East Coast Inland Passage (Baltimore to Amelia Island)

Stroll along the waterfront of St. Michaels or explore the quaint gift shops and boutiques on the tree-lined Talbot Street. Known as the "Heart of the Chesapeake," St. Michaels has a long history as a vibrant shipbuilding and seafood hub. As you arrive at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once a prominent shipbuilding village, you get a glimpse into the daily life of the 1800s. This area allows you to experience the maritime traditions of the past through restored ships and historic buildings. Also notable is the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse, a significant historical landmark, offering educational exhibits and sweeping views that deepen your connection to this historical town.

Here, the impressive Nauticus stands as a beacon of naval history, showcasing the formidable Battleship Wisconsin, a symbol of American strength on the waters. Wander the cobblestone paths of the historic Freemason District, where well-preserved homes reflect the early days of America's founders. The Chrysler Museum of Art, a centerpiece of Norfolk's cultural scene, dazzles with its extensive glass collection, shedding light on the artistic endeavors that shape the city. As night descends, the waterfront comes alive, celebrating Norfolk's enduring spirit and its pivotal role in American history.

Like many other old Southern towns, Norfolk has undergone a renaissance, one that's especially visible in the charming shops and cafés in the historic village of Ghent. There's plenty to see in this old navy town.

Kitty Hawk, NC, resonates with tales of daring innovation, where the winds have long been friends to dreamers of flight. This is where the Wright Brothers transformed their ambitious goals into tangible achievements, marking this area as a significant site in aviation history. As you walk, the expansive sands and resilient dunes at Kitty Hawk seem to retain the spirit of that significant first flight that forever changed our skies. The Wright Brothers National Memorial serves as a tribute to this monumental feat, inviting visitors to connect with the surge of those groundbreaking moments. As the evening settles, the skies above Kitty Hawk light up with golden and amber hues, paying daily tribute to the pioneers of flight against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic.

Beaufort and Morehead City, NC, each display unique characteristics that contribute to the vibrant landscape of the Crystal Coast. In Beaufort, the town's deep maritime history is palpable among the weathered docks and colonial-era homes where stories of pirate encounters and sea traders thrive. Here, the North Carolina Maritime Museum stands out, showcasing artifacts like the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's notorious flagship, and detailing the daily life of colonial seafarers.Meanwhile, Morehead City offers a contrast as a lively marina, where fishing boats haul in their daily catch and seafood markets buzz with activity. The town is particularly noted for its annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, which attracts anglers from across the globe. As the sun sets, both towns light up their waterfronts, providing a picturesque setting for dining by the water or enjoying the cool sea breeze on a peaceful evening walk along the docks.

This port city seamlessly blends historical elegance with contemporary life along the Cape Fear River. The city's historic district showcases beautifully maintained homes and brick-lined streets that tell stories of a distinguished past. The bustling Riverwalk, lined with shops and cafés, serves as the city's center, offering stunning river views and a welcoming atmosphere.Culturally rich, Wilmington is well-known for its arts scene, featuring performances at Thalian Hall, one of America's oldest continually operating theaters. Adjacent to the cityscape, the Battleship North Carolina stands as a formidable monument to WWII, inviting exploration and historical reflection. This port is perfect for leisure and learning in one setting.

This city, where history is vividly displayed on every colorful facade and intricate iron gate, winding between cobblestone streets and the gentle sway of palmetto trees. The air, filled with salt of the harbor and the sweet scent of jasmine, guides you through a town marked by its refined allure and historical depth. At the city's edge, the Battery promenade offers sweeping views of Fort Sumter, a silent guardian at the harbor's entrance. In the French Quarter, the spires of St. Philip's Church stand tall against the skyline, surrounded by art galleries and stately homes that line the aged streets. As you wander beneath grand oaks draped in Spanish moss, Charleston unfolds its soul, a blend of culture, history, and Southern hospitality that invites you to experience its calm beauty and timeless style

Wandering through the city's famous Historic District, you would swear it is a movie set. Dozens of church steeples punctuate the low skyline, and horse-drawn carriages pass centuries-old mansions and town houses, their stately salons offering a crystal-laden and parquet-floored version of Southern comfort. Outside, magnolia-filled gardens overflow with carefully tended heirloom plants. At first glance, the city may resemble a 19th-century etching come to life—but look closer and you'll see that block after block of old structures have been restored. Happily, after three centuries of wars, epidemics, fires, and hurricanes, Charleston has prevailed and is now one of the South's best-preserved cities.Although it’s home to Fort Sumter, where the bloodiest war in the nation's history began, Charleston is also famed for its elegant houses. These handsome mansions are showcases for the "Charleston style," a distinctive look that is reminiscent of the West Indies, and for good reason. Before coming to the Carolinas in the late 17th century, many early British colonists first settled on Barbados and other Caribbean islands. In that warm and humid climate they built homes with high ceilings and rooms opening onto broad "piazzas" (porches) at each level to catch sea breezes. As a result, to quote the words of the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, who visited in 1796, "One does not boast in Charleston of having the most beautiful house, but the coolest."Preserved through the hard times that followed the Civil War and an array of natural disasters, many of Charleston's earliest public and private buildings still stand. Thanks to a rigorous preservation movement and strict architectural guidelines, the city's new structures blend in with the old. In many cases, recycling is the name of the game—antique handmade bricks literally lay the foundation for new homes. But although locals do dwell—on certain literal levels—in the past, the city is very much a town of today.Take, for instance, the internationally heralded Spoleto Festival USA. For 17 days every spring, arts patrons from around the world come to enjoy international concerts, dance performances, operas, and plays at various venues citywide. Day in and day out, diners can feast at upscale restaurants, shoppers can look for museum-quality paintings and antiques, and lovers of the outdoors can explore Charleston's outlying beaches, parks, and waterways. But as cosmopolitan as the city has become, it's still the South, and just beyond the city limits are farm stands cooking up boiled peanuts, the state's official snack.

