Captain’s
newsletter
741 Boston Post Road, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437 • 1-888-533-8046
November 2014
INTRODUCING THE AMERICAN EAGLE
The Chesapeake Shipbuilding crews located in Salisbury, Maryland have been busy making the final push towards completing the American Eagle on time for the inaugural spring 2015 launch along the Mississippi River. Recently, the teams have completed all of the electrical work, exterior painting and carpet installation. This brand-new ship seamlessly blends traditional Victorian paddlewheeler accents
with contemporary features and amenities, making this our grandest ship to date. The new paddlewheeler will carry 150 guests and offers the largest staterooms in the industry with more private balconies than any other riverboat. These staterooms offer floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors so you can revel in the passing scenery from the comfort and privacy of your own room. Continued on page 4
IN THIS ISSUE: Eagle Society Passenger Profile........page 2 Join the Eagle Society......................page 3
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437
You Deserve an “Award” Winning Thank You........................page 3 Introducing the American Eagle.......page 4 Enjoy a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Package - On Us!...........page 5 Employee Spotlight.........................page 6 Explorations of the Northwestern Wilderness................page 7 Port Townsend - A Stop to Remember..................................page 8
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PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #222 DEEP RIVER, CT
EAGLE SOCIETY PASSENGER PROFILE SANDY AND DICK CLEM | PEORIA, AZ
Twinkie. While Mike was aboard the American Spirit as a Hotel Manager on an Alaskan cruise, Sandy mentioned to him her craving for a Twinkie. As if by magic, Mike was able to fulfill her request and managed to get his hands on a box of this crème-filled dessert (not an easy task when you’re in the middle of icy glaciers and steep Alaskan mountains). Since then, Mike always makes sure there’s a box of Twinkies on each cruise she takes with us.
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Butchart Gardens
Eagle Society members Sandy and Dick Clem are an adventurous couple who love to travel and explore new cultures and regions. Having completed nine different American Cruise Lines itineraries, they have quickly become experts in small ship cruising. They particularly enjoy the variety of the cruises we offer, the exciting shore excursions, the all-American crew and of course, making new friends along the way.
Dick and Sandy cherish the fact that through cruising they are able to visit and experience so many wonderful locations without feeling rushed. While in port, they carefully select shore excursions that highlight the best part of each region, embracing the heritage of that town or port.
Everyone made an effort to make passengers feel at home.
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They are very excited about their next American Cruise Lines vacation where they’ll be experiencing their – Sandy Clem personal favorite itinerary, the New England Islands. As Eagle Society members, they are also anxious because they know after this tenth cruise, their eleventh cruise is free! We look forward to welcoming them back aboard.
Recently they returned from our tranquil Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise. Sandy commented on how the crew did an outstanding job, “Everyone made an effort to make passengers feel at home.” She appreciated that on this cruise, as well as many of their other cruises, personnel from the corporate office stopped by for a visit including the Vice President of Hotel Operations, Paul Taiclet, and Tour Operations Manager, Mike Olivo. Each took time to introduce themselves to the passengers and ensure all their needs were being met.
Sandy and Dick would like to thank the following staff for making their recent cruise on the Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands an especially memorable experience: Chelsea Hargis, Hotel Manager Wilfredo Morales, Head Chef Carlos Cortez, Sous Chef
Because the staff is so friendly and attentive Sandy has had the opportunity to get to know them personally. In particular, she and Mike Olivo developed a quick friendship over an iconic American snack cake—the
They would also like to mention that they are always delighted when Captain Henry Thorpe and Mate John Keereweer are onboard.
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Th e E ag l e S o c i e t y ™ of American Cruise Lines
JOIN THE EAGLE SOCIETY As a past guest of American Cruise Lines, we invite you to join our Eagle Society program. The Eagle Society is made up of a community of guests, like yourself, who share a passion and appreciation for travel. As a member you receive access to special discounts, Hometown VIP Access, complimentary shore excursions, our referral program and more! How to Join Go to www.americancruiselines.com/eagle to enroll or call a Cruise Specialist at 1-866-975-6052. What is Hometown VIP Access? When an American Cruise Lines ship is docked in an Eagle Society member’s home port, we welcome that member to come aboard for cocktail hour or a complimentary meal. How do you arrange this visit? Once you’re enrolled in the Eagle Society, simply call a Cruise Specialist at 1-866-975-6052 to find out when a ship will be in your hometown and they will arrange for you to come aboard. It’s that simple.
Subject to change at any time.
