Welcome Aboard
Your East Coast Inland Passage Cruise From Baltimore, MD to Jacksonville, FL Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Table of Contents
Welcome.....................................................3 Ports of Call................................................4 Getting to Baltimore and Your Ship.............6 Boarding Your Ship.....................................8 What to Bring.............................................9 Meals & Cocktails.......................................10 Shore Tour General Information..................11 General Onboard Information.....................12 Concluding Your Cruise & End of Cruise Transporation Services..........13 Port by Port Shore Tour Details...................14
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Welcome Aboard Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines. From your reservation to your experience aboard the ship, American Cruise Lines is with you every step of the way. Your cruise specialist is always just a phone call away and will be happy to assist you with everything from celebrating a special occasion to ensuring that your stateroom is just the way you like it.
The following pages will answer many of your questions about the cruise and your onboard experience. Your cruise specialist is available and can be reached at (800) 894-8570. www.americancruiselines.com
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Ports of Call
MARYLAND
Baltimore Washington
VIRGINIA NORTH CAROLINA
Morehead City
SOUTH Wilmington CAROLINA
Norfolk Kitty Hawk Beaufort
Myrtle Charleston Beach ATLANTIC OCEAN GEORGIA Beaufort Hilton Head Is. Savannah Sapelo Is. St. Simons Is. Jekyll Is. Jacksonville Amelia Is. N
FLORIDA
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Baltimore, MD Norfolk, VA Kitty Hawk, NC Day of River Cruising Morehead City /Beaufort, NC Wilmington, NC Myrtle Beach, SC Charleston, SC Beaufort, SC Hilton Head, SC Savannah, GA Sapelo Island, GA St. Simons Island, GA Jekyll Island, GA Jacksonville, FL area (Amelia Island) Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents. Savannah
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Getting to Baltimore and Your Ship Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Arrival Location:
Baltimore Inner Harbor National Aquarium 501 East Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21202
The ship will be docked at Constellation Pier and is easily accessed from the arrival location. Please tell taxi drivers to bring you to the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor. Some taxi drivers may incorrectly assume that your ship will be docked at the Baltimore Mega Cruise Ship Terminal. As soon as you arrive at the aquarium, you will see American Cruise Lines deckhands in their signature red shirts.
Flying into Baltimore
The best airport to fly into is Baltimore-Washington International Airport. It is only approximately 15 minutes to the ship by taxi. 6
Taking the Train to Baltimore
Amtrak provides regular train service to Baltimore Penn Station. The station is approximately 10 minutes to the ship by taxi.
Driving to Baltimore
The ship is docked at the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Secure commercial parking is available at LAZ Parking Garage at 100 South Gay St., Baltimore, MD 21202. The garage is only one block from the ship. Please request a parking pass in advance from your cruise specialist to take advantage of the special American Cruise Lines rate.
Upon arrival at the aquarium, you will see American Cruise Lines deckhands in their signature red shirts. You may drop your bags off at the pier before parking so that they can be brought to your stateroom in advance.
Staying in Baltimore
These hotels are all located near the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate.
nt
de
i res t
ee Str
USS Constellation
E Pratt St
Pier 4
National Aquarium
Inner Harbor
(410) 962-0202 2
Baltimore
E Hughes St Hanover St
Subject to change.
E Lombard St
SP
Marriott Hotel Inner Harbor 110 South Eutaw Street Baltimore, MD 21202
(800) 468-3571 (410) 547-1200
Hyatt Regency Baltimore E. ay W Conway Conw St St
PARKING LOCATION Landmark ParkingInner Harbor Garage 100 S Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202
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Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace
Light St
Renaissance Harborplace Hotel 202 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202
P
S Gay St
S Charles St
This hotel offers a special American Cruise Lines parking rate with hotel stay.
Commerce St
(800) 233-1234 (410) 528-1234
S Calvert St
Hyatt Regency 300 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21202
ARRIVAL/SHIP LOCATION Baltimore Inner Harbor National Aquarium 501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202
E Montgomery St
Key Hwy 500 ft
Warren Ave
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Boarding Your Ship Boarding Time
Please plan to arrive at the ship between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You may not be able to access your stateroom until about 11:30 a.m. The ship will leave at 1:30 p.m. or earlier if all guests have arrived.
From the moment you arrive, everything will be handled for you. American Cruise Lines deckhands wear a distinctive red shirt and will unload your luggage from your car or taxi and bring it to your stateroom aboard the ship. Please keep your boarding passes with you, as it is not necessary for you to stay with your luggage.
The Cruise Director will be awaiting your arrival at the gangway of the ship. Please present your boarding passes and photo ID at this time.
Luggage and Luggage Tags
American Cruise Lines places no restrictions on luggage. However, it is recommended that you bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed. You will be receiving luggage tags with your boarding pass before your cruise. If you would like additional tags, your cruise specialist will be happy to send you more. If you have cruised with us before, please remove your old luggage tags. 8
Subject to change.
