Great Rivers of Florida - Welcome Aboard

Welcome Aboard

Your Great Rivers of Florida Cruise

Departing from and returning to Jacksonville, FL Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™

Table of Contents

Welcome................................................................... 3 Ports of Call............................................................ 4 Getting to Jacksonville and Your Ship...... 6 Boarding Your Ship............................................8 What to Bring.........................................................9 Meals & Cocktails............................................. 10 General Onboard Information....................11 Concluding Your Cruise & End of Cruise Transportation Services.12 Shore Tours......................................................... 12

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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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GEORGIA St. Marys

Ports of Call Jacksonville, FL

Amelia Is.

Jacksonville

Palatka, FL Ocala National Forest

FLORIDA

Palatka

er Riv ato Tolom ohns River St. J

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Green Cove Springs

Green Cove Springs, FL St. Augustine, FL Atlantic

Amelia Island, FL

Ocean

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Lake George Ocala National Forest

St. Augustine

Itineraries are subject to change.

A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents.

Castillo San Marco in St. Augustine 4

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Getting to Jacksonville and your ship Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.

Your Ship Is Docked At: Hyatt Regency Hotel 225 East Coastline Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202

Amtrak provides regular train service to the Jacksonville Train Station. The station is approximately 5 miles from the ship. Taxi service is readily available.

Driving to Jacksonville

(Ship is docked in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel)

Flying into Jacksonville Jacksonville International Airport is the best airport to fly into. The airport is approximately 18 miles from the ship. Taxi service is readily available. If you arrive the day before your cruise, you may stay at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel. On departure day, a shuttle will be offered from the hotel to the ship at 10:30 a.m. For more information, prices, or to reserve a space on the shuttle, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570.

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Taking the Train to Jacksonville

The ship will be located at 225 East Coastline Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32202, in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Upon arrival, you will see American Cruise Lines deckhands in bright red shirts ready to assist you. You may drop your bags off at the ship before parking so that they can be brought to your stateroom in advance. Parking is available at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Subject to change.

ARRIVAL LOCATION Hyatt Regency Hotel 225 East Coastline Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202

Staying in Jacksonville There are a number of hotel options around Jacksonville and near the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate.

(Ship is docked in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel)

Airport Hotel: (904) 741-4404

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Omni Riverwalk Hotel 245 Water Street Jacksonville, FL 32202

(904) 355-6664

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Hyatt Regency Hotel 225 East Coastline Drive Jacksonville, FL 32202

Subject to change.

Exit 353B

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Riverfront Hotels:

Jacksonville

Main

(A shuttle is offered by American Cruise Lines from this hotel to the ship at 10:30 a.m. on departure day. For more information, prices, or to reserve a space on the shuttle, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570.)

To Jacksonville International Airport

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Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Airport 14670 Duval Road Jacksonville, FL 32218

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St. Johns River

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Boarding Your Ship Boarding Time Please plan to arrive at the ship between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The ship will leave at 1:30 p.m., or earlier if all passengers have arrived.

From the moment you arrive, everything will be handled for you. American Cruise Lines deckhands wear distinctive red shirts 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.

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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 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.

Amelia Island Lighthouse across the salt marshes 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 Medicines

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.

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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.

Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection.

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.

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.

Subject to change.

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Concluding Your Cruise

Shore Tours

On most cruises, the ship will arrive in Jacksonville the evening prior to the last day of the cruise. On the last day of the cruise, breakfast service is available 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 you with travel arrangements.

Please note that all shore tours are subject to availablility 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.

End of Cruise Transportation Services

The following tours will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you 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.

American Cruise Lines offers the following transportation at the end of your cruise: Transportation goes from the ship to: Jacksonville Airport and the Crowne Plaza Hotel – departs the ship at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, prices, or reservations, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570. During the cruise, the Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will also be happy to assist with travel arrangements.

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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. You may sign up for shore excursions onboard with the Cruise Director. Shore excursions typically cost $20 to $70 and can be paid onboard near the end of your cruise. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to making your onshore experience a true American adventure.

Subject to change.

Green Cove Springs, FL

and the historic Palace Opera House and Motion Picture Show.

Horse Drawn Carriage Tour In the 1800s, Green Cove Springs attracted a surge of vacationers from the north, drawn to the warm mineral springs. Steamboat services brought the elite, searching for a warm retreat from the winter’s harsh climate. Observe crystal clear springs and explore the city’s fascinating historic district, which includes historic homes and a uniquely restored theatre, all by horse drawn carriage.

Narrated Walking Tour Experience the sights and sounds of Green Cove Springs during this one-hour guided tour. Discover colorful floral gardens as you make your way over foot bridges. Follow Spring Run to the center of Spring Park where you’ll find the city’s historic spring. Other tour highlights include the famous Qui-Si-Sana hotel, once owned by J.C. Penney,

Palatka, FL Blue Spring State Park Covering more than 2,600 acres, Blue Spring State Park is home to the largest spring on the St. John’s River and is a refuge for the West Indian manatee, one of the world’s most endangered species. In season, the manatees congregate here to enjoy the warmth of the year round 72-degree waters. Enjoy a peaceful nature boat tour of the park, where you will encounter a variety of wildlife, or tour on your own and visit the observation platform where the manatees gather.

Palatka City Tour The late 1800s marked the golden age of Palatka as a center for commerce and a popular attraction for tourists and wealthy northerners. Today, it remains a charming river town with grand homes and restored plantation houses. On this narrated city tour, learn about the history and culture of Palatka and visit one of the most historic homes in central Florida, the Bronson Mulholland House.

Subject to change.

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Alligator Farm and Zoological Park The Alligator Farm and Zoological Park has been attracting visitors for over a century. You will have the opportunity to observe many of these exotic reptiles, including the Komodo dragon and the Galapagos tortoise, the largest tortoise in the world. Other popular park attractions include the alligator swamp and the Birds of Africa exhibit.

Amelia Island, FL Amelia Island River Cruise Bronson Mulholland house

St. Augustine, FL Tram Tour of St. Augustine Established in 1565, St. Augustine is recognized as America’s oldest surviving European settlement. In the late 1800s, oil millionaire Henry Flagler, built a number of elegant hotels and churches in this old city.

Today, his buildings grace St. Augustine as monuments to early American opulence and architectural ingenuity.

On this tram tour, explore historic ruins, unique architecture, and the narrowed streets of a city once used as a remote outpost of the Spanish Empire.

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Explore the backwaters of Amelia Island and Eagan Creek on a narrated river boat cruise. As you travel along historic river banks and through pristine salt marshes, an expert naturalist will point out and identify birds and other native wildlife. Other highlights will include fantastic views of Amelia Island, Florida’s oldest lighthouse, and a Civil War era fort.

Subject to change.

Downtown Fernandina Beach

Historic Walking Tour Join us for a leisurely walking tour through the Victorian seaport of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island’s only city. Your expert guide will lead you through the city’s Historic Centre Street to the Silk Stocking District, introducing you to the many historical figures that influenced the architecture and business of the island along the way.

Jacksonville, FL City Tour This narrated walking tour of the downtown area takes you to the most intriguing places in Jacksonville. Hear how the city rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1901 to emerge as an architectural gem of the South. Walk from the St. Johns River to Hemming Plaza, taking an insider’s look at the historic buildings and skyscrapers. On this unique tour, you will also explore the subterranean city that once connected the banks with secret underground tunnels and vaults. Hear the exploits of past Presidents, great American architects, and music legends as we walk through time.

St. Augustine

Subject to 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

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