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Summer is the most popular season to visit the Pacific Northwest because of the long sunny days, warm temperatures, and blue skies. So, the best time to set out on your Columbia & Snake Rivers cruise will depend on whether you like it hot, or if you prefer to witness the most colorful landscapes. The humidity can make it feel warmer, so pack light, breathable clothing to explore the city. Whether you are departing from Charleston, SC, this year or you plan on visiting as part of a cruise itinerary in the future, we want to provide you with all of the essential information you need to make the most out of your experience. Not only will we cover practical details, like the port’s location and proximity to the airport, but we’ll also explain some of the most exciting things to do in the city and the surrounding area. Musicians, historians, and naturalists join every cruise, creating an entertaining onboard experience.
Onboard Experts & Entertainers
In late-October 2015, ACL announced the start of the construction of a new coastal cruiser (by Chesapeake Shipbuilding/Salisbury, Maryland USA), with scheduled delivery in 2017-Q1. The vessel (American Constellation) was followed by the sistership American Constitution (2018). In mid-February, 2020, ACL signed with Vicksburg MS a 20-year deal for preferential berthing rights and ACL investments for upgrading the riverfront docking facility. By the deal, ACL pays the city per-passenger fees and receives priority mooring along the waterfront. ACL also provides shuttle bus services for its customers for land transportation to nearby attractions and popular downtown businesses.
New ships
With that said, you will still find clean and serviceable bathroom facilities to the right of the main entrance and within the main terminal building. Overnight parking costs $17 per day, but we recommend pre-booking your spot, as you can save money and guarantee you will have a parking space. The parking lot is patrolled overnight by port police, so it is a safe location to leave your vehicle. If you are driving from the airport, take the I-26 E towards downtown Charleston. The cruise terminal is well-marked, so just make sure you are following the signs.
Upper Mississippi River Cruise
The 7-night/8-day "San Francisco Bay Cruise" itinerary (roundtrip from San Francisco) visits four other Californian ports (Stockton, Sacramento, Napa, Vallejo) and ends with an overnight in San Francisco. A pre-cruise hotel package (inclusive of San Francisco Four Season Hotel overnight stay) is optional. Traditionally for large-sized US riverboats, American Song has a fore-located boarding ramp (bow-location on Deck 1) that allows passengers to go ashore at any place along the ship's cruise itinerary route.
Modern Riverboats & Coastal Cats
One of the most prominent features of all ACL ships is that they are USA-flagged, which means that the company hires only American citizens as hotel staff and crews, and pays taxes in the USA (on all cruise deals). From the coast of Maine, to the mighty Mississippi and Pacific Northwest, our Free Cruise Guide provides detailed information about all of our more than 50 U.S. itinerary options. For some, the best time to visit the Columbia and Snake rivers is late April through June, and then again in September and October. Spring is peak bloom time for the Columbia River Gorge's wildflowers and orchards and the verdant landscapes along the shore are a sight to behold. No matter which season you are cruising, comfortable shoes are a must for your daily adventures.
You will eventually take the exit towards Morrison Drive, then turn right onto Washington Street, where you will find the main parking area and entrance to Union Pier Terminal. In addition to the Complimentary Featured Tours and Excursions offered on every cruise, we also offer a number of Signature Tours for an additional cost. These Signature Tours are limited in availability and must be reserved in advance. The below list details all available Signature Tours that may be added to enhance your client's cruise experience. Plan pricing is determined by the cruise fare, airfare and pre-cruise package options selected. Every itinerary is domestic, every crewmember is American, the company is 100% American-owned, and each ship is designed and built here in the U.S.
NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line to homeport in JAXPORT/Jacksonville ( Norwegian Gem ship
Spring temperatures usually sit between 60° and 80°F, but rainfall can be an issue. Even though Charleston gets plenty of springtime rain, showers are usually brief, so you can still enjoy exploring the city and everything it has to offer. The Port of Charleston consists of six terminals scattered throughout the city, but only a single terminal, Union Pier Terminal, handles cruise ship operations.
Deck Plans
In 2023, American Cruise Lines launched 2 new boats in another new series of small coastal cruise ships, American Eagle and American Glory. In 2024, American Cruise Lines will launch the 3rd and 4th ships in the series, Coastal Cats, American Liberty and American Legend. American Cruise Lines has announced more riverboats and small ships, already under construction, set to launch in 2025.
American Cruise Lines to Introduce New Ship Class in 2025 - Cruise Industry News
American Cruise Lines to Introduce New Ship Class in 2025.
