Th e E a g l e S o c i e t y ™ of American Cruise Lines
Eagle Society
newsletter
741 Boston Post Road., Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437 • 866-975-6052
IN SEARCH OF LEWIS & CLARK
Originally published in the Honeywell Retirees Club June 2014 Newsletter Ben & Emilie Carter
July 2014
In this Issue: In Search of Lewis & Clark (page 1) At the Shipyard with American Cruise Lines (page 2) The Scientific Discoveries of the Lewis & Clark Expedition (page 3) Smithsonian.com’s Exploring the American Experience in New England (page 4)
We enjoyed reading about the Lewis & Clark Discovery Corps many years ago and when we read about a river cruise down the Snake and Columbia Rivers with a promise of tales of their adventure, we couldn’t resist. We called and booked the next to the last cabin! Our travel into history began in Clarkston, WA, where the Corps of Discovery, consisting of 39 people and one dog, camped on October 10, 1805. Having crossed the Continental Divide, they were at last headed downstream on the Snake River. The going was very difficult with swift rapids and small water falls that they had to portage around. On October 16th, they met up with the Columbia River, where travel was even more challenging. On November 15th, they reached the mouth of the river and at last the Pacific Ocean. (These rivers have all been tamed now with dams and locks, so for us it was smooth sailing all the way to Astoria, OR and the Pacific Ocean.) We were fortunate to have a wonderful Riverlorian, Todd Weber, to relate amazing stories of their journey. He was dressed in real buckskin which he had made, along with a knife, tomahawk, and air rifle. Todd made history come alive with his tales of their hardships; crossing mountains, dealing with the extreme weather, nearly starving to death, and their encounter [continued on page 4]
Upcoming Eagle Society Cruises (page 5) Employee Profile (page 6) Spotlight On Todd Weber (page 7) Interview with Ben & Emilie Carter (page 8) Eagle Society Referral Program (page 8)
AT THE SHIPYARD WITH AMERICAN CRUISE LINES American Cruise Lines is growing rapidly and that means adding to its current fleet of six ships. The new boats are being constructed at Chesapeake
Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD. The first of the ships to be launched is a paddlewheel riverboat which will operate along the Mississippi River.
experience similar to that of the Queen of the Mississippi and will have a capacity of 150 passengers. It is scheduled to begin navigating the Mississippi
River in the spring of 2015. In response to guests’ positive remarks about the spectacular views from their balconies, all staterooms on the second, third, fourth, and fifth decks will feature sliding glass doors that lead to private balconies.
As pictured, the back half of the ship was recently rolled out of the fabrication building while the front half was rolled out several weeks ago. Both halves will meet at the launchway adjacent to the water, welded together, and then the whole ship will be slid into the Wicomico River this summer. Eagle Society members will have the opportunity to tour the construction progress aboard the ship towards the end of this year. Crews have also begun building a second ship which will run cruises along the Columbia and Snake Rivers from the Pacific Coast to the Idaho border. The décor of the ship will highlight the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Native American tribes who helped them. The other two boats will enter service between 2015 and 2017. Keep an eye out for more exciting updates on new additions to the American Cruise Lines fleet!
Holiday Cruises
The new boat, while still unnamed, will offer guests an
Make your holiday like no other, by joining us for a celebratory cruise through New Orleans or the Historic South. All holiday cruises include an onshore dinner and a free night aboard the ship prior to departure, along with additional special events. New Orleans Roundtrip aboard the Queen of the Mississippi
Historic South aboard the Independence Visit to Charleston’s Festival of Lights
Pre-cruise dinner at the world-famous Antoine’s Holiday concert at the JN Stone House in Natchez
Christmas Eve in Savannah with transportation to area churches
New Year’s Eve Gala onboard
Savannah’s epic New Year’s Eve firework display
For additional details, please speak with a cruise specialist today: 866-975-6052
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THE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES OF THE LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION In 1801, our newly inaugurated President, Thomas Jefferson, was eager to find and control the imagined “Northwest Passage.” In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery on the first leg of their journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase and beyond. The purpose of the expedition was to gather information on the weather, geography, and flora and fauna of an area previously unknown to Americans. The Expedition was exceptionally important to science and the new country’s knowledge of the West. Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery made the first reports, by measurement and observations, of the Missouri and Columbia Rivers as they wound from St. Louis, MO to Astoria, OR. They were the first people to systematically record the meteorology of the West. Incredibly, the temperature records Lewis and Clark took were quite accurate. Their findings agree well with modern records of the temperatures in the area. For example, Lewis and Clark determined that the average low temperature in Montana in June/July is 50°F. This finding is within 2°F of the prediction of modern data. As they traveled almost 8,000 miles, they encountered a diversity of animals. Some of the animals they observed along their journey were prairie dogs, pronghorn antelopes, bighorn sheep, blacktailed deer, mountain beavers,
white weasel, mountain goats, coyotes, and various species of rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and wolves. Lewis sent five live animals back to Thomas Jefferson in 1805, including a prairie dog which spent the rest of its life as a resident of the White House.
western states: the Oregon Grape Flower, the Syringa in Idaho, and the Bitterroot in Montana. When Lewis and Clark reached the end of the Columbia River at the northwestern tip of Oregon in 1805, the weather was severe.