YOU DESERVE AN “AWARD” WINNING THANK YOU 2014 has been an amazing year full of industry accolades. We would like to take a moment to thank all of our past guests and employees for helping American Cruise Lines become the recognized leader in small ship cruising. Below are just a few of the prestigious awards we’ve received because of you. Finalist for Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Winner of Gold and Silver Magellan Awards for Travel Weekly Winner: Best Small Ship Category Queen of the Mississippi
Porthole Readers’ Choice Awards Winner of 2014 North America’s Leading River Cruise Company for World Travel Awards
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INTRODUCING THE AMERICAN EAGLE Continued from page 1
The American Eagle will begin its maiden voyage on April 11, 2015 in New Orleans. Similar to the Queen of the Mississippi, it will feature various itineraries from New Orleans all the way to Minneapolis-St. Paul.
assist you with your trip and are available seven days a week at 1-888-533-8046.
For those who can’t wait until the spring launch, we are inviting guests to Chesapeake Shipbuilding for an exclusive “behind the scenes” tour this winter. Please call our offices at 1-888-533-8046 to arrange your visit. We anticipate the American Eagle cruises to fill up quickly, so if you’re interested in booking, please call today. Our Cruise Specialists will be happy to
American Eagle at Chesapeake Shipbuilding
LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC AMERICAN EAGLE THEMED CRUISE? The American Eagle has something for everyone. Mississippi River Jazz Cruise · May 30, 2015 Join American Cruise Lines as we celebrate the rich musical traditions of the Lower Mississippi as we travel from New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TN. This cruise includes soulful onboard performances and guided shore excursions that highlight the musical styles of jazz, bluegrass and rock n’ roll. Mississippi River Culinary Cruise · June 13, 2015 We invite you to join us on our Culinary Cruise for an engaging and sensory experience. This cruise will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn Cajun and Creole cooking secrets. From Gumbo to Jambalaya, guests will learn to recreate delicious southern inspired meals through interactive demonstrations and the help of onboard culinary experts.
To learn more about these exciting itineraries, call a Cruise Specialist today at 1-888-533-8046.
Subject to change at any time.
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ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY PRE-CRUISE PACKAGE - ON US! COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS · MARCH 28, 2015
As a special offer we are inviting guests to help us celebrate the spring cruise season on the Columbia & Snake Rivers with a complimentary pre-cruise package. This package includes an extra night stay aboard the Queen of the West, an exclusive tour of the Pittock Mansion, a visit to the Portland Saturday Market and much more!
Queen of the West
Friday, March 27th, 2015 • Complimentary extra night stay aboard the Queen of the West • Private tour of the Pittock Mansion given by the home’s Executive Director Built in 1914, The Pittock Mansion was home to Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock. Built using traditional Northwestern materials, this iconic landmark sits on 46 acres of land and almost a 1,000 feet above the city of Portland. • Cocktail hour with a champagne toast to kick off the 2015 season • Dinner celebration aboard featuring our Cruise Local. Eat Local. culinary program
Dave Duthie & Bo Ayars
• Evening musical entertainment featuring Dave Duthie & Bo Ayars covering music from the Great American Songbook Saturday, March 28th, 2015 • Special visit to the Portland Saturday Market Located in the Old Town neighborhood, the Portland Saturday Market is one of the largest open-air markets featuring locally handmade arts, crafts and food from the Pacific Northwest.
OTHER EXCITING ITINERARIES Mississippi River Music Cruise · March 14, 2015 New Orleans Round Trip Civil War Theme Cruise · March 21, 2015 Historic South & Golden Isles Food & Wine Cruise · April 11, 2015 Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands For more details call a Cruise Specialist today at 1-888-533-8046. Subject to change at any time.
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Local artists
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT keeper in northern Maine. Ever since I was a child I’ve been fascinated with lighthouses. I love the people and the culture of Maine that I interact with each week. The food is a big part of any visit to Maine as well. Q: What has been your most memorable experience working onboard the ship? A: The lobsterbakes in Maine, visits to mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, New Orleans Mardi Gras and Mount St. Helens in Washington State are big highlights for me. Although, meeting new passengers and sharing stories has been the most impactful part of my cruising experience. Q: What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most? A: Seeing our Eagle Society members is by far the aspect I enjoy most about my job. Nothing thrills me more to see a familiar face walk down the gangway on embarkation day.
Drew Godfrey currently works aboard the Independence as a Hotel Manager. He has also traveled on many of our other vessels such as the Queen of the Mississippi and the Queen of the West. He enjoys seeing new and familiar faces onboard and is happy to help guests have a fun and relaxing experience.
