Historic Chesapeake Bay & Potomac River Cruise: Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg, Annapolis & Baltimore

Day 1 - Arrive in Washington, D.C.

Your journey begins as you depart from home for Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital and gateway to your Chesapeake Bay adventure. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to stroll along the National Mall, visit one of the Smithsonian museums, or simply relax after your travels.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott, Capitol Hill

Day 2 - Pre-Cruise Washington, D.C. Sightseeing

Enjoy a full day exploring one of America’s most iconic cities. Discover many of Washington’s famous landmarks, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Washington Monument. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit one or more of the world-renowned Smithsonian museums or enjoy free time along the National Mall.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott, Capitol Hill

Day 3 – Embark Your Chesapeake Bay Cruise

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the American Cruise Lines ship for embarkation. Receive a warm welcome from the captain and crew as you settle into your comfortable stateroom and become acquainted with your elegant small ship.

This afternoon, your cruise begins as the ship departs Washington, D.C., sailing along the historic Potomac River toward the Chesapeake Bay. Relax on deck as the scenery changes from the monuments of the nation’s capital to the peaceful shoreline of one of America’s most celebrated waterways. This evening, join your fellow guests for the Captain’s Welcome Reception and enjoy a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Yorktown & Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Wake this morning in historic Yorktown, where the final major battle of the American Revolution secured American independence in 1781. Stroll along the scenic waterfront, visit the Yorktown Battlefield, or explore the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, where engaging exhibits bring the nation’s founding to life.

Guests may also choose an excursion to nearby Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum. Costumed interpreters, beautifully restored eighteenth-century buildings, artisan workshops, and horse-drawn carriages recreate life in colonial America, offering an immersive journey into the country’s early history. Whether exploring historic streets or browsing charming shops and taverns, today provides an unforgettable glimpse into America’s past.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Cruising the Chesapeake Bay

Today is devoted to the scenic beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, North America’s largest estuary and one of the country’s most ecologically important waterways. As the ship glides through sheltered bays and broad rivers, relax on the sun deck, attend fascinating presentations from the onboard historians and naturalists, or simply enjoy the ever-changing coastal landscapes.

Keep watch for osprey soaring overhead, graceful herons along the shoreline, and perhaps even bald eagles nesting in the surrounding forests. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy exceptional regional cuisine, attentive service, and the relaxed pace that makes small-ship cruising such a rewarding experience.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Cambridge, Maryland

This morning arrive in Cambridge, one of Maryland’s oldest colonial communities, nestled along the picturesque Choptank River. The town is perhaps best known as the home of Harriet Tubman, whose extraordinary courage helped lead countless enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.

Choose from a variety of enriching excursions, including the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, or nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, home to bald eagles, waterfowl, and one of the East Coast’s finest wetland ecosystems. Those seeking a taste of local maritime tradition may also enjoy a cruise aboard a traditional Chesapeake skipjack sailing vessel.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – St. Michaels, Maryland

Today visit the charming waterfront village of St. Michaels, affectionately known as the “Heart of the Chesapeake.” Founded in the 1600s, this picturesque town has long been recognized for its rich maritime heritage, beautifully preserved architecture, and welcoming atmosphere.

A highlight of your visit is the renowned Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, where historic boats, working shipyards, and the iconic Hooper Strait Lighthouse tell the story of generations who made their living on these waters. Afterwards, enjoy time to stroll along Talbot Street, browse local boutiques and galleries, or savor fresh Maryland seafood while overlooking the harbor.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Annapolis, Maryland

Step ashore in Annapolis, Maryland’s historic capital and one of America’s most beautiful colonial cities. Founded in 1649, Annapolis is renowned for its elegant brick streets, waterfront setting, and distinguished role as the home of the United States Naval Academy.

Explore the impressive Maryland State House—the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use—and learn about its important place in American history. Wander through charming neighborhoods lined with colonial homes, browse unique shops and art galleries, or relax at a waterfront café while watching sailboats glide through the harbor. Annapolis’ blend of history, culture, and maritime tradition makes it one of the Chesapeake Bay’s true gems.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Baltimore, Maryland

Arrive this morning in historic Baltimore, Maryland, one of America’s great seaport cities and the final port of your Chesapeake Bay voyage. Spend the day exploring the city’s revitalized Inner Harbor, a vibrant waterfront district filled with museums, shops, restaurants, and historic attractions.

Included excursions may feature a guided tour of Baltimore, highlighting Fort McHenry National Monument, where the successful defense of the harbor during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner. Continue through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, including the cobblestone streets of Fell’s Point, a beautifully preserved waterfront district known for its maritime heritage, charming boutiques, and lively cafés. You may also have time to visit the renowned National Aquarium or stroll the scenic Harborwalk before returning to the ship.

This evening, enjoy one final dinner aboard as you reflect on the remarkable journey through the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay with your fellow travelers.

Overnight aboard your cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Disembark in Baltimore & Return Home

Following breakfast, bid farewell to your captain, crew, and fellow travelers as you disembark in Baltimore. Transfer to Baltimore/Washington International Airport for your flight home.

As your journey concludes, you’ll return home with lasting memories of America’s historic capital, Revolutionary War landmarks, picturesque Chesapeake Bay villages, elegant Annapolis, and Baltimore’s rich maritime heritage. From colonial history and scenic waterways to exceptional cuisine and the personalized experience of small-ship cruising, this unforgettable voyage offers an enriching exploration of one of the nation’s most historic and beautiful regions.

Meals Included: Breakfast