Navigating along the inland waterways of the eastern coastline of the United States is a fascinating cruise waiting for the eager historian!  Whether spring or fall season, on this cruise you’ll see the newness of spring’s greenery, or the warm rustic colors of Fall.  These cruises are destined to occur in between the hurricane season – so no fear – you’ll have smooth sailing through the Antebellum South.

The charm of a seven night – eight day cruise is perfect for the first time voyager.  If excellence is what you seek, American Spirit is where you’ll find it. 

The American Spirit, an intimate luxury small ship, is uniquely designed to navigate through the barrier islands of the Historic Antebellum South.  Built in 2005, this beautifully appointed ship with fifty-one staterooms, all with interior entrances, and twenty-six private balconies, large public rooms, unassigned seating, will captivate you. 

The intimate atmosphere lends to developing lifelong friendships on this cruise.  Fellow travelers will find themselves sharing poignant tells of their passionate journeys past.  Since meals have unassigned seating, all guests are seated at the same time which allows for you to have a different table guest each meal.

Each ship in the American Cruise Line has the spacious dining salon with highly trained chefs from some of the most elite culinary institutes abroad.  Chefs prepare each meal skillfully and exquisitely.  Enjoy a variety of specialty dishes which blend with the theme of each port of call, helping to unify the cruise experience. 

Evening activities include entertainment from guest lecturers, guest musicians from the local towns, minor theatrical performances, and games.  Each activity is rich in history and culture while designed to highlight each port visited.  You won’t miss the absence of the casinos, glitzy shows, and discos found on the larger cruise lines.  Frazzled from the rat race of work and life?  This just may be the cruise for you!  Observation decks along the ship are perfect vistas for watching the coastal scenery and wildlife. 

Itineraries for the Historic Antebellum South include transfer and pickup either to Jacksonville or Charleston, for a hundred dollars extra.  Only twenty percent of the cruise is actually spent cruising.  The remaining eighty percent will be spent in the port towns and on excursions.  Antebellum is Latin for “before the war – especially referring to the American Civil War.”  On the American Spirit, you’ll cruise along the Golden Isles of the Intracoastal Waterways, past magnificent parks and centuries old plantations lining the water’s edge.  Terraced landscapes and opulent gardens will beckon to you to explore the European, English, French, and Spanish influences upon North America. 

Here, you’ll find Savannah, the first generously laid out city in a grid of twenty-one squares.  Walk the squares of Savannah and enjoy the gardens and historical homes.  Not up to walking?  Take a carriage ride around the town and learn about life pre-Civil War.  On Daufuskie Island, the Gullah-culture of freed African-Americans flourishes.  Listen to their distinctive sounds of culture.  The barrier islands of Hilton Head, St. Simons, and Jekyll will lead you to a world of exclusive golf courses imaginable.  Golfing and shopping will fill your days in these ports.  

This historical and lavish cruise is certainly perfect for those wanting to try cruising.  Calm waters and intimate settings will set the pace for truly relaxing and enjoyable cruise experience!  Happy Traveling!