Chesapeake Bay Cruise

History comes alive at Colonial Williamsburg. As you stroll along its street witness many original 18th-century buildings, as well as those reconstructed to their 18th-century aesthetic. Interact with tradespeople who use real period tools and techniques, many of which have been around since the beginning of our civilization. These skilled men and women are true apprentices, journeymen, and masters, continuing to perfect their skills with the hammer, needle, or plow.

The River Walk Landing welcomes you to historic Yorktown. Enjoy complimentary trolley transportation throughout Yorktown with stops at the battlefields, historic buildings, and unique boutiques. Stroll the waterfront, dine at a historic restaurant, and admire the 18th-century architecture of a place known for its current charm and its storied past.

Crisfield began as a small fishing village and grew to become the "Crab Capital of the World." Enjoy a guided stroll through downtown Historic Crisfield and hear stories spanning over four centuries. View the map that Captain John Smith created when he first met the natives in 1608. Listen to stories of the first settlers, and learn about the battles that took place in this town including those with pirates, the British in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, as well as the first naval battle of America. 

Enjoy a ferry ride to the unique island of Tangier. Upon arrival, enjoy a buffet lunch at Lorraine’s Restaurant which will include Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes, Clam Fritters, Virginia Ham, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Green Beans, Hot Corn Pudding, Home-Made Rolls, Beverages, and more. Following lunch, explore the island at your leisure before heading back to the mainland. As you stroll through the streets, you will be transported back in time to experience the life of a true Chesapeake waterman. Stop in the charming Tangier Island History Museum for a self-guided tour and learn about the lives of the working watermen. Island locals offer narrated golf cart tours for $5/person.

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center immerses visitors in Tubman’s world through informative, evocative, and emotive exhibits. The many captivating displays illustrate how the Choptank River region shaped her early years and the importance she held for faith, family, and community. The exhibits also feature information about Tubman’s life beginning with her childhood in Maryland, her emancipation from slavery, her time as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and her continuous advocacy for justice.

Since the 1880s, skipjacks - a type of sailboat developed for oyster dredging - have sailed the Chesapeake Bay. There once were as many as 800 of these vessels, but fewer than two dozen of the original dredge boats remain today. Of these, only a handful still dredge for oysters, the last remnant of America's surviving commercial sailing fleet. Visit the skipjack Nathan for a unique opportunity to experience your own skipjack journey on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Sail on the scenic Choptank River, help raise her sails, or take a turn at the helm.

Take a short walk to visit the Choptank River Lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper will greet you upon arrival and speak about the history of this lighthouse, a replica of a historic lighthouse that once guided mariners along the Choptank River. Also featured is a mini-museum for you to explore.

A charming, tree-lined and water bound village with a population of less than 1,000, Oxford is one of the oldest towns in America with a long maritime history. Enjoy a walking tour led by a local guide who will narrate the history of this picturesque town from its founding in 1683 to its prominence as an international shipping center and beyond. 

This 18-acre waterfront museum, which is dedicated to furthering the understanding of the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake Bay area, features 10 exhibit buildings, a historic lighthouse, and a working boatyard.  Docking right in the heart of the museum, American Cruise Lines’ passengers will enjoy a private tour of this fascinating museum.

Enjoy this amazing cruise which focuses on Chesapeake Bay’s history, ecology, and economics. During your journey, witness critters on an oyster reef and try your hand at water quality testing. Bird watchers will enjoy the route, known for its eagle and osprey population and heron rookery.  Don’t forget your camera!  

Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland, was founded in 1649, served briefly as the nation's capital in 1783 and boasts more existing 18th century buildings than any other city in the country. Your one-hour trolley tour travels through the charming streets laid out in the 1690s while your guide introduces you to 350 years of Annapolis' living history, architecture and folklore. Along the way, you will see and hear about three homes of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The first U.S. Navy ships were launched in 1797 and were aptly named the United States, the Constellation, and the Constitution. In 1825, President John Quincy Adams advised Congress to establish a Naval Academy in order to adequately prepare officers for service. Twenty years later, in 1845, the Naval Academy was formed by George Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy, with a class of 50 midshipmen and seven professors. Explore the Academy's historic grounds with our expert guide and experience "life on the yard." Witness the noon meal formation and take in breathtaking views of the campus.

Please Note: Passengers will need a Photo ID in order to participate in this excursion.