American Independence, Historic South and Golden Isles ex Amelia Island (Jacksonville) to Charleston

7 Night Cruise sailing from Amelia Island (Jacksonville) to Charleston onboard American Independence.

Cruise Overview:

The Intracoastal Waterway, home to some of the most beautiful historic cities in America, is a protected network of bays, rivers, and canals. Start your journey in Charleston, lined with cobblestone streets and antebellum houses, and where the first shots of the Civil War were heard.

Continue to scenic Beaufort and learn what life was like on a southern plantation from our resident expert in period costume. Enjoy the scenic beaches and abundant wildlife at Hilton Head, before traveling to Savannah to tour its historic districts showcasing 19th-century wealth and opulence.

In Jekyll Island, visit “Millionaire’s Village,” a National Historic Landmark with 240-acres of extravagant homes and winter cottages built over 100 years ago. On your final stop at Amelia Island, take a river cruise and walking tour through the Victorian seaport of Fernandina Beach.

Day 1 - Amelia Island, FL

Discover the natural beauty of Amelia Island, with its miles of quartz beaches and rolling sand dunes. Fernandina Beach, the island's only city, now harbors a treasure trove of history, antiques, and collectibles. Join a walking tour of Centre Street's Historic District, with 50 blocks of restored 19th-century Victorian homes and shops.

Day 2 - Jekyll Island / St. Simons Island, GA

Discover the compelling history of Jekyll Island, part of Georgia’s Sea Isles. This remarkable destination is the location of “Millionaire’s Village," 240-acres of extravagant homes and winter cottages, now recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Day 3 - Day of Cruising

Enjoy a leisurely day of cruising as you continue on your journey through the East Coast Inland Passage. This classic water way is known as the highway for north and southbound East Coast cruisers, and an east-west path along the outskirts of the Gulf of Mexico.

Day 4 - Savannah, GA

With its emerald tree canopy, quaint cobblestone streets, and majestic architecture, Savannah is still a bustling seaport with renowned historic districts that preserve its phenomenal 19th-century wealth and opulence. Join a narrated tour of Savannah’s “Historic and Victorian Districts," brave an evening Ghost Walk, or explore the area's magnificent shops.

Day 5 - Hilton Head Island, SC

Hilton Head is a first class resort known for its championship golf courses and miles of scenic beaches. A boat tour of The Sea Pines Forest Preserve gives you a close-up view of Hilton Head's indigenous plant and animal life, including the American Alligator.

Day 6 - Beaufort, SC

Beaufort’s history includes European explorers, Native American cultural influences, British settlements, and Civil War battles. Today, horse-drawn carriages clatter along the narrow streets of this historic district, past 18th and 19th-century homes famous for unique Beaufort-style architecture. As you explore this amazing city, discover why Beaufort was once heralded as the “Newport of the South."

Day 7 - Charleston, SC

The port city of Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, gas-lit lamps, and pastel antebellum houses. The scene of Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, the city is considered by many to be a living museum. Visit historic Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the Civil War rang out. Learn how Charleston’s African-American heritage has contributed to the city’s history and unique culture. Enjoy the beauty of the area with a stroll through its magnificent parks and gardens.

Day 8 - Charleston, SC

Enjoy breakfast on board the ship, before beginning your journey home. Reflect upon your adventures and the new friends made along the way.

American Cruise Lines is proud to introduce the Independence, the newest addition to the ACL fleet. While the passenger capacity will be the same as the American Star and American Spirit, the size of the ship will be larger, enabling the interior areas, including the staterooms and balconies to be even more spacious and deluxe. The Independence will also be fully stabilized, with Rolls Royce stabilizers, allowing American Cruise Lines to reach even more fascinating destinations in smooth comfort.

American Cruise Lines is the leader in small ship cruising! Carrying up to 180 maximum depending on the vessel, all of the small ships are able to easily navigate America's smooth, inland waterways and dock in the heart of each charming port. From Maine to Florida, the itineraries are designed to allow passengers to experience intimately each area's local culture, fascinating history and natural splendor.

Unsurpassed personal attention and intimate ambience make American Cruise Lines the leader in small ship cruising. The all-American crew is friendly, polite and eager to pamper you. Highly skilled chefs treat passengers to delectable feasts, masterfully prepared with the utmost in care and quality, highlighting the flavors of the local regions.

Refreshingly casual, flexible and unregimented - American Cruise Lines provides an intimate ambience conducive to camaraderie. Curl up with a book in the library, chat with new friends in one of the lounges, or watch the passing scenery from one of the open observation decks.

Each night, passengers relive the day's adventures over complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres before dinner.