The small ship American Spirit of American Cruise Line has another harbor hopping itinerary which might interest those desiring to continue cruising around North America.  This cruise which features all the amenities offered on the large cruise ships has spacious public areas, elevator to every deck, exercise facilities, superb comfort, first class staterooms, satellite television, DVD players, individual climate control, private balconies, and a spacious dining area, accommodating all passengers at once.  Expansive windows throughout the ship offer panoramic views of the spectacular journey which awaits you.  “Small ship offering grand comfort” is the slogan for the American Spirit.

For this time of year in North America, the cruise line is offering a special “crabfest cruise.”  Only three dates, October 4, 11, and November 2 are special sail dates which feature this special cruise.  You’ll enjoy the culinary delicacies highlighting crab and get a first hand look at the watermen’s trade and the impact that the industry has had on the Chesapeake Bay culture and economy.  Delectable dishes will be served at every meal made with fresh crab plucked right from the surrounding waters.  Mouthwatering crabcakes, and steamed crabs will be shared by passengers and watermen as they come aboard to join in the festivities.

Often called the “Cradle of American History”, the Chesapeake Bay is a sanctuary for travel and cruise enthusiasts, history buffs, and bird lovers.  During this cruise you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the charming villages of the coastal towns, visit historic museums, walk the grounds of battlefields, and observe a diverse range of wildlife.  Tours to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and the U.S. Naval Academy, are said to be fabulous!  

Lecturers and historians are invited onboard to provide entertaining knowledge of the region’s significant influence on Colonial American history, unique maritime traditions, fascinating local culture, and the area’s ecology.  With only 100 passengers aboard, there is a high level of personal service and ability to interact with the historians and other entertaining personalities scheduled to appear on this cruise.  As you travel along the coast line, you’ll see skipjacks, schooners, waterfront cottages, and miles of unspoiled waterways.  The American Spirit is designed to tack smoothly through inland waterways, docking in the heart of each unique port and provide guests with otherwise unattainable perspective of passing scenery. 

Ports of call include:  Baltimore, Maryland – it was during the war of 1812, the British declared Baltimore a “nest of Pirates.”  Today it is a diverse and vibrant city with many activities.  Explore the Baltimore Aquarium or the Maryland Science Center.  Baltimore also has a very rich, cultural history and by touring historic sites such as Fort McHenry – home of the National Anthem – you’ll gain a new perspective on this fine city.  The inner harbor is home to restaurants, shopping, live entertainment, pubs, and taverns!   Williamsburg/Yorktown, Virginia – called the Historic Triangle (Yorktown, Jamestown, and Williamsburg) is one of the most historic areas in the United States.  At Williamsburg you’ll see the restored and recreated former capital of Virginia as it was in the 18th century before the seat of government was moved to Richmond in 1780.  Tour Yorktown Battlefield, the site of the surrender of British General Cornwallis to General George Washington in 1781.  Yorktown was the base of Cornwallis during the 1781 siege of Yorktown, the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War.    Crisfield/Tangier Island, Virginia and Solomons Island, Maryland; are isolated tiny islands accessible by boat or plane only.  The Tangier Island continues to have people who speak a unique dialect of American English, unchanged since the time of the first English colonists.  Linguists come from far and near and study this phenomenon.  On these small islands, you’ll discover seafood at its best, unique shopping, lighthouses, and outdoor concerts.  Cambridge, Maryland – is more a commercial center than tourist town.  History buffs will especially love this town with its Civil War era connections.  In its prosperous days during Colonial times, Cambridge became the home of governors, lawyers, and landowners.  James Michener’s “Chesapeake” and John Barth’s “The Sot-Weed Factor” were inspired by the places in Cambridge.  Oxford, Maryland – has a population of less than 1,000.  Oxford is one of the oldest towns in America and has a long history of maritime activities.  St. Michaels, Maryland – established in 1677, its heritage is built on the fishing industry.   Here you’ll discover museums, restaurants, and shops which compliment the town’s historic ambiance.  Annapolis, Maryland – is home to the United States Naval Academy.  Many 18th century homes line the streets of this fine city.  Because of its seafaring history, Annapolis is known as “American’s Sailing Capital.”

Battlefields, historic buildings, interpretive tours, living history, and nature beside a crab fest, are just a sample of what you’ll experience on this cruise.  If you don’t catch this cruise for 2008, be sure and put this harbor hopping cruise on your 2009 “to do list.”  Happy Traveling and Happy Cruising the Chesapeake Bay!

(Photos and information are courtesy of American Cruise Line website and brochures)