A portion of map believed to have been drawn in 1807 by Robert Frazer, a member of the Corps of Discovery.
Geographically, Lewis and Clark made significant topographical discoveries about the land. This was important to determining how the area could be traveled and how goods could be moved in and out of the Louisiana Purchase. Clark, who had experience in cartography, drew numerous maps of the area including three which depicted the western United States and southwestern Canada. The botanical findings of the Corps of Discovery were significant to science but the plants also served as food, medicine, and transportation during their expedition. Specifically they discovered the future state flowers of three
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It was so harsh that they realized they would have to take shelter near present-day Astoria, OR until the spring. Fort Clatsop is a reconstruction of the fort they originally built at this site. During their stay in Astoria, they distilled salt at a cairn nearby, compiled their scientific observations, and traded and communicated with neighboring indigenous groups. Once spring approached in March of 1806, the Corps of Discovery made their trip back home. As they returned back to Jefferson, they brought with them a multitude of findings which would aid America’s expansion from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.
IN SEARCH OF LEWIS AND CLARK [continued from page 1] with a hostile tribe of Blackfoot Indians. At the end of their 7,000 mile round trip journey from St. Louis, which took two years, four months, and ten days, they only lost one man and that was from appendicitis. Lewis and Clark brought back drawings of the animals, vegetation, and Indians that they encountered, diaries and log books from many of the men, along with over a hundred very detailed maps. They had been good ambassadors to many Indian
tribes. Several Indian chiefs went back to Washington to meet the “Great White Father” along with a few prairie dogs, one of which became Jefferson’s pet for a while.
The weather ranged from the mid 50’s to the mid 70’s and was very dry, until we got to Astoria and Portland, where it was rainy and too cold for us Floridians.
We passed beautiful scenery traveling from the desert to the temperate rainforest and some nice little towns along the way. We saw Mt. Hood briefly before it hid in the clouds, luckily we had a very clear day for the trip to Mount St. Helens. It was very impressive even though its top was replaced with a massive crater when it erupted in 1980.
There were 104 passengers and during the week we met so many interesting folks. The all-American crew was mostly college students, who were very attentive and pleasant, and they all spoke English. Riverboat cruising is a great way to travel. We highly recommend this laid-back method of seeing our great country!
EXPLORING THE
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE WITH American Cruise Lines is partnering with Smithsonian to present “Exploring the American Experience,” a pursuit to help deliver knowledge on the most unique aspects of American culture. It enlivens the compelling stories of our past to inform our understanding of the world today. A number of our cruises are designed to further the Smithsonian mission by providing guests with a genuine perspective of admired historic figures and places.
has been preserved as such to offer visitors a peek back in time. The ship then cruises to Martha’s Vineyard, MA and Newport, RI, where guests learn about the history and architecture of each town. The cruise also stops at other locations such as Block Island and Bristol, RI. American Cruise Lines also offers other opportunities to gain an introspective view into
One such itinerary takes guests on an exceptional journey through southeastern New England. American Cruise Lines’ New England Islands trip first stops in Nantucket, MA, which is surrounded by 82 miles of pristine beachfront. The island served as a whaling village 200 years ago and
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our nation’s history. Whichever destination you have in mind to explore the American Experience, let American Cruise Lines be your guide. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the “Star Spangled Banner” with American Cruise Lines as you tour sights of historical significance on the Chesapeake Bay cruise.
