This Cultural East Coast Cruise Stops At Iconic Destinations Taking Travelers Through 400 Years Of US History

Typically, going on a cruise means venturing outside the United States to far-off and exotic lands like Mexico, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific. However, these days, one of the most popular types of cruises in the U.S. is the river cruise. For example, if you love food and music, you can check out America's best river cruise destination for foodies along the Mississippi River. Or, if you're a history buff, you can book a tour of America's most historic sites, learning about 400 years of colonialism while visiting some of the oldest cities on the continent.

American Cruise Lines unveiled the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay Cruise, which focuses on American history during an eight-day voyage. It begins in Washington, D.C., and ends in Baltimore. If you haven't experienced this area in-depth before, a cruise is probably the most fun and relaxing way to do it. No logistical headaches, no resort or hotel fees, and absolutely no traffic.

So, if you want to experience the best that America has to offer while learning about the nation's history and sunbathing on the back of a cruise ship, now's the best time to book your American Cruise Lines trip.

During your eight-day cruise, you'll explore eight unique stops, although the itinerary is not spread out with one stop per day. Instead, the first day is in Washington, D.C., and Mount Vernon (the home of George Washington), then you head down to one of America's first planned cities, Williamsburg, and then Yorktown. On day three, the boat simply cruises through Chesapeake Bay. If you haven't taken a boat on the bay before, it's quite impressive. Spanning over 4,100 miles and containing over 15 trillion gallons of water, you'd swear you're out at sea because it's so massive.

After relaxing on the water, there's a flurry of activity, starting with Cambridge, Maryland. Then, you'll visit St. Michael's before setting out for one of America's prettiest cities with old-town European vibes, Annapolis. Finally, your last two days are spent in Baltimore. Also, if you prefer to start in Baltimore and finish in D.C., American Cruise Lines has reverse itineraries available as well.

But the main reason to take this cruise isn't to visit pretty cities and marvel at brick buildings. During your voyage, you can participate in ghost tours on a steamer wagon, explore a wildlife refuge, take guided walking tours, and even visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore. At each stop, you'll be able to see history come alive with recreations of famous battles and live experiences of historic events.

Space on the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay Cruise is very limited. According to the American Cruise Line website, at the time of writing, there is only one more cruise available for 2025 and four available for 2026. Cruise packages cost between $4,925 and $6,995 for all eight days. There is even a pre-trip package at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., if you want to stay in the lap of luxury before boarding.

Because the boat has to navigate the Potomac River, it's relatively small, with only enough room for 100 passengers. So, unlike massive cruise ships like Carnival, you don't have to worry about crowded hallways and decks. American Cruise Line has four unique vessels, each with multiple dining locations, like the main restaurant with river and bay views; a sun deck; an activity deck; and a fitness center on board. So, when you're cruising along the Chesapeake Bay, you won't get bored.

Finally, this cruise is all-inclusive, so you don't have to worry about meals, transportation, and even shore excursions. Although there are some additional activities you can pay for during the voyage, all the important attractions and amenities are included in the cruise price.