American Cruise Lines has launched the longest-ever US cruise itinerary, a 60-day The Great United States adventure exploring 20 states and spanning all four time zones in the continental US. As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, the new cruise honours America’s living history and enduring legacies, from sea to shining sea. Guests will start at the Pacific Coast and travel east to the Atlantic, cruising four major rivers and America’s most picturesque coastlines. The Great United States experience culminates in New York Harbor with a viewing of the Statue of Liberty from the ship on the last day of the cruise.
“The Great United States cruise is a fantastic showcase of our country and of the breadth of American Cruise Lines. A river cruise of this magnitude has never been done before in the US, and only American Cruise Lines is capable of delivering it successfully,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.
American Cruise Lines’ The Great United States cruises will enable guests to discover the extraordinary beauty of America, from its breathtaking national parks and mountain ranges to its golden Midwest farmlands and salty New England harbours. Always sailing in sight of land and visiting only US ports of call, American’s guests will retrace the steps of Lewis and Clark on the Columbia & Snake Rivers, roll along the Mighty Mississippi with Mark Twain and Elvis, venture up the Hudson River during peak fall foliage season and breathe in the fresh sea air of coastal New England.
Guests will cruise aboard the newest ships in the country, each well-appointed with spacious staterooms and suites, private balconies, elegant restaurants and casual cafés, multiple lounges and wide-open top decks for breathtaking views of the passing scenery. All elements of the travel experience will be fully curated, and all arrangements handled with the utmost care by American Cruise Lines’ dedicated travel team, ensuring guests have an impeccable experience throughout this monumental US river cruise.
The Great United States itinerary is as follows:
Days 1 to 8: Columbia & Snake Rivers Cruise: Sail from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington State, aboard American Jazz. Explore along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, from the mouth of the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, Oregon, to Hell’s Canyon, North America’s deepest Canyon.
Days 9 to 14: National Parks Land Package: From beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, enjoy a privately guided tour through three of the country’s most spectacular National Parks – Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton – concluding in spectacular Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Days 15 to 38: Complete Mississippi River Cruise (including travel from Jackson, Wyoming to New Orleans, Louisiana): Cruise aboard American Symphony from New Orleans, Louisiana to St. Paul, Minnesota. From New Orleans, sail 1,393 miles, through ten states along the most comprehensive Mississippi River cruise available. Guests will explore the historic gems of the South, the rolling farmland of the Midwest and the extraordinary beauty of the Upper River, from to Mark Twain’s boyhood home to the most populous Bald Eagle concentration in North America.
Day 39 to 47: Maine Coast & Harbors Cruise (including travel from St. Paul, Minnesota to Portland, Maine): Cruise aboard American Independence from Portland, Maine to Boston, Massachusetts, along one of the most stunning coastlines in the country. Along this enchanting journey, discover the rich maritime history of the region as American Independence cruises past the magnificent and historic homes of sea captains and shipbuilders of years gone by, as well as the working waterfront communities of the modern day.
Days 48 to 54: Yankee Seaports: American Independence will sail the most famous and infamous seaports from Boston, Massachusetts, to New York City. Discover the country’s rich maritime history exploring historic cities and coastal villages from Plymouth, Massachusetts; to Mystic, Connecticut; to Newport, Rhode Island; and Port Jefferson, New York.
Days 55 to 61*: Hudson River Fall Foliage:
From New York City, American Independence will cruise the Hudson River straight from the tip of Manhattan, passing the City’s world-famous skyline. Guests will enjoy the kaleidoscope of colour offered by the Hudson River Valley’s magnificent fall foliage, visiting Sleepy Hollow, West Point, Hyde Park and more…while cruising past the beautiful Gilded Age estates of the famous and infamous industrialists, artists, presidents and inventors who left their indelible marks on the Valley and on the soul of the country. The Great United States cruise concludes as American Independence returns to New York Harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty.
The first The Great United States cruise sails 14th August to 14th October 2024.
For further information call American Cruise Lines on 0800 021 3172, email sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk or visit www.americancruiselines.com
