American Cruise Lines has unveiled the equivalent of a river world cruise with the longest-ever 60-day exploration of America’s waterways from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, The Great United States adventure in 2024 will explore 20 States spanning all four time zones in the continental US, honouring America’s living history and enduring legacies.
Guests will start at the Pacific Coast and travel east to the Atlantic, cruising four major rivers and America’s most picturesque coastlines. The cruise culminates in New York Harbor with a viewing of the Statue of Liberty from the ship on the last day of the cruise.
“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 Robertson, ACL’s president and CEO.
The cruise 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 and all elements of the travel experience will be fully curated.
ACL 60-day cruise map
The Great United States itinerary
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 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.
Guests will be virtually within touching distance of the Statue of Liberty on the Hudson River Fall Foliage sector
Day 39 to 47: Maine Coast & Harbors Cruise (including travel from St Paul to Portland, Maine): Cruise aboard American Independence from Portland to Boston, Massachusetts, along one of the most stunning coastlines in the country. 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 to New York City. Discover the country’s rich maritime history exploring historic cities and coastal villages from Plymouth, Massachusetts, to Mystic, Connecticut; Newport, Rhode Island; and Port Jefferson, New York.
Days 55 to 61: Hudson River Fall Foliage: American Independence will then cruise the Hudson straight from the tip of Manhattan, passing the City’s world-famous skyline. Guests will enjoy tmagnificent fall foliage, visiting Sleepy Hollow, West Point, Hyde Park and more while cruising past the beautiful Gilded Age estates of the rich and famous. The cruise returns to New York Harbor, passing the Statue of Liberty.
The cruise for 14 August to 14 October ranges from £42,198 to £64,417 per person, depending on stateroom selection. The price includes jacket and gear pack, pre-cruise hotel stay and all flights and hotels between cruise segments.
For further information visit www.americancruiselines.com