7 Nights Chesapeake Bay Cruise | Baltimore roundtrip

Type of Vessel

American Cruise Lines is proud to announce the newest addition to the expanding fleet of small cruise ships, the American Constitution. Designed with elegance in mind, this brand new coastal cruise ship carries a capacity of just 175 guests and is uniquely designed to navigate the inland coastal waterways of the East Coast. In the intimate atmosphere on board, guests will find the largest staterooms in the industry, spacious lounges, as well as observation decks and private balconies that offer spectacular views of the passing landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Baltimore, Maryland: Baltimore is a great maritime city, alive with excitement, colonial history, and a busy harbor scene. Explore its history aboard the decks of celebrated ships and on the cobblestone streets of the charming Inner Harbor. Visit Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key was inspired to pen "The Star-Spangled Banner".

Day 2 | Yorktown / Williamsburg, Virginia: Step back in time in a town that transformed the history of a nation. Yorktown is known for its monumental battlefields, authentic colonial homes, and storied past. Discover museum exhibits, recreated Continental Army camps and restored homes from the 1700's. Also visit Colonial Williamsburg, once the political and economic center of the Virginia Colony, today the world's premier living history site.
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.

Day 3 | Crisfield, Maryland / Tangier, Virginia: Settled in 1608 by Captain John Smith, the charming island of Tangier retains many customs and much of the appearance of an earlier era. Stroll through the delightful village, crab shanties, shops, and unique homes, on a personalized guided walking journey of the "Blue Crab Capital of the World."
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 experience and learn about the lives of the working watermen.

Day 4 | Cambridge, Maryland / Oxford, Maryland: Cambridge is an authentic Chesapeake town known for its rich history, beautiful buildings, and vibrant arts scene. Sail on an authentic skipjack or visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and witness the diverse wildlife and shorebirds that inhabit the area. Explore Oxford, a charming coastal village and one of the oldest towns in America. Discover its rich maritime history, with houses dating back to the late 1600s, fascinating museums, and the original Oxford-Bellevue Ferry.
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 exploration led by a local guide who will narrate the history of this picturesque historic town from its founding in 1683 to its prominence as an international shipping center and beyond.

Day 5 | Saint Michaels, Maryland: Stroll along the waterfront of Saint Michaels, or peruse the charming gift shops and boutiques on tree-lined Talbot Street. As you dock at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, once a famed shipbuilding village, get a glimpse into life in the 1800's.
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 excursion of this fascinating museum.
Enjoy the Winnie Estelle Ecology 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.

Day 6 | Annapolis, Maryland: This 18th-century port pleasingly preserves its Colonial American charm. With city streets boasting thousands of historic buildings in several different architectural styles, Annapolis is often called a "museum without walls." This vibrant city is also home to the United States Naval Academy, a National Historic Landmark.
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 experience 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 an expert guide and experience "life the yard." Witness the noon meal formation and take in breathtaking views of the campus.

Day 7 | Baltimore, Maryland: Spend your day visiting Baltimore, one of America's finest cities. A number of excursions are available for you and your travel group, many related to Baltimore's deep maritime history. Make sure you visit the Baltimore Aquarium and Civil War Museum as well.

Guest Services

The all-American crew from American Cruise Lines simply provides you with the best possible cruise experience by offering an unsurpassed level of attention. Whether onboard or ashore, each member of the crew will work with you to help accommodate your specific interests, tastes, and needs. Attentive and personalized service is the hallmark of American Cruise Lines.

Food and Dining

Meals are served in the spacious dining salon, which accommodates all passengers at one seating. The day's menu is announced well in advance, and consists of fresh meats and seafood, as well as in-season fruits and vegetables. Special menus are available to passengers on restricted diets. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated, though advance notice. All meals are prepared to order. Coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks are available 24 hours a day.

Onboard Activities/Events

Let American Cruise Lines guide you through the origins and rich traditions of music on America's legendary rivers and waterways. These shores are home to many celebrated styles of music including Country, Jazz, Blues, and Rock n' Roll. Onboard and ashore, enjoy music inspired by each unique region and learn its impact on the development of American music. Also enjoy daily entertainments from historians, naturalists, and local experts that join every cruise. Daily lectures ranging from history to culture to cuisines.

Shore Excursions

On this 6-night cruise through the Chesapeake Bay, explore charming seaport towns, visit historic cities that shaped our nation, and learn about the rich maritime heritage of the area. As you cruise through the "Crab Capital of the World," savor the finest seafood you have ever tasted. Shore Excursions include the Colonial Williamsburg, the United States Naval Academy Experience, the Winnie Estelle Ecology Cruise and the Annapolis Trolley Journey.

Staterooms or Cabins

Owner's Suites | At up to 450 square feet, the American Constitution Owner's Suites are both spacious and elegantly appointed. Located on a private deck, each secluded suite offers our distinguished travelers amazing views from the private walk-out balcony. The well-furnished suites come fully equipped and offer a sitting area, writer's desk, sliding glass door, and full-size bathroom.
Veranda Suites | With a generous up to 450 square feet of relaxing space, each includes a private walk-out balcony to enjoy the panoramic views. Considered one of the finest staterooms on any cruise ship, guests will enjoy full-size bathrooms and large living area with sliding glass door.
AAM Staterooms | Located on the fourth deck at 368 square feet of space, designed to offer the privacy you desire while cruising. These spacious staterooms are elegantly furnished and feature floor to ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to a private walk-out balcony where the grandness of the Pacific Northwest scenery can be enjoyed.
AAC Staterooms | Featuring the most modern amenities, these spacious staterooms offer the perfect retreat for travelers. With over 350 square feet, each offers all of the comforts of a fine hotel and is configured to maximize the interior living space. These stateroom also feature full sliding glass doors and a private walk-out balcony which provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
AAL Staterooms | Offering all the comforts of home and amazing panoramic views. At 350 square feet, each stateroom includes an interior entrance, expansive private walk-out balcony, and a large sitting area. These staterooms are the perfect sanctuary to relax in after a day of exploration.
AA Staterooms | Centrally located while offering amazing views and easy access to the lounge areas. You will enjoy the expansive views out of your own large opening picture window. Each stateroom comes equipped with a large closet and hotel-size bathrooms.
Single (Private Balcony) Staterooms | Solo travelers will find relaxing comfort in these staterooms complete with a walk-out private balcony. Enjoy one of the largest Single staterooms in the industry at 238 square feet, featuring a comfortable twin bed, large sliding glass door, and spacious full-size bathrooms.
Single Staterooms | Find modern amenities and relaxing comfort in our 226 square feet Single staterooms. With a large picture window, twin beds and sizable bathrooms, these Single staterooms are perfect for solo travelers.