Welcome Aboard Your Historic South & Golden Isles Cruise
From Jacksonville, FL to Charleston, SC Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Table of Contents
Welcome ....................................................3 Ports of Call ...............................................4 Getting to Jacksonville/ Fernandina Beach 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 hank 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.
he 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
Charleston SOUTH CAROLINA
N Beaufort Hilton Head Island Savannah
Jacksonville, FL area (Amelia Island) Jekyll Island, GA/St. Simons Is. Sapelo Is., GA Savannah, GA
ATLANTIC OCEAN
GEORGIA Sapelo Island
Hilton Head Is., SC Beaufort, SC Charleston, SC
St. Simons Island Jekyll Island Amelia Island
Jacksonville FLORIDA
Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents.
Savannah 4
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Getting to Jacksonville and Your Ship Whether driving, lying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Your Ship Is Docked At: Fernandina Beach Marina 1 South Front St. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Amtrak provides regular train service to the Jacksonville Train Station. he station is approximately 30 miles from the ship. Taxi and limousine service are readily available.
Driving to the Ship
Some cruises may leave from downtown Jacksonville, FL. If this is the case, you will be notiied.
Flying into Jacksonville Jacksonville International Airport is the best airport to ly into. he airport is approximately 25 miles from the ship. Taxi and limousine service are readily available. If you arrive the day before your cruise, a shuttle will be ofered from the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel to the ship. he shuttle will leave the hotel 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
he ship will be docked at Fernandina Beach Marina located at 1 South Front St., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Upon arrival, you will see American Cruise Lines deckhands in bright red shirts ready to assist you. You may drop your bags of at the ship before parking so that they can be brought to your stateroom in advance. Parking is available in the marina.
Staying in Jacksonville here are a number of hotel options located around Jacksonville and near the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate.
Subject to change.
ARRIVAL LOCATION
200 1A
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Jacksonville International Airport
Hampton Inn – Amelia Is. (904) 491-4911 19 South 2nd Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (Located at Fernandina Beach Marina, next to dock)
1A
Fernandina Beach Marina
102
Centre St
295
Residence Inn (866) 245-6099 2301 Sadler Road (904) 277-2440 Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 (his hotel ofers a complimentary shuttle to ship)
8th S t
Hotels near the ship:
5 miles
Atlantic Ave
Ash St
S Front St
Beech St St
American Cruise Lines ofers a shuttle from this hotel to the ship. For more information, prices, or to reserve a space on the shuttle, please call your Cruise Specialist at 1-800-894-8570.
Fernandina Beach (Amelia Island)
St
(904) 741-4404
N 3rd
Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Airport 14670 Duval Road Jacksonville, FL 32218
N 5th
Airport Hotel:
Fernandina Beach Marina 1 South Front St. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
200 1A
Downtown Jacksonville
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Jacksonville Landing
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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. he 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. he 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 ind 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 identiication
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 ofers 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 inest 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 14-18.
All shore excursions on the Historic South and Golden Isles 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 oice in Connecticut at (800) 894-8570. hey will be relayed to the ship at the irst 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. hey 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 On most cruises, the ship will arrive in Charleston, SC the evening prior to the inal day of the cruise. he ship docks at the City Marina, located at 17 Lockwood Dr., Charleston, SC 29401. 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 ofers transportation for passengers lying or returning to Jacksonville, FL. Transportation leaves from the ship in Charleston to: Charleston Airport – departs the ship at 8:30 a.m. Jacksonville Airport and the Crowne Plaza Hotel – departs the ship at 7:30 a.m. Fernandina Beach Marina – departs the ship at 7:30 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. Subject to change.
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Hilton Head, SC
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Port by Port Shore Tour Information ST. SIMONS ISLAND ST. SIMON’S ISLAND TOUR
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his island is the largest of the renowned Golden Isles, a group of barrier islands along the coast of Georgia. he island’s history is varied and unique, from early Spanish explorers, English colonization to the plantation era, along with its signiicance 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 isherman, hear their stories, learn the history of shrimping in Georgia’s waters, and best of all, indulge in their tasty bounty. 14
Shrimp boat Lady Jane
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,
Tours Subject to Availability and Change
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.
SAVANNAH, GA TROLLEY TOUR OF SAVANNAH
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known as Millionaire’s Village which features 240 acres of extravagant homes and winter cottages and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Known as Georgia’s irst 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.
SAPELO ISLAND, GA
GUIDED WALKING TOUR
The Rockefeller “cottage” on Jekyll Island
NARRATED ISLAND TOUR
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State-protected Sapelo Island is thought to be the site of San Miguel de Gualdape, the short-lived irst European settlement in present-day U.S. In the early 1800s, the island was developed into a plantation with Sea Island cotton, corn, and sugar cane. Discover
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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. 15
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MIGHTY EIGHTH AIR FORCE MUSEUM
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Hear inspiring stories of heroism, courage and sacriice during WWII as you tour the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. he museum ofers 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.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC ALLIGATOR & WILDLIFE TOUR
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Come aboard a safe and stable 12-passenger electric boat for a one-hour tour on the pristine lakes of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. he preserve is home to over 250 species of birds, nesting Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and the native 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. One of Savannah’s beautiful parks
Tours Subject to Availability and Change
A Gullah woman makes a sweetgrass basket 17
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 irst school in the South to educate “newly freed” slaves. Today, the Penn Center is one of the most signiicant 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 with Beaufort Carriage Tour 18
centuries-old, moss-draped live oak trees, this area is best viewed by horse-drawn carriage where you’ll hear wonderful stories about the past and present owners of these lovely antebellum homes.
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.
Tours Subject to Availability and Change
Sunrise in Charleston 19
THANK YOU FOR CRUISING WITH US! (800) 894-8570 www.americancruiselines.com
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437 (800) 894-8570
080414