What to Bring Casual resort attire is recommended both on the ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a button-down shirt and slacks, with sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater and slacks, or a dress appropriate.
American Cruise Lines also recommends that you bring the following: • • • • • • • •
Comfortable resort attire Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen Hat Light rain wear Jacket for cool evenings Camera Photo identification
Please do not hesitate to ask your Hotel Manager for any item that you may have forgotten.
Ornate antebellum architecture in Charleston, SC 9
Meals and Cocktails American Cruise Lines offers open seating at every meal in the Dining Salon on the Main Deck. Dress is resort attire. At dinner, men often wear a sport coat and women often wear a dress.
Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.
Breakfast is prepared to order at your leisure between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Special Diets and Medications
American Cruise Lines will work to meet any dietary needs. Please tell your cruise specialist approximately two weeks prior to your cruise so that we may plan accordingly.
Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m.
Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and you are welcome to join us at any time before 7:30 p.m. American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening at 5:30 p.m. before dinner. 10
Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection. Subject to change.
Shore Tours Please note that all shore tours are subject to availability and change. Your onshore experience is as important as your onboard experience, so American Cruise Lines has taken special care to research and plan excursions at each port. With American Cruise Lines, you will experience what makes each destination a special place. Every tour will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you true insight to the area’s culture, heritage and history. On each excursion, you’ll be joined by local experts, historians or naturalists to further enhance your experience.
For detailed descriptions of each tour, please see pages 14–19.
All shore excursions on the East Coast Inland Passage Cruise are Premium:
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Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be Premium paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise.
You may sign up for most tours onboard with the Cruise Director. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to making your onshore experience a true American Adventure.
For additional information about the places you will visit or alternative activities available, your Cruise Director or onboard guest speaker will be happy to help.
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General Onboard Information American Cruise Lines will work to meet your onboard needs and cater to special requests. Please let your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director know if there is anything that you need or would like to see provided.
Emergency Messages
Emergency messages can be directed to the main office in Connecticut at (800) 894-8570. They will be relayed to the ship at the first opportunity. You are urged to provide American Cruise Lines with email addresses and cellular phone numbers, as well as an emergency contact prior to your departure date. Cell phones are generally available onboard the ship for emergency purposes.
Cruising the Intracoastal Waterway 12
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your personal discretion. Tips are generally given to the Hotel Manager near the end of the cruise. They are then divided equally among the stewards and deckhands. Tips generally average about $125 per person on a 7-night cruise. Stewards and deckhands do not expect and cannot accept tips directly. Credit cards, personal or travelers checks, and cash are accepted. If you choose to pay by credit card, please contact the Hotel Manager at least one day before the end of your cruise.
Concluding Your Cruise
Your ship will arrive in Baltimore, MD the evening prior to the final day of the cruise. The ship docks at the National Aquarium at the Baltimore Inner Harbor, located at 501 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD, 21202. On the last day, breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and passengers may disembark until 8:30 a.m. Your Hotel Manager and Cruise Director will be available to assist with travel arrangements.
End of Cruise Transportation Services American Cruise Lines offers transportation for passengers flying home.
Transportation departs from the ship in Jacksonville to: Jacksonville Airport – departs the ship at 8:30 a.m.
For more information, prices, or transfer reservations, please call a customer service specialist at 1 (800) 894-8570. During the cruise, the Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will also be happy to assist with travel arrangements.
Subject to change.
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Hilton Head, SC
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Port by Port Shore Tour Information Norfolk, VA
Narrated Bus Tour
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Discover the rich maritime history of this charming city during a tour through the historic district of Norfolk. The tour will make a stop at Naval Station Norfolk, where you will have the opportunity to see aircraft carriers. On the tour, you will also see historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition.
Narrated Beach Tour
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Explore Virginia Beach during a relaxing riding tour through this beautiful port. This guided bus tour includes stops at the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse as well as the breathtaking Norfolk Botanical Gardens, which feature 155 acres of breathtaking scenery, coastal waterways, and miles of pedestrian trails. 14
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk
K itty H awk, NC
Wright Brothers Memorial
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Learn about the history, legend and lore of the Outer Banks as you travel to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC. Enjoy an introduction by a park ranger and learn about the fascinating history of aviation that took place at this site. After the introduction, tour the Visitor’s Center where the Wright brothers’ story is told through exhibits
Tours Subject to Availability and Change
Following the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit two of Beaufort’s historical homes
Wilmington, NC
City Tour & Bellamy Mansion
The Wright brothers historic flight
and reproductions or climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a breathtaking view of the area from sound to sea.
Morehead City, NC
Beaufort City & House Tour
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Hop aboard and discover Beaufort’s historic district from atop a 1967 English double-decker bus. Local narrators tell the tales of Beaufort’s rich past featuring pirates, star-crossed lovers, and Confederate spies.