Q: What tips do you have for guests to get the most out of their experience? A: I always tell the guests that we can do just about anything for them to make their cruise the most memorable vacation ever. If there is anything that would make a passenger’s cruise more enjoyable, we ask him or her to let us know; we are glad to do anything in our power to create lasting memories.
Q: What inspired you to work with American Cruise Lines? A: I was managing a resort and sat at a desk all day doing the same thing day in and day out. I decided that I needed adventure from the mundane. I began searching for a management position in which I could travel, explore and meet new people. I applied to work onboard, was offered the position of Assistant Hotel Manager and it has been a life changing experience ever since.
Q: What are the five most important things you suggest a guest should bring onboard? A: A camera, journal, comfortable walking shoes, an appetite for tasty, local cuisine and an open mind to learn something new.
Q: How long have you been working with American Cruise Lines? A: Since late 2007 and I am now completing my seventh year with the company. Q: What do you enjoy most about working on a small cruise ship? A: The people that I meet. Life is about relationships and the people you encounter. The intimacy of the American Cruise Lines vessels allows me to interact with all of my guests daily. Q: What is your favorite cruise and why? A: Maine!! My great, great grandfather was a lighthouse
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EXPLORATIONS OF THE NORTHWESTERN WILDERNESS San Victoria, BC da
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In the inviting city of Port Angeles, Washington, guests can embark on the Butchart Gardens and Victoria City Tour. Here you’ll need your passport as the day begins with a short ferry ride to Victoria, Canada, where you’ll take a guided tour of the awe inspiring fifty five-acre Butchart Gardens. After visiting the gardens, return back to the inner harbor for lunch and a city tour of Victoria’s boutique shops, parks and parlors.
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The city of Anacortes, located in Washington, is home port to the San Juan Islands. Attractions include whale watching, shopping in the vibrant Old Town area, exquisite seafood, bird watching and more. A local favorite is the SeaBear Salmon Tasting Tour where visitors can experience and taste the centuries-old tradition of smoking salmon.
Friday Harbor
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The Puget Sound region is made up of a complex interweaving of marine waterways and islands, making this region a fascinating place to explore. Location highlights on our Puget Sound & San Juan Islands cruise include many interesting shore and aquatic experiences.
Seattle
In addition to the wonderful ports, the Puget Sound region is also home to some very active wildlife. Eagles, whales, orcas and seals are abundant, making the Puget Sound a magnificent place to learn about its biodiversity.
Another fascinating location is Poulsbo, Washington, also known as “Little Norway.” Settled in 1892 by Norwegian loggers and fisherman, the city is now home to numerous Scandinavian themed art galleries, specialty shops and the famed Front Street. Here guests can indulge on a true regional treat known as Poulsbo Bread, which is produced daily at the local bakery.
To learn more about these interesting ports, the plants and animals of this region, as the well as its intriguing history, join American Cruise Lines aboard the American Spirit for our Puget Sound & San Juan Islands cruise. Please go online or call a Cruise Specialist today at 1-888-533-8046 for further details.
San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker in the distance
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PORT TOWNSEND - A STOP TO REMEMBER On our Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise, each town we visit has its own unique character and intrigue, but Port Townsend stands out among guests as a popular place to visit. Named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792 and officially founded in 1851, Port Townsend is known for its historic charm, picturesque State Park and active seaport. As your ship docks here, be sure to take advantage of the many exciting opportunities that await you in this town stunningly framed by vistas of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.
SHORE EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS Fort Worden State Park Tour Built in 1902 as part of the “Triangle of Fire,” history buffs will delight in its multitude of sightseeing attractions here such as military bunkers, the Point Wilson Lighthouse and Alexander’s Castle. Much like other castles, it’s said the castle has a romantic history—Reverend Alexander, an Episcopal minister, bought the land and built the castle to entice his prospective bride from her homeland of Scotland. This castle, as well as the rest of the park, are set on a high bluff overlooking the Puget Sound, offering guests a beautiful setting for learning about its history.
Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend Walking Tour On this guided tour through Port Townsend’s historic district you will learn about the town’s 19th century fishing, shipping and military heritage. As you explore, you’ll notice Victorian homes that have been carefully preserved in this National Historic Landmark city. Its vibrant downtown also offers a variety of places to stroll through such as museums, art galleries and specialty boutiques. If you enroll in the Eagle Society, these tours are complimentary after you’ve cruised with us at least three times. To learn more about the Eagle Society or these shore excursions, call a Cruise Specialist today at 1-888-533-8046.
Victorian buildings in Port Townsend, WA
Subject to change at any time. Additional fees many apply for certain shore excursions.
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