There will soon be a new way to explore wine country: American Cruise Lines has announced their first-ever California cruise. Beginning in 2023, the country’s largest small ship cruise line will offer an 8-day San Francisco Bay cruise.
“American continues to expand the possibilities for exceptional domestic small ship cruises across the country. Exploring this beautiful region of Northern California by riverboat will provide a new opportunity for our guests to discover the Bay area and the Napa Valley in an exceptional way … many have driven there, but not many can say they have actually cruised through wine country,” said Charles B. Robertson, president & CEO of American Cruise Lines in a news release.
San Francisco Bay Itinerary
The 8-day cruise will highlight the area’s historical, cultural, and geographical influences which helped build the city of San Francisco.
Guests will explore San Francisco, Napa Valley, and the San Joaquin Valley. Cruises will sail from San Fran into the heart of wine country along the Napa river. Stops will include Vallejo, Stockton, and Sacramento, and cruises San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, the Napa River, and the San Joaquin River.
Experiences
There is so much to see in this region that this cruise will allow guests to experience, including scenic views of the magnificent Gold Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Treasure Island. Stops in the city will include Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and touring Alcatraz.
For wine lovers, special experiences will include a Napa Valley Winery experience, in addition to a NASCAR-style driving experience at the Stockton 99 Speedway. The cruise will also offer a guided tour of Old Sacramento’s underground city and port and a visit to the California Railroad Museum, home to 5 full-size steam locomotives including Central Pacific No. 1 Governor Stanford, as well as many exhibits including one honoring the Chinese contribution to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the infamous Golden Spike which commemorated the completion of the celebrated railroad in 1869.
Activities Aboard
Throughout the 8-day sailing, there will also be lots of activities to enjoy including sunrise yoga and unique wine country experiences. To go with the theme of the cruise there will be special wine presentations offering guests the opportunity to learn, sip, and savor a variety of wines from the region.
Cooking demonstrations on local Northern Californian cuisine will be led by American Cruise Line’s culinary team. Plus, guests will get a local cookbook to take home with them.
Setting Sail
The 2023 departure dates for the new 8-day San Francisco Bay cruises are February 17, February 24, March 3, and March 10 aboard American Jazz. To book a cruise or get more information, visit American Cruise Line.
About American Cruise Lines
The new 2023 cruise is the first for the company in California. Overall, American operates 15 small ships in 34 states, also cruising close to home from convenient ports along the entire East Coast, the length of the Mississippi River, and the Hudson River from NYC.
This year, American is operating six small ships in the Pacific Northwest with multiple all-domestic itineraries available on the Columbia & Snake Rivers and in Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and Alaska.
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