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Enjoy a narrated trolley tour of Wilmington’s Historic District. After the trolley tour you will visit Bellamy Mansion, one of North Carolina’s most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture. After the mansion tour, there will be time to browse the many shops and sites that are within walking distance to the ship.
Charleston, SC
Charleston City Tour
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A city rich in history and tradition, Charleston’s Historic Downtown District has stood throughout its history as the cultural capital of the South and is considered by many to be a living museum. In this wonderfully preserved city, tour historic landmarks, including 18th century homes, the Battery, museums, and churches. 15
Beaufort, SC
Low Country Heritage Tour
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Step back in time with guides in period dress and discover the Low Country’s rich heritage through recollections, stories and song. On Lady’s Island and St. Helena, experience the distinct language and culture of the Gullah, known for preserving more of their African linguistic and cultural heritage than any other African-American community in the United States. You will also visit the Penn Center. Established by Abolitionists in 1862, the Penn School was the first school in the South to educate “newly freed” slaves. Today, the Penn Center is one of the most significant African-American historical and cultural institutions in existence.
Carriage Tour
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As the second oldest city in South Carolina, Beaufort is renowned for its impressive harbor and for maintaining a historic character through its striking antebellum architecture. With lovingly restored pre and post-Civil War mansions, and streets lined 16
Beaufort Carriage Tour
with centuriesold, moss-draped live oak trees, this area is best viewed by horsedrawn carriage where you’ll hear wonderful stories about the past and present owners of these lovely antebellum homes.
A Gullah woman makes a sweetgrass basket
Hilton Head Island, SC Alligator & Wildlife Tour
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Come aboard a 12-passenger electric boat for a onehour tour on the pristine lakes of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. The preserve is home to over 250 species of birds, nesting Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and the American alligator. Narrated by a low country eco-guide, get a close-up view of the abundant plant and animal life at this 605 acre preserve.
Savannah, GA
Trolley Tour of Savannah
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Known as Georgia’s first planned city, the Historic District’s 22 squares serve as the heart and soul of downtown Savannah and have been widely praised for their beauty. On a trolley tour of this exquisite city, you’ll visit Savannah’s Historic & Victorian Districts along with the city’s beautiful streets and green squares.
Guided Walking Tour
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On a two mile walking tour with a local expert, learn about Savannah’s history, gardens and beautiful architecture. Highlights include Savannah’s oldest neighborhood, Colonial Park Cemetery, the city’s famous squares, and a visit to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
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Hear inspiring stories of heroism, courage and sacrifice during WWII as you tour the Mighty
Tours Subject to Availability and Change
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Eighth Air Force Museum. The museum offers a range of exhibitions from WWII through today, with a great deal of visual, aural and written information focusing on WWII and the impact of the Eighth Air Force.
Sapelo Island, GA Narrated Island Tour
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State-protected Sapelo Island is thought to be the site of San Miguel de Gualdape, the shortlived first European settlement in presentday U.S. In the early 1800s, the island was developed into a plantation with Sea Island cotton, corn, and sugar cane. Discover the uniqueness of Sapelo on an exclusive tour, while island descendents guide you through the island’s history, with highlights including the mansion of R.J. Reynolds, the last millionaire to own the island; Sapelo Island Lighthouse; and the University of Georgia Marine Institute.
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One of Savannah’s beautiful parks
St. Simons Island
St. Simon’s Island Tour
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This island is the largest of the renowned Golden Isles, a group of barrier islands along the coast of Georgia. The island’s history is varied and unique, from early Spanish explorers, English colonization to the plantation era, along with its significance in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Learn the island’s history on a narrated tour including Fort Frederica and Bloody Marsh, the site of the famous 1742 battle.
Lady Jane Shrimp Boat Tour
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Traveling through the scenic Marshes of Glynn, south of St. Simons Sound, participate in a unique shrimp trawling excursion aboard the Lady Jane. Experience the life of a fisherman, hear their stories, learn the history of shrimping in Georgia’s waters, and best of all, indulge in their tasty bounty.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island Tram Tour/ Sea Turtle Center
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After exploring the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a marine turtle rehabilitation, research, and education facility, discover the fascinating history of Jekyll Island aboard a narrated tram tour. In 1886, the island was developed into a winter retreat for the wealthy. Until 1942, the Jekyll Club accommodated some of the world’s wealthiest people such as J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller and Cornelius Vanderbilt. Now the club is part of the island’s Historic District, known as Millionaire’s Village which features 240 acres of extravagant homes and winter cottages and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
The Rockefeller “cottage” on Jekyll Island
Tours Subject to Availability and Change
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Thank you for cruising with us! (800) 894-8570 www.americancruiselines.com
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437 (800) 894-8570
030215