Great Rivers of Florida Cruise

8 days
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4.5/5 Excellent
39 reviews  
89%
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River Cruise
Designated an American Heritage River, the St. Johns is one of the few north-flowing rivers above the equator. Along this river, you'll sail a route that adventurous passengers first followed on 19th-century paddlewheelers in search of a tropical paradise. With the advent of the railroads, tourism headed further south and the St. Johns meandered serenely and ...
From$3,985
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Take a tour of beautiful Palatka.
    • Enjoy the beauty of Blue Springs State Park
    • Putnam Historic Museum
    • Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through Green Cove Springs
    • Experience the sights and sounds of Green Cove Springs during a guided tour
    • Enjoy the sites of St. Augustine by tram
    • Observe many exotic reptiles at the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
    • Tour the charming historic district of Fernandina with a local guide
    • Explore the backwaters of Amelia Island and Eagan Creek on a narrated river boat cruise
    • Discover the most intriguing places in Jacksonville during a narrated walking tour

What's this trip about?

    Designated an American Heritage River, the St. Johns is one of the few north-flowing rivers above the equator. Along this river, you'll sail a route that adventurous passengers first followed on 19th-century paddlewheelers in search of a tropical paradise. With the advent of the railroads, tourism headed further south and the St. Johns meandered serenely and untouched thereafter. The artesian mineral springs that feed its waters have created an extraordinary environment for flora and fauna, with creeks, lagoons and lakes opening before you in magical splendor. Journey to the heart of the Ocala National Forest where you’ll observe alligators, playful manatees, and majestic bald eagles all in their natural habitats.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityJacksonville
End CityJacksonville

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • 50 Plus
  • National Parks
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Bird Watching
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • River Cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife Viewing

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Jacksonville, FL area (Amelia Island)

Departing for Palatka, you will enjoy a journey along the waters of St. Johns River, one of only three rivers in the nation that flows north. This river is home to over 200 species of birds including the bald eagle, swallowtail kite, and wood stork. Discover why the S...

Day 2: Palatka, FL

Once known for its worldwide shipping commerce of citrus and timber, Palatka also attracted a vast number of tourists and wealthy northerners looking to relocate to Florida. Today, it remains a charming river town with restored plantation houses standing as a testamen...

Day 3: Cruising the St. Johns to Lake George (Ocala National Forest)

Continue to cruise St. Johns River to Lake George, which shares a border with the Ocala National Forest. The lake hosts a variety of wildlife ranging from migratory water birds to a number of marine animals. Local springs in Lake George feed enough salt to the system to make the habitat suitable for marine species like Atlantic stingray, striped bass and blue crab.

Day 4: Green Cove Springs, FL

In the 1800s, Green Cove Springs attracted a surge of vacationers from the North, drawn to the warm mineral springs reputed to have medicinal qualities and healing powers. Steamboat services brought the elite, searching for a warm retreat from the winter’s harsh climate. Today, visitors can explore the historic district, which includes vintage homes and gorgeous surroundings.

Day 5: Cruising the Tolomato River

Experience one of the most impressive stretches of inland waterways in the United States, the Tolomato River. See many spectacular sites, including a rare view of the Atlantic Ocean, visible over the Barrier Islands. Join our invited naturalist on the open observation decks for views of native wildlife, captivating sunsets, hidden villages, and miles of pristine landscapes.

Day 6: St. Augustine, FL

In the late 1800s, oil millionaire Henry Flagler built out St. Augustine in an attempt to fulfill his vision of establishing an American Riviera along Florida's eastern shores. Although this "golden era" ended in the early 1900s, Flagler's legacy remains. Explore historic ruins, unique architecture, and the narrow streets of a city once used as a remote outpost by the Spanish Empire.

Day 7: Amelia Island, FL

Discover the unspoiled beauty of Amelia Island, with miles of quartz beaches and rolling sand dunes. Fernandina Beach, the island's only city, harbors a treasure trove of history, antiques, and collectibles. Join a walking tour of Centre Street's Historic District, featuring restored 19th century Victorian homes and shops. Stroll along the tree-lined avenues and explore Amelia Island's charm.

Day 8: Amelia Island / Jacksonville, FL

Take in the beautiful weather of northern Florida as you disembark from your tour of the South. Jacksonville offers a number of wonderful activities, including a tour of Cummer Art Museum, which houses an exclusive collection of art, including rare porcelain.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,985
Price per day$498
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Price notes

  • Last Chance for 2015 Prices. 2016 rates go into effect on October 16th.
  • Early Bird Discount: Book early and Save $400 or more per stateroom on this cruise

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with American Cruiselines.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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American Cruiselines Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
Excellent
30
Great
0
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
4
L

LyndaB

Dec 2022

Written on

Totally Awesome

Our Cruise with American Cruise Lines was totally awesom...

J

JamesBond

Dec 2022

Written on

Fabulous Thanksgiving Cruise

We've never had a Thanksgiving like the experience that ACL provided. Not only is it great to be cruising someplace warm and beautiful like the Great Rivers of Flor...

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Unfortunately one star is the lowest possible rating; I would rate them as MUCH worse than one star. My husband & I took the Tennessee Rivers cruise. The excur...

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American Cruise LInes stole from me

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES STOLE FROM ME I am a dedicated hard working single father of two young daughters and worked for American cruise lines from February-August of ...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Ship & cabin information
American Glory
The American Glory offers discerning travelers the most unique and modern style of small ship cruising. Each unique and off-the-beaten path port visited, gives guests a glimpse into the cultural heritage that is the fabric of our great nation. The country-club atmosphere onboard allows guests to relax, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interests in American history and culture. The spacious public lounges and observation decks are frequented by guests who wish to mingle with friends new and old.
AAC (Private Balcony) Our AAC staterooms offer guests refined luxury and lasting comfort. Located on the top deck these 275 square foot rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV and gourmet coffee makers and a writing desk. You also have access to your own private walk-out balcony and hotel-size bathroom.
Cancellation policy

Cruise Cancellation Protection is recommended and available, and allows for a refund of the cruise fare cost, up to the sailing date. For information on the Cruise Cancellation Protection Plan, contact American Cruise Lines, Inc. Passengers may cancel cruise reservations by sending a written request for cancellation to American Cruise Lines, Inc., 741 Boston Post Road, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437. Requests for cancellation should be sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. In the event of cancellation, the total amount paid for fare, minus cancellation fees of $250 per passenger, will be promptly refunded based on the date of receipt by American Cruise Lines, Inc. of the written request for cancellation, in accordance with the following schedule: (i) 91 days or more prior to departure date, 100% of amount paid for fare less fees; (ii) more than 46 days, but less than 90 days prior to departure date, 50% of amount paid for fare less fees; (iii) 45 days or less prior to departure date, no refund will be made. The cancellation fees of $250 per passenger may be applied as a courtesy discount toward fare for a future cruise reserved with American Cruise Lines, Inc. within one year of the cancellation date. Fees paid for the American Cruise Lines Cruise Cancellation Protection Plan are non-refundable. For cancellations relating to group bookings, passengers should refer to the group booking agreement for terms and conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
americ1-GreRivAme

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