Welcome Aboard Your Potomac & Tidewaters Cruise
From Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Table of Contents
Welcome................................................................... 3 Ports of Call............................................................ 4 Getting to Alexandria 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 Transportation Services.13 Port by Port Shore Tour Information...... 14
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Welcome Aboard Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines. From your reservation to your experience aboard your 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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PENNSYLVANIA
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Mount Vernon, VA
Annapolis, MD
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Annapolis St. Michaels DELAWARE Ch
Alexandria
Washington, DC / Alexandria, VA
St. Mary’s, MD / Solomons Is., MD
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Washington, DC
Ports of Call
St. Michael’s, MD Chestertown, MD Havre de Grace, MD Philadelphia, PA
Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents.
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Getting to Alexandria, VA and your ship
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Taking the Train to Alexandria
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ALEXANDRIA
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495 Amtrak provides regular train service to the Alexandria Train Station. The station is approximately 10 minutes from the ship. Taxis are readily available to transport you to the ship.
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n St.
The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the best airport to fly into. The airport is serviced by many airlines and is approximately 10 minutes from the ship when traveling by taxi.
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Flying into Alexandria:
St.
Robinson Terminal 1 Oronoco Street (Foot of Oronoco St.) Alexandria, VA 22313
The ship is docked at the Robinson Terminal located at 1 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22313. 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 North Union Street Garage located at 220 North Union St., Alexandria, VA 22313.
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Arrival Location:
Driving to Alexandria
ick St.
Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Staying in Alexandria If you are arriving to Alexandria the night before your cruise, these hotels are located a few minutes from the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate. Each hotel can arrange for taxi service to the Robinson Terminal. Hotel Monaco Alexandria 480 King St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria 901 No. Fairfax Alexandria, VA 22314 Holiday Inn Old Town Alexandria 625 First St. Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-6080
(800) 465-4329 (800) 972-3159
(800) 465-4329
Houses in Old Town Alexandria
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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 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 sport 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. Independence Hall in Philadelphia 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 and 9:00 a.m.
Special Diets and Medications American Cruise Lines will work to cater to 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. Each tour 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.
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 $50 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.
FOR MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH TOUR, PLEASE SEE PAGES 14-19
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General Onboard Information American Cruise Lines will work to meet your onboard needs and cater to special requests. If at any point there is an item that you would like to see provided, please let your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director know.
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.
Subject to change. 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 On most cruises, the ship will arrive in Philadelphia, PA the evening prior to the final day of the cruise. The ship docks at Penn’s Landing, 201 South Columbus Blvd. (corner of Market St.) Philadelphia, PA 19106. 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 or returning to Alexandria: Transportation departs from the ship in Philadelphia to: Alexandria Dock & Reagan Washington National Airport – departs the ship at 7:30 a.m. Philadelphia Airport – 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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George Washington’s Mt. Vernon
Port by Port Shore Tour Information Mount Vernon, VA
explore the rest of the estate, including Washington’s Tomb, the inspirational Slave Memorial, beautiful blooming gardens, and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center.
Estate Tour
St. Mary’s City, MD
Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington, is one of the most popular historic estates in America. Discover the life and legacy of the Father of Our Country during a tour of Mount Vernon. Explore Washington’s home, and then leisurely
Art and Garden Tour
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Discover how art and nature complement one another during a docent led tour of the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in scenic Solomons, Maryland. Leisurely make your way through the garden’s
walking path that meanders through the woods, passing by art sculptures along the way. The awardwinning Arts Building features rotating exhibition space and a sunny patio. There will be time after the tour to explore on own.
Sotterley Plantation Enjoy a guided tour of Sotterley Plantation. Designated as an American Treasure, the Sotterley Plantation lies on the banks of the Patuxent River and provides insight into an 18th century Tidewater plantation. Your tour will take you through manor house and into the plantation’s breathtaking gardens. After the tour, there will be time to explore on your own. Be sure to explore the original smokehouse, slave quarters, the schoolhouse and the historic ship, the Dove.
Annapolis, MD Trolley Tour of Annapolis Annapolis is the state capital of Maryland and is proud to boast more 18th century buildings than any other city in the country. Your one-hour trolley tour The Dove 15
will travel the charming streets laid out in the 1690s while your guide introduces you to 350 years of Annapolis’ living history, architecture and folklore. During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to visit three historic homes that were once owned by signers of the Declaration of Independence.
for uniform inspection before lunch or take in the breathtaking views of the campus. Passengers will need a Photo ID in order to take the tour.
St. Michael’s, MD Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Experience St. Michael’s rich maritime heritage at to the renowned Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. This waterfront museum is dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of the entire Chesapeake Bay and features ten exhibit buildings, a historic lighthouse and a working boatyard. Docking in the heart of this museum, you will have time to explore this museum at your leisure or join a guided tour.
St. Michael’s Trolley Tour Eco Tour River Cruise
Naval Academy Tour Experience “Life on the Yard” as you tour the Naval Academy’s grounds with a professional, certified guide. During this walking tour, catch the noon meal formation as the Brigade of Midshipmen forms 16
Explore this historic town during a one-hour narrated trolley tour. Learn the history and discover the secrets of this charming seaside resort town, while touring St. Mary’s Square. Hear captivating stories about St. Michael’s colonial past while viewing the beautiful architecture of the area, as many homes date from the late 1700s to the late 1800s. The tour will include a stop at Justine’s Ice Cream Parlor for
a complimentary ice cream. After the tour, you will have the option to be dropped off at various sites throughout downtown St. Michaels if interested in shopping, or the trolley will take you back to the ship.
Eco Tour River Cruise On this private eco tour, you’ll experience the serenity and natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay tributaries. Onboard, a marine biologist will help you identify local wildlife and will point out historical landmarks and other points of interest along the way. This cruise includes a natural history narration, and an onboard aquarium for viewing the critters.
Chestertown, MD Furniture Building Demonstration Join furniture maker, Robert Ortiz and his assistants, Brenda Foehrkolb and Steve Croker, as they explain and demonstrate how beautiful pieces of wood are turned into extraordinary pieces of furniture during this one-hour furniture building demonstration at the Ortiz Studio. Steve will demonstrate gingko leaf carving, which is used on glass top furniture pieces, Robert will demonstrate how he makes and Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
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shapes the legs of his Japanese inspired furniture, and Brenda will demonstrate Baltimore Traditional Screen Painting.
Historic Walking Tour Step back into time as your Native guide brings the history of Chestertown to life during this guided walking tour. Make your way down the same streets that George Washington walked upon during the 1700s and marvel at the historic brick buildings that line the street. Join us on this exciting historic tour and explore the rich history and architecture of Historic Downtown Chestertown.
Havre de Grace, MD Winterthur A visit to Winterthur will transport you back to a much simpler time. This American country estate was The grounds at Winterthur 18
once the home of Henry Francis du Pont and is now the premier museum of American decorative arts. Discover the museum’s magnificent collection of American antiques, celebrating the best in style and craftsmanship, and delight your senses with a stroll through the estate’s 60-acre garden and surrounding landscape of woodlands, waterways, and rolling meadows.
Philadelphia, PA Historic City Tour
Philadelphia
Past meets present during this two hour tour of historic Philadelphia. You will be enlightened and entertained as you are taken to Philadelphia’s most iconic attractions. During the tour, your guide will share the stories of a city that forged a nation, cheered for Rocky, invented the soft pretzel and is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. 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 011113