UPCOMING EAGLE SOCIETY CRUISES Each year, in addition to the many amazing cruises offered, American Cruise Lines dedicates exclusive itineraries to the Eagle Society. These trips offer a unique experience that goes above and beyond what may be provided during other cruises. Special features include shore tours which take you behind the scenes at museums, historic sites, gardens and parks, and an Eagle Society reception at a historically significant venue. Historic South & Golden Isles aboard the Independence • March 14, 2015 Cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway and experience America’s Gilded Age from the Southern comforts of South Carolina to the northern Florida sunshine. This journey provides an abundance of natural beauty, regional cuisines, and architectural treasures from plantations to centuries-old towns. During your trip you will have the opportunity to tour Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia. The site has since been designated a National Historic Landmark for visitors to view the 240 acres of extravagant homes, some of which were owned by influential wealthy families such as the Rockefellers. In addition, this stop will feature a reception outside Crane Cottage, an Italian-Renaissance-style cottage with a formal Sunken Garden. New Orleans Roundtrip aboard the Queen of the Mississippi • March 21, 2015 Travel through the land of bayous and Southern belles, with the culture of New Orleans, the Big Easy, emanating throughout the trip. You can expect to step back in time to the grand era of steamboating on the finest paddlewheeler to ever grace the Mississippi River. During your adventure, you will enjoy special access to the Houmas House mansion and grounds as you explore this true American landmark. Following the tour, you will be treated to locally-selected hors d’oeuvres and refreshments amidst its beautiful gardens and ponds.
ADDITIONAL EAGLE SOCIETY CRUISES In addition to the Historic South and the New Orleans Roundtrip cruise, American Cruise Lines is offering the following Eagle Society cruises through other beautiful parts of the Unted States. Great Rivers of Florida aboard the American Glory • April 11, 2015 Columbia & Snake Rivers aboard the Queen of the West • May 2, 2015; August 29, 2015 Southeast Alaska aboard the American Spirit • July 11, 2015 Cincinnati to St. Louis aboard the Queen of the Mississippi July 25, 2015 New England Islands aboard the American Star • August 15, 2015 St. Paul to St. Louis aboard the Queen of the Mississippi • October 17, 2015 Puget Sound & San Juan Islands aboard the American Spirit • October 24, 2015 For additional details on Eagle Society cruises, please speak with a cruise specialist today: 866-975-6052
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EMPLOYEE PROFILE: CHELSEA HARGIS What is your job at American Cruise Lines? Hotel Manager
it a point to get every single guest up to the fourth deck to experience the #1 rated American Spirit Hot Chocolate Bar as we cruise through what compares to paradise in the Tracy Arm Fjord.
Where are you from? East Lyme, CT
What has been your most memorable moment?
How did you get into working with American Cruise Lines?
It’s difficult to choose one memorable moment out of experiencing so many great places and meeting so many people. In general, every 4th of July and New Year’s Eve onboard have been memorable, since guests and crew can all go up to the observation deck with a front row seat to the firework display while the people from the town crowd together on the street. I think out of Stevenson, WA, Skagway, AK, and Savannah, GA, I would have to say Skagway was my favorite sight largely due to the dramatic mountain backdrop.
I started looking for hospitality jobs after completing my master’s degree in hospitality and tourism management. After a few months of not being able to land a job right out of school, I came across a listing for the assistant manager position for American Cruise Lines. I decided to send in my resume and heard back pretty quickly. The next thing I knew, I was learning about gangways and bow thrusters.
What things do you enjoy most about your job?
How long have you been working with American Cruise Lines and what has made you want to stay?
I love the ability to be a manager during a neverending event. There is always something to do or see so days go by so fast. Despite having the same routine every day, I’m always with interesting and fascinating people who have so much to share in terms of stories and knowledge—both guests and crew members alike. I have not gone one day without learning something new from a guest or another crew member. I also can’t leave out the fact that I can wake up each day in a different port, many of which are the hidden gems of the United States.
I am currently on my fourth straight season with the company. I have had the opportunity to travel on all of the East Coast trips as the Independence made its way up the coast in 2011. I was then asked to travel out west on the Columbia and Snake Rivers for the summer, followed by the Hudson River and all of the trips back down the East Coast with the American Star. My second year, I was asked to work the two Alaska itineraries and Puget Sound shortly after, during my third year. I can’t help but stay with the company if they keep adding these great itineraries!
What tips do you have for passengers to get the most out of their experience? The simple pleasures of cruising with American Cruise Lines come from exploring the unique and charming quality of each port, combined with admiring the scenery along the coast. Yes, our shore excursions are a great supplement to the cruise, but sometimes just sitting on the top deck enjoying the fresh air or relaxing in the lounge reading can be just as enjoyable.
What is your favorite cruise and why? I might have to agree with most of our guests when they say their favorite cruise is the one they’re on at that time; however, the Puget Sound & San Juan Islands trip and the Alaska itineraries are definitely up there on my list. The Pacific Northwest is absolutely beautiful. The Puget Sound itinerary has quaint ports with lots of shopping and restaurants available in addition to tours that venture to Victoria, BC and Olympic National Park (to name a couple). On each Alaska itinerary I’m on, I make
What are the five most important things you suggest a guest should bring onboard? Comfortable shoes, a camera, a hat, sweater or light jacket, and an appetite!
