in Maryland, The National Aquarium boasts several exhibits including the Upland Tropical Rain Forest, a multi-story Atlantic Coral Reef, an open-ocean shark tank and many more. Learn about animals from all over the planet, from the depths of the ocean to the canopy of the rain forest, and discover the connection they all share with water.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Maryland Center for History & Culture - Complimentary Excursion
Visit this center, which offers a wide array of exhibits that showcase Maryland’s past and cultural legacy. Enjoy a guided tour of The Unfinished Revolution exhibition, which explores the chaos, confusion, and conflicts of the early United States as it fought to defend its newly attained freedoms. Learn about impact the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, the Quasi-War, and the War of 1812 had on Maryland, and the political and economic growth of the state and the nation thereafter. Take time to explore the center’s extensive collection on your own, including artifacts, documents, and artworks that provide a deeper understanding of Maryland’s history.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Your captivating Chesapeake Bay Cruise through history wraps up in the lively city of Baltimore, where it all started. Have one last breakfast aboard the ship before you disembark to either start your journey home or to extend your stay for further exploration.

If you choose to linger, Baltimore offers an array of attractions, from vibrant cultural districts and historic sites to eclectic dining and shopping opportunities. Take your time to wander through the renowned Inner Harbor, visit world-class museums, and enjoy the local cuisine. You can’t leave without covering something in Old Bay Seasoning which pairs perfectly with fried potatoes or fresh seafood.