Beyond the Sea

COURTESY AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES

A Royal Trip

American Queen Voyages adds Savannah to its roster

Written by JAY LANKAU

THE CRUISE INDUSTRY has been reeling over the past couple of years, but a ship’s return to fl eet marks hope for the future with a new voyage taking passengers from Savannah to Nova Scotia, Canada.

Ocean Navigator, a 202-guest boutique coastal ship from American Queen Voyages, welcomed passengers back for the fi rst time in two years this past April, setting sail right here in Savannah. Both the Ocean Navigator and her twin ship, Ocean Victory, off er an adventurous, once-yearly itinerary from the Hostess City to Canada that includes stops in Charleston, Boston, Nantucket and more. This year’s trip has already been a success, but the same itinerary is scheduled for April 2023 and again in May 2024.

John Waggoner, founder and chairman of American Queen Voyages, spoke to the ease of domestic travel and the excitement of adding Ocean Navigator back to the fl eet: “Travelers are ready to make up for lost time and deeply discover North America,” he says. “The return of Ocean Navigator signals yet another opportunity to explore with us beyond the Mississippi River, without the uncertainty and the complexity of international travel.”

Pool Party

Count on cabanas at the Thompson Savannah for a relaxing daycation

AT ABOUT 3 FEET DEEP all the way across with in-water lounge chairs, the Thompson Savannah’s second-fl oor splash pool was purposely built for relaxing, off ering views of downtown and the river at once. Now, you don’t even need to stay overnight: Day passes are available for purchase for non-hotel guests via ResortPass. Book a day bed or private cabana for Miami-style vibes right here in the Hostess City, with refreshing drinks like the “Dive In” (gin, blood orange, coconut and lime) to match. Each pass lasts from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. — don’t miss the chance for an evening lap at this elegant summer oasis. @thompsonsavannahga // resortpass.com

COURTESY THOMPSON SAVANNAH

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River Runs Through It

Savannah’s riverfront is booming

Written by STEVEN ALFORD

THE OLD SAVANNAH RIVER is seeing new life with a host of investment in just the past few years. While Savannah’s revered historic district has long been the draw for out-oftown sightseers, the riverfront has evolved into more than just a destination for locals to grab a daiquiri or a bite to eat. New hotels, residences, bars and restaurants have sprung up on both ends of the river, off ering fun, food and drinks for those in search of a waterside view of the Hostess City.

Plant Riverside District

Once the site of the city’s old power plant, the towering smokestacks of the JW Marriott building now serve as the western anchor to a bustling dining and entertainment area. “Today, Plant Riverside District serves as a vibrant world-class destination and a true symbol of hospitality in Savannah, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world,” says Mark Castriota, managing director at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District plantriverside.com

The Baxly

Situated just steps away from Plant Riverside District and Savannah’s historic downtown, The Baxly off ers comfort and elegance right in the heart of the city, within blocks of the best dining and nightlife options downtown has to off er. The motto for these new apartment residences says it all: “Your best life starts here.” thebaxlysavannah.com

Olmsted Savannah

Off ering spacious mid-century modern apartments and studios with contemporary fl air, each unit at Olmsted Savannah includes elevated fi nishing touches like gas stoves, steel appliances and quartz countertops. Olmsted residents are within walking distance of some of the city’s best downtown attractions, but they’ll be tempted by the property’s large pool deck, fi nished in a beautiful checkerboard tile pattern that melds the old with the new. olmstedsavannah.com

Eastern Wharf

Anchoring the east end of the Savannah riverfront, Eastern Wharf is a 54-acre development with unrivaled skyline views and a large swath of open green space for play and relaxation. “Eastern Wharf has been designed to bring people together, which we believe is the very essence of Savannah and how the city defi nes Southern hospitality,” says Trent Germano, principal with Mariner Group. It’s also “the water gateway to the city,” he says.

Eastern Wharf has launched a new monthly concert series in the park, with food trucks and treats for residents and visitors. With plans for more events and utilization of the open space, look for more fun and entertainment to fi ll this previously underutilized section of the riverfront, which now includes the Hyatt-owned Thompson Savannah. easternwharfsavannah.com

Riverworks

If the Savannah River is the life blood of the city, the new Riverworks residence complex at Eastern Wharf pays tribute to that sentiment throughout its decor, from rolling waves in its gathering rooms to a welcoming central pool and deck area with the riverfront on full display. This pet-friendly complex includes street-level retail space, too. riverworksapts.com

Upper East River

Upper East River wows with expansive views of the Savannah River. The developers say that living at Upper East River means having access to the best that Savannah has to off er, and with a mix of brownstonestyle townhomes, converted warehouses and luxury condominiums, residents also have access to a wealth of tasteful design vernaculars. uppereastriver.com

COURTESY RIVERWORKS

The Thompson Savannah hotel, left, and Riverworks residence complex, right