Great Rivers of Florida, St. John's River Cruise from Jacksonville (2024)

Pre-Cruise

Excursions & Entertainment

• Jacksonville Pre-Cruise Package

  Jacksonville Pre-Cruise Package

  Experience all that Jacksonville has to offer, including a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located steps away from the ship's dock. On the day of embarkation, enjoy a full breakfast, explore the riverfront on your own and board the ship to begin your exiting journey.

  Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.

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Day 1 - Jacksonville, FL

As we set sail to our next port of call, the adventure begins with an onboard welcome reception, a toast to the journey ahead. Feel the gentle sway of the vessel as we glide along the legendary St. Johns River, a true wonder designated as an American Heritage River. This waterway flows northward, inviting you to watch the azure waves spray behind your ship.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Welcome Aboard

  Welcome Aboard

  As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with co*cktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

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Day 2 - Green Cove Springs, FL

Along the banks of the St. Johns River lies the hidden gem of Green Cove Springs. Once a hub for healing with its famed mineral springs, it now boasts an infectious energy that blends history and modernity seamlessly. Picture-perfect Victorian architecture lines the streets of its historic district, each building telling tales of a bygone era. At Spring Park, the heart of the town, the crystal-clear spring waters still beckon, framed by ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss. Adventure awaits on the river, where boating enthusiasts skim the water's surface and anglers chase the next big catch. From lively waterfront restaurants to quaint boutiques, Green Cove Springs is the perfect first stop on our Floridian travel.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Green Cove Springs Driving Exploration

  Green Cove Springs Driving Exploration

  Green Cove Springs has had many identities through the years, including “White Sulfur Springs,” “the Saratoga of the South,” the world’s largest “Mothball Fleet,” and “Little Detroit.” During this interactive sightseeing drive, learn about the town’s famous residents, architecture, history, and local culture with photo stops along the way. Travel through the historic district, continuing to nearby military sites, and visiting the birthplace of Southern Rock. At the end, take a short walk across a footbridge to see the famous spring from which the town got its name.

  Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible: Partial

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Day 3 - Palatka, FL

Palatka once commanded global attention with its thriving citrus and timber trade, beckoning affluent northerners seeking respite in the Florida sun. Today, its intrigue endures, characterized by stately homes that bear witness to the opulence of its former residents. Ravine Gardens State Park presents a unique display of artistic landscaping, meticulously crafted, and impeccably maintained. Enjoy strolling throughout this riverside town, learning more about the history rustling through the palms.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Blue Spring State Park

  Blue Spring State Park

  Covering more than 2,600 acres, Blue Spring State Park is home to the largest spring on St. John's River and is a refuge for the West Indian manatee, one of the world's most endangered species. In season, the manatees congregate here to enjoy the warmth of the year-round 72 -degree waters. Sail on a private charter along the St. Johns River, while our expert guide provides commentary on local and river history, along with illustrated accounts of the numerous bird species, alligators, and other wild critters that call this area home. After, you will have a chance to view manatees at the observation platform (during the season), shop at the gift store, and explore on your own time.

  Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Palatka City Experience

  Palatka City Experience

  Join local guide Sam Deputy on a narrated city exploration. Learn about the history and culture of Palatka through the famous murals that cover the buildings of the city. Visit one of the most historic homes in central Florida, the Bronson-Mulholland House. Judge Isaac H. Bronson was one of four circuit state judges in Florida after it became a state in 1845. His family was committed to helping Palatka prosper for many years after.

  Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

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Day 4 - Amelia Island, FL

Explore the enchanting Amelia Island, Florida, where the gentle breezes of the Atlantic tell tales of pirates and Spanish galleons. Wander the sunlit shores of Fernandina Beach, where history reverberates through the sands and the Fernandina Historic District boasts an impressive array of Victorian-era architecture. Discover the past at Fort Clinch State Park, a Civil War-era fortress offering scenic beauty and a window into historical battles. Venture through the serene maritime forests and meandering trails of Amelia Island State Park, a natural sanctuary where wild horses roam and the sunset paints the sky in brilliant hues. As evening unfolds, stargaze from the sundeck after a dinner of fresh seafood while celebrating a perfect day on this magical island.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Amelia Island River Cruise

  Amelia Island River Cruise

  A visit to Amelia Island is incomplete without an exploration of its scenic waterways. Discover the backwaters of Amelia Island and Eagan Creek on this narrated cruise as you learn the history of Fernandina, America’s second oldest city. Highlights include Fort Clinch, the Amelia Island Lighthouse and, of course, viewing the island from this beautiful waterway.

  Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Fernandina Beach Seaport Walking Exploration

  Fernandina Beach Seaport Walking Exploration

  Join a local guide for a leisurely walk through the lovely seaport of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Begin at the City Marina and continue to the center of town weaving through historic streets including both residential and business districts while viewing restored Victorian homes, inns, churches, and more. The exploration will end with a gathering next to the Historic Courthouse, where your guide will concludewith a remarkable tale of an influential islander from its past.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Amelia Island Trolley Exploration

  Amelia Island Trolley Exploration

  This guided exploration will take you on a journey back in time as you travel through the historic downtown of Fernandina Beach, known as Old Town Fernandina. A waterfront neighborhood located on a bluff above the Amelia River, it has historic homes dating to the mid-1800s and is the only Spanish town in Florida with the original site plat remaining. Continue to the "Silk Stocking District," where many ofFernandinaBeach's most prominent citizens of the 19th century built their homes, concluding your experience in the picturesque North End of the island.

  Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible:Yes

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• Lofton Creek Kayaking

  Lofton Creek Kayaking

  Experience "old Florida" on this guided kayaking experience. Paddle Florida's black water known for its highly reflective properties that enhance the already natural beauty of the creek. Meander through this peaceful wooded environment and enjoy viewing various seasonal aquatic vegetation while keeping an eye out for birds and other native wildlife. As a keepsake of your time on the water, receive a complimentary digital memory photo album. This kayaking excursion is a great for all levels of kayakers.

  Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: No

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• Fort Clinch State Park

  Fort Clinch State Park

  Visit Fort Clinch State Park, located on a peninsula near the northernmost point of Amelia Island at the entrance to the Cumberland Sound. Admire the scenic landscapes that surround you, including sand dunes, planes, maritime hammock and estuarine tidal march. Explore the 19th-century Fort Clinch, which served as the area base of Union operations throughout the Civil War.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

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Day 5 - Cruising the Tolomato River

Cruise down the Tolomato River, one of the most spectacular inland waterways in the United States. Catch breathtaking views where the shimmering Atlantic Ocean peeks over the Barrier Islands. Join our onboard naturalist on the open observation decks to spot native wildlife, witness enchanting sunsets, and discover hidden villages hidden amid vast, pristine landscapes. Every turn offers a new view, from thick marshlands to the distant, sun-drenched coastline, this day is dedicated to watching the water wade by.

Excursions & Entertainment

• A Day of Cruising

  A Day of Cruising

  There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great co*cktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

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Day 6 - St. Augustine, FL

Set sail to St. Augustine, Florida, the nation’s oldest city, where history comes alive amidst cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture. Feel the energy of the past as you wander through the historic district, home to the magnificent Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress that offers panoramic views of the Matanzas River. Be enchanted by the Lightner Museum, housed in the opulent former Alcazar Hotel, where relics of America’s Gilded Age are displayed in rooms filled with natural light and architectural grandeur. Take a leisurely stroll down St. George Street, lined with lively eateries, unique shops, and the sounds of local musicians filling the air. Cap off your visit with a trolley ride under the canopy of ancient oaks, an experience that weaves together the charm and history of this captivating city.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Legends & Liars

  Join a local historian and storyteller for an entertaining walk along the narrow brick passageways of the Oldest City, along a path that few visitors get to see. Learn about the legends and secrets of St. Augustine. Of all the tales you hear, one will be a complete lie. Have fun mingling along the way to figure out which outlandish story is false. At the end of the exploration, whoever guesses which story is a lie wins a prize.

  Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Gilded Age Walking Exploration with Henry Flagler

  Gilded Age Walking Exploration with Henry Flagler

  Experience a time in St. Augustine when it was a resort for the rich and famous and guests came for the season to the “Newport of the South.” With Henry Flagler or one of the other Flagler contemporaries as your guide, visit the Venetian Renaissance gem of Flagler Memorial Church. During your walk view a variety of historic gems including the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, Villa Zorayda, and the old Alcazar Hotel and courtyard. Get a first person account of how sleepy St. Augustine became a destination during the Gilded Age.

  Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Alligator Farm & Zoological Park

  The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is one of Florida’s oldest attractions. For over a century, millions of visitors have been lured by the presence of reptiles, long regarded as mysterious, dangerous, and frightening. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm has also inspired the popularization of the alligator which has become a symbol of the state. Observe many species of animals, including a wide variety of exotic reptiles, found nowhere else in Florida.

  Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Old Town Trolley

  Old Town Trolley

  Cruise through the beautiful streets of St. Augustine on the Old Town Trolley making a variety of stops throughout the town. Explore at your leisure and enjoy countless attractions throughout the day, including the St. Augustine History Museum, the Old Jail, Potter's Wax Museum, and the Old Drug Store.

  Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

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Day 7 - Jacksonville, FL

Back in Jacksonville, Florida, where the expansive St. Johns River meets the Atlantic Ocean, experience the lively atmosphere of Jacksonville Landing, a popular spot for dining and shopping against the backdrop of the city’s impressive skyline. Visit the cumme*r Museum of Art and Gardens, showcasing an extensive collection from ancient to contemporary times, set within beautifully maintained gardens by the river. Relax on the golden sands of Jacksonville Beach, ideal for a full day at the beach.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Riverside and San Marco Sunset Cruise

  Riverside and San Marco Sunset Cruise

  On a relaxing cruise, enjoy a beautiful sunset and great music aboard an open-air pontoon boat. We will cruise south along the St. Johns River taking in the scenic views along Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco, returning downtown in time to see the sparkling city lights.

  Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Go Tuk'n Experience

  Go Tuk'n Experience

  On this exclusive experience for American Cruise Lines guests, see some of the hidden gems of downtown Jacksonville and the historic communities of Riverside and Avondale. Aboard an open-air Tuk Tuk, driven by a knowledgeable guide, learn about the city’s past, including the Great Fire of 1901, as well as its present and future development. Along the way, admire a variety of architecture styles, with homes designed by world-renowned architects, before and after the fire.

  Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Partial

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• The Jacksonville Experience

  The Jacksonville Experience

  This excursion is a perfect way to navigate the “River City.” Once known as “Cowford,” this picturesque city along the river has grown to be the largest city in land area in the continental United States. Led by a local guide, learn how Jacksonville rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1901 to emerge as an architectural gem of the South. Explore the luxurious old Carling Hotel and hear the exploits of past presidents, great American architects, and music legends such as Elvis.

  Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Downtown Dolphin & History Sightseeing Cruise

  Enjoy a historic river cruise in downtown Jacksonville, Florida's original port city. On this narrated journey, learn about Jacksonville's past, present and future. Your guide will discuss the site you see along the way as you cruise east toward Exchange Club Island. Learn about the St. Johns River, an American Heritage River, and see first-hand the diverse wildlife that abounds in and around it. Be on the lookout for dolphins in the waters near downtown Jacksonville.

  Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible: Yes

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Day 8 - Jacksonville, FL

Cherish the delightful weather of northern Florida one last time as you step off your Southeastern tour. Reflect on the fantastic experiences and the bonds formed with new friends as you prepare for your journey home. Jacksonville embodies coastal relaxation, so go ahead and stay an extra day...or more.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Explore More in Jacksonville

  Explore More in Jacksonville

  Stay a day or two longer to explore more of Jacksonville. The city offers a number of wonderful attractions, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, cumme*r Museum of Art, and Little Talbot Island.

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