Beaufort's narrative is etched with tales of European explorers, Native American tribes, British settlements, and Civil War skirmishes. Today, horse-drawn carriages meander through the district's narrow streets, passing homes that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, each displaying the distinctive Beaufort-style architecture—a showcase of historical resilience and elegance. These stately structures bear witness to a rich past, while historic forts and regal homes spread beneath ancient oaks, recounting the days when Beaufort was known as the "Newport of the South," a beacon of aristocracy and charm. Exploring Beaufort allows you to walk through history, where every corner and shadowed porch offers a story, capturing the enduring spirit and historical significance of the South.

Beaufort, South Carolina, is a charming coastal town known for its historic antebellum architecture, moss-draped oak trees, and scenic waterfront along the Port Royal Sound. Its rich history includes colonial, Revolutionary, and Civil War heritage, reflected in well-preserved homes and landmarks. The town’s vibrant culture, tidal marshes, and nearby barrier islands make it a picturesque destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Hilton Head stands as a premier resort destination, celebrated for its championship golf courses that sprawl across the landscape and miles of pristine beaches that edge the Atlantic. Embarking on a boat tour through The Sea Pines Forest Preserve offers an intimate glimpse of Hilton Head’s natural splendor, revealing the diversity of indigenous plant and animal life. Here, you might catch sight of the formidable American Alligator sunning itself along the banks. This island not only captivates with its leisure and luxury but also with its fascinating natural ecosystems, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and natural wonder.

Savannah mesmerizes visitors with its thick canopy of live oaks, cobblestone streets, and regal architectural landmarks, standing proudly as a busy seaport. The city is famed for its historic districts like the Victorian District, where the ornate details of 19th-century homes tell tales of old-world splendor. Listen in on the local lore with a narrated guided excursion that highlights significant sites and stories or brave a Ghost Walk after sunset to explore Savannah's spookier legends. The shopping scene is one to beat, with boutiques in the Historic District offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage antiques. Each experience in Savannah is a step through a living museum, where the sights and sounds of the past meet the dynamic present under the expansive Southern sky.

St. Simons Island offers a glimpse into its historical significance, with well-preserved 18th-century battlefields where key events once shaped the region's future. The island also hosts expansive estates that portray the architectural styles and societal structures of early American life. As a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, the island is dotted with ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, providing cool shade along its numerous walking paths. Notably, the St. Simons Lighthouse, a historical landmark, stands as a guidepost of maritime heritage, housing an extensive museum that chronicles the intricate history of the Georgia Coast. Here, each landmark not only tells a story of the past but also invites a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural tapestry that defines this picturesque island.

Explore the history of Jekyll Island, where, at the close of the 19th century, titans of American industry such as J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, and Cornelius Vanderbilt transformed it into an exclusive hunting retreat celebrated for its exclusive isolation. This private sanctuary served as a winter haven where America's elite could revel in luxury and privacy. Today, Jekyll Island is a cherished part of Georgia’s Sea Isles and is home to "Millionaire’s Village," a sprawling 240-acre area filled with opulent homes and winter cottages. This enclave has gained recognition as a National Historic Landmark, offering a window into the extravagant lifestyles of its former inhabitants. Jekyll Island now invites visitors to traverse its historic pathways, explore its grand estates, and uncover the stories of decadence and tradition that hide within its grounds.

Unearth the pristine splendor of Amelia Island, where stretches of quartz-sand beaches and softly rolling dunes define the coastal landscape. Fernandina Beach, the sole city on the island, is a haven for history enthusiasts and collectors, filled with unique antique shops and intriguing finds. Take part in a guided walking excursion of Centre Street's Historic District, where meticulously restored Victorian homes and quaint 19th-century shops line the cobblestone sidewalks. Embrace the island's tranquil charm as you stroll along its tree-lined avenues, each adorned with historic markers and shaded by ancient oaks, offering a glimpse into Amelia Island's storied past and calm environment.

Bask in the glorious sunshine of northern Florida as you step onto the shores of Amelia Island. Take a moment to savor the incredible experiences and cherished memories you've created on your journey thus far. To ensure your journey home is as seamless as possible, American Cruise Lines provides complimentary transportation to Jacksonville Airport, allowing you to depart with ease and convenience. As you bid farewell to this adventure, we look forward to welcoming you for the next one.