Posted: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Columbia & Snake Rivers
Charleston is a major city, so cruise passengers have plenty of transportation options. The most popular way to get around the city is to take taxis, which are available directly at the cruise terminal. Taxis take about 20 minutes, but it is a good idea to set off early, as traffic can be an issue if you arrive on weekdays and get stuck in commuter traffic. Most taxis will charge a $35 flat rate from the airport to the cruise port, but it is a good idea to ask before departing, as the meter rate can be higher. For cruise passengers arriving by air, Charleston International Airport is located roughly 12 miles from Union Pier Terminal, making it easy for passengers to arrive on the same day as their cruise.
Enjoy our complimentary offerings, including breakfast room service, some onshore excursions, all gourmet meals, evening cocktails, and more. Charleston is closing its port to overnight cruise ships in an attempt to revitalize the waterfront that is currently being occupied by cruise ship facilities. It will continue to function as a port of call, and a new terminal will probably be constructed in the future. Despite the port’s popularity as a departure point, the South Carolina Ports Authority recently announced that cruise ships will no longer start their journeys from Charleston as of the end of 2024. With that said, plenty of the 2024 cruise season is left, and cruise ships are still expected to visit Charleston’s Union Pier Terminal as a port of call. Charleston, South Carolina, has been a prominent departure point for many of the world’s top cruise lines for years.
These boats have passenger capacity 170 and are sized slightly larger compared to ACL's old coastal cruisers. They are fully stabilized (active wing stabilizers by Rolls-Royce Marine) and have the USA river cruising industry's largest and most luxurious staterooms. All cabins are with marble-tiled bathrooms and floor-ceiling glass doors opening to step-out balconies. Since January 2022, all ACL deals with added domestic flights (between airports in the USA, which includes all the company's 19 ports in 16 US states) are with flat-rate priced airfares (fixed/not subject to future changes).
As you cruise in perfect comfort to ports like Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA, enjoy spacious amenities, a private balcony, and an intimate oasis aboard our fleet of award-winning small ships. Cruise aboard the newest riverboats in the region and enjoy perfect comfort and modern amenities as you travel to each historical destination. The fabric of the region is brought to life through our delicious regional cuisine, great onboard music, and customized excursions to historical landmarks. Enjoy one of our themed cruises along the River, perfect for afternoon aficionados, culinary connoisseurs and history enthusiasts. Our annual cruise guide provides an in-depth look at the amazing U.S. ports and destinations we visit, our modern fleet of riverboats, excursions and adventures on shore, our onboard amenities and personalized services, and more. American Cruise Lines' modern ships are a testament to premier nautical engineering, luxurious comfort, and the river cruising convenience.
Outdoor activities are in full swing with a variety of enjoyable excursions available, such as kayaking, chartering a fishing boat, or exploring the sand dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. The best time of year to cruise to New England depends on whether you prefer warmer weather or more colorful landscapes. Perhaps one of the most popular times for cruising New England is in September and October, when the fiery hues of fall foliage are in full display. With all cruise seasons, choose clothing with a simple color scheme that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Also important are comfortable walking shoes and binoculars for enjoying all that nature has to offer.
Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages - Star Tribune
Cruise line buys up the Mississippi River ships from defunct American Queen Voyages.
Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In August 2021, ACL announced a major refurbishment project for its entire paddlewheeler fleet. The redesigned boats were renamed "American Splendor" (fka America), "American Heritage" (fka Queen of the Mississippi) and "American West" (fka Queen of the West), and only American Pride retained its name. The refurb project was via partnership with Studio DADO (Miami-based interior design firm) which was commissioned for the American Melody's interior spaces. By this project (completed by March 2022), the ACL paddlewheelrs' staterooms, bars and lounges, dining rooms and public areas were completely redesigned, featuring new color schemes, artworks, furniture, carpets, textiles, accessories. The Pacific Northwest produces some of the tastiest seafood and exquisite wines. From salmon to pinot noir grapes, our master chefs have curated a custom Columbia & Snake Rivers inspired menu to make your onboard experience even more special and personalized.
The ramp has an innovative design being constructed as a retractable gangway (passenger bridge). The technology is often implemented on some of the largest ferries and features an opening bow door. The best strategy for packing for your New England cruise is layers, no matter what the season, so you can be prepared for a sudden change in weather. Be sure to bring layers that you can shed as the day warms up, perhaps a few light sweaters and a waterproof windbreaker for taking in the beautiful New England coastal views from the sun deck. Immerse yourself in our onboard and onshore Columbia & Snake River experiences while cruising to the most fascinating destinations, and we will take care of the rest.
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