By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
Last month, we were invited to tour one of the new 100-passenger Coastal Cats of American Cruise Lines, the largest river and small ship cruise line in the US with headquarters in Guilford.
The American Legend was docked in Marco Island, a stop en route from St. Petersburg round trip to Key West (overnight), with stops in Punta Gorda, Marco Island and Fort Myers on the way back up to St. Pete. Most of their cabins are 300 square foot balconies. They also practice a local culinary philosophy – cruise local, eat local. Our menu included Marco Island jerk grouper and sweet potato bread pudding.
The Coastal Cats also circumnavigate the state of Florida from Amelia Island to St. Petersburg and offer another sailing on three rivers in Florida. This is perfect for Floridians who don’t want to fly, or for others looking to seek warmer destinations or perhaps see more of Florida before they decide on a retirement location.
Under the leadership of the ship’s new CEO, American Cruise Lines has recently expanded to 19 small ships on over 50 itineraries in 35 states along the Eastern Seaboard (Maine to Florida, Hudson River and Chesapeake Bay) and the Western Seaboard (including Alaska and Puget Sound) as well as the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers and the Columbia-Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
One of my clients said their May 2024 trip on the Columbia and Snake rivers was a great experience. “The scenery was comparable to our trip around South America. The cabins were spacious and the food well prepared. Multnomah Falls was spectacular, and we had magnificent views of Mt. Hood and St. Helens,” () said.
The popularity of Pacific Northwest wineries has led to 11 new themed Vineyard Cruises on this itinerary for 2025.
In addition, American Cruise Lines now offers visits to over 12 national parks including a cruise and land package to Denali on select Alaska sailings on the 170-passenger American Constellation. There is a brand new Legendary Parks and Rivers 16-day cruise and land package that starts or ends with the Columbia-Snake River Cruise and includes stays in Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
This year starts their expansion of Eastern Seaboard cruises on their new Patriot Class of ships. The new class of ships will have a deeper draft for sailings along the Eastern Seaboard for a comfortable journey even in varying sea conditions. These luxury ships offer 100 percent private balcony accommodations for up to 130 guests across five decks.
Something special to note: There is a new 11-day American Revolution sailing round-trip from Washington, DC where you can explore the towns and historic cities that shaped our nation, including Colonial Williamsburg. This could be perfect to celebrate our the 250th anniversary of US independence coming up in 2026. American Cruise Lines is currently offering free airfare and savings up to $1,200 on select 2025 dates.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.