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SPOTLIGHT ON TODD WEBER Todd is a living history presenter and educational tour guide; specializing in the explorers, patriots, and adventurers of American history. His love for history began at an early age as he enjoyed hearing stories of fur traders, Indians, and the explorers. Always thirsty for more immersion in history, he spent his summers visiting forts and battlefields. His interests and experiences lie in river running, camping (both with modern and primitive gear), and boating. He has been a historian aboard vessels on the Columbia River for ten years. What is your favorite trip that you have been on? Why is it your favorite?
What is the most challenging thing you have ever experienced during one of your camping trips?
Alaska has been my favorite trip by far because the scenery is so pristine and the pace of life is much slower than elsewhere. Most significantly, it gets people out of their bubble of everyday life. People get so drawn in to their electronics and their home that they sometimes forget to stop and appreciate this beautiful, natural world we have the pleasure of living in.
During a Grand Canyon river trip with friends, I took a hike by myself at dusk. Trying to get away from the noise of my other campsite mates, I placed my sleeping bag in an area separate from them. I looked back at my sleeping bag as I stepped away from it for a minute and there was something on it. I couldn’t make out what it was at first. As I worked on focusing my eyesight in the dim light, I realized it was a very unfriendly character, a four foot long rattlesnake!
The wildlife is also amazing and is constantly present around you. The land surrounding us is constantly changing and that is evident in the mountains, the glaciers, the water, and everything you see there. To paraphrase John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club, here in Alaska, in this beautiful land, we see God’s hand in creation in the making.
Needing to get to my sleeping bag, I grabbed a stick and threw the snake as far as I possibly could. It was relentless, though and continued to come back to rest on my sleeping bag. I picked up a stick again and threw it once more away from my site. But it continued to come back. The final time I saw it, I picked it up and threw it with all my might as far as I possibly could then grabbed my stuff and moved to where all of the other campers were laying.
This year marks the third year that I’ve been to Alaska and it still leaves me with a sense of awe where life is reduced to the basic elements of air, earth, fire, and water.
If you were traveling somewhere and could only bring three items, what would you bring?
Is there a place in American you haven’t visited and would like to?
My wife, a sense of adventure, and a corkscrew, to enjoy some delicious wine, of course.
I would have to say I would like to visit the New England seaboard. I actually spent the very beginning of my childhood there but I wasn’t old enough to really experience the area. As a history enthusiast it excites me to think that it’s the first place the Pilgrims touched land in America. I would love to experience the history that is so wellpreserved in New England.
Todd currently accompanies all guests on the Columbia and Snake River cruises. If you would like to explore the Pacific Northwest with him or if you would like to experience another destination he references, please call a Cruise Specialist at 866-975-6052.
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INTERVIEW WITH BEN & EMILIE CARTER In Search of Lewis & Clark, the front page article included in this newsletter, was written by Emilie and Ben Carter. Both are members of the Honeywell Retirees Club in Florida. The article was originally published in the Honeywell Retirees Club June 2014 newsletter. The Carters are avid travelers and have been on a total of 32 cruises. They most recently sailed with American Cruise Lines on our Columbia and Snake River cruise which follows the Washington/Oregon border. They enjoyed their trip so much, they were delighted to speak with us about their experience. What is one feature of the American Cruise Lines cruise that was different than the others?
We met a lot of interesting people. The people were very different and had been to a variety of different places. Many of the passengers had been in the military so we set up a conversation onboard about our time served. It generated quite a discussion and even non-veterans came to listen.
Without any question that would be the cocktail hour hosted every night before dinner! What was your favorite part about the cruise?
Do you have any other comments you’d like to make to our readers?
The riverlorian, Todd Weber. Although we had already read about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, he truly livened up the story with his vivid narration.
We really enjoyed the cruise and are looking forward to with traveling with American Cruise Lines again; perhaps on the Mississippi River or through New England.
In your article, you mentioned you met some interesting people aboard the ship. Who was the most interesting passenger?
FRIENDS AND FAMILY REFERRAL PROGRAM To members of the Eagle Society, we offer a brand new, limited time referral program. Refer a friend or family member and once they reserve, you will receive a $500 courtesy savings* per stateroom for your next cruise. Additionally, if cruising together, your referral will be upgraded to Eagle Society status on their first cruise so you can enjoy the benefits of Eagle Society membership together. After all, we believe sharing your trip with those closest to you is one way to create the most memorable experience.
Please send us the enclosed card with the requested information. Our cruise specialists will take care of the rest. We hope you enjoy and look forward to seeing you onboard again soon! Tell us about your favorite trip with American Cruise Lines. Please send responses to eaglesociety@americancruiselines.com.
* Subject to change at any time. Please call a Cruise Specialist for details at 1-866-975-6052.
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