Why a US River Cruise Belongs on Your Travel List
More travelers are trading big ocean ships for small ones that sail closer to home. American Cruise Lines runs one of the most popular versions of this trip, the Southeast Sea Islands cruise, sailing between Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida. It is a good example of why a US river cruise has become one of the smartest ways to see the country.
What Makes a US River Cruise Different From a Big Ship Cruise?
American Cruise Lines ships carry under 200 guests, a fraction of what you would find on an ocean liner. That smaller size means the ship can reach ports that big ships cannot, including small historic towns tucked along protected waterways. The ships are American built, American flagged, and staffed by American crews. Many staterooms have private balconies, and the dining room seats every guest at once, so there is no rush to book a table. Sailing along the Intracoastal Waterway also means calmer water than the open ocean, so seasickness is rarely a concern.
Why American Cruise Lines Built the Southeast Sea Islands Itinerary
American Cruise Lines describes this style of cruising as the American answer to the small ship river cruises that have long been popular in Europe. Instead of flying overseas, guests board a ship a short drive or flight from home, sail through protected bays, rivers, and canals, and wake up in a different Southern town almost every morning. No passport is required, and the pace still delivers a new destination almost daily.
Every Stop on the Southeast Sea Islands Cruise
The nine day, eight night itinerary sails one way between Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida, with stops that include:
Charleston, South Carolina, where cobblestone streets and antebellum homes trace the city’s Revolutionary War and Civil War history.
Beaufort, South Carolina, a Lowcountry town with moss draped oaks and a preserved historic district that has also served as a backdrop for several well known films.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, known for its beaches and easygoing island pace.
Savannah, Georgia, with its oak lined squares and nineteenth century architecture.
Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia, home to the Golden Isles and the grand “cottages” once owned by families like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts.
Amelia Island, Florida, where the cruise ends among the Victorian storefronts of Fernandina Beach.
Reasons to Choose a US River Cruise Right Now
A US river cruise solves a few real problems at once. There is no long flight and no jet lag to plan around. The ship handles the driving, parking, and packing between stops, so you unpack once and let the scenery change around you. Small ships reach quieter ports that larger ships skip entirely, and the onboard pace leaves plenty of room for wildlife sightings, from dolphins in the marsh to herons and egrets along the shoreline. For travelers who want the feel of an international river cruise without the international travel, this is about as close as it gets.
Why Book Your American Cruise Lines Trip Through Yellow Umbrella Travel?
American Cruise Lines builds a strong itinerary, but choosing the right cabin, timing, and shore excursions for your group is where an experienced travel advisor makes a real difference. Yellow Umbrella Travel plans group cruises like this one, and our planning services are completely complimentary. The cruise line pays us, so you pay the same rate you would booking directly, with the added benefit of an advisor who already knows this itinerary well.
Does it cost anything to book through Yellow Umbrella Travel?
No. Our planning services are completely complimentary. The cruise line pays us, so you pay the same rate you would booking directly with American Cruise Lines.
If a US river cruise sounds like the trip you have been looking for, contact Yellow Umbrella Travel before you call the cruise line. Email cheryl@yellowumbrellatravel.com or call 512.955.1320, and we will walk you through the itinerary, help you choose the right cabin for your group, and handle every detail so you can focus on planning your trip, not managing the logistics. Read this guide.
