8 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from Jacksonville to Jacksonville 2024

Day 1 Jacksonville, FL

Departing for Green Cove Springs, enjoy an onboard welcome reception as we cruise along the waters of St. Johns River. Distinguished as an American Heritage River, it is one of only three rivers in the nation that flows north.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Day 2 Green Cove Springs, FL

In the1800s,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 members of high society, 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.

Green Cove Springs has had many identities through the years, including “White Sulfur Springs,” “the Saratoga of the South,” the world’s largest “Mothball Fleet,” and “Little Detroit.” During this interactive sightseeing drive, learn about the town’s famous residents, architecture, history, and local culture with photo stops along the way. Travel through the historic district, continuing to nearby military sites, and visiting the birthplace of Southern Rock. At the end, take a short walk across a footbridge to see the famous spring from which the town got its name.

Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible: Partial

Day 3 Palatka, FL

Once known for its worldwide shipping commerce of citrus and timber, Palatka attracted a number of wealthy northerners looking to relocate to a warmer climate. Today, it remains a charming river town with grand homes thatstand as a testament to distinguished residents that once called Palatka home. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the beautifully landscaped Ravine Gardens State Park.

Covering more than 2,600 acres, Blue Spring State Park is home to the largest spring on St. John's River and is a refuge for the West Indian manatee, one of the world's most endangered species. In season, the manatees congregate here to enjoy the warmth of the year-round 72 -degree waters. Sail on a private charter along the St. Johns River, while our expert guide provides commentary on local and river history, along with illustrated accounts of the numerous bird species, alligators, and other wild critters that call this area home. After, you will have a chance to view manatees at the observation platform (during the season), shop at the gift store, and explore on your own time.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

Join local guide Sam Deputy on a narrated city exploration. Learn about the history and culture of Palatka through the famous murals that cover the buildings of the city. Visit one of the most historic homes in central Florida, the Bronson-Mulholland House. Judge Isaac H. Bronson was one of four circuit state judges in Florida after it became a state in 1845. His family was committed to helping Palatka prosper for many years after.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 4 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. Explore Centre Street's Historic District,featuring restored 19th-century Victorian homes and shops. Bask in Amelia Island's charm as you stroll along the tree-lined avenues.

A visit to Amelia Island is incomplete without an exploration of its scenic waterways. Discover the backwaters of Amelia Island and Eagan Creek on this narrated cruise as you learn the history of Fernandina, America’s second oldest city. Highlights include Fort Clinch, the Amelia Island Lighthouse and, of course, viewing the island from this beautiful waterway.

Activity Level: Low| ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Join a local guide for a leisurely walk through the lovely seaport of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Begin at the City Marina and continue to the center of town weaving through historic streets including both residential and business districts while viewing restored Victorian homes, inns, churches, and more. The exploration will end with a gathering next to the Historic Courthouse, where your guide will concludewith a remarkable tale of an influential islander from its past.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

This guided exploration will take you on a journey back in time as you travel through the historic downtown of Fernandina Beach, known as Old Town Fernandina. A waterfront neighborhood located on a bluff above the Amelia River, it has historic homes dating to the mid-1800s and is the only Spanish town in Florida with the original site plat remaining. Continue to the "Silk Stocking District," where many ofFernandinaBeach's most prominent citizens of the 19th century built their homes, concluding your experience in the picturesque North End of the island.

Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible:Yes

Experience "old Florida" on this guided kayaking experience. Paddle Florida's black water known for its highly reflective properties that enhance the already natural beauty of the creek. Meander through this peaceful wooded environment and enjoy viewing various seasonal aquatic vegetation while keeping an eye out for birds and other native wildlife. As a keepsake of your time on the water, receive a complimentary digital memory photo album. This kayaking excursion is a great for all levels of kayakers.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: No

Visit Fort Clinch State Park, located on a peninsula near the northernmost point of Amelia Island at the entrance to the Cumberland Sound. Admire the scenic landscapes that surround you, including sand dunes, planes, maritime hammock and estuarine tidal march. Explore the 19th-century Fort Clinch, which served as the area base of Union operations throughout the Civil War.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Day 5 Cruising the Tolomato River

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

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, App-titude Classes (Tech Made Easy), Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails,) Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Day 6 St. Augustine, FL

In the late 1800s, oil tycoon Henry Flagler developed 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.

Join a local historian and storyteller for an entertaining walk along the narrow brick passageways of the Oldest City, along a path that few visitors get to see. Learn about the legends and secrets of St. Augustine. Of all the tales you hear, one will be a complete lie. Have fun mingling along the way to figure out which outlandish story is false. At the end of the exploration, whoever guesses which story is a lie wins a prize.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

Experience a time in St. Augustine when it was a resort for the rich and famous and guests came for the season to the “Newport of the South.” With Henry Flagler or one of the other Flagler contemporaries as your guide, visit the Venetian Renaissance gem of Flagler Memorial Church. During your walk view a variety of historic gems including the old Ponce de Leon Hotel, Villa Zorayda, and the old Alcazar Hotel and courtyard. Get a first person account of how sleepy St. Augustine became a destination during the Gilded Age.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park is one of Florida’s oldest attractions. For over a century, millions of visitors have been lured by the presence of reptiles, long regarded as mysterious, dangerous, and frightening. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm has also inspired the popularization of the alligator which has become a symbol of the state. Observe many species of animals, including a wide variety of exotic reptiles, found nowhere else in Florida.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes

Cruise through the beautiful streets of St. Augustine on the Old Town Trolley making a variety of stops throughout the town. Explore at your leisure and enjoy countless attractions throughout the day, including the St. Augustine History Museum, the Old Jail, Potter's Wax Museum, and the Old Drug Store.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 7 Jacksonville, FL

Jax, as locals call it, features miles of beaches, historic neighborhoods, eclectic museums, and a vibrant street arts scene. Led by our local guide, explore all that this vibrant city has to offer, including creative coastal cuisine, delicious craft beer, and so much more.

On a relaxing cruise, enjoy a beautiful sunset and great music aboard an open-air pontoon boat. We will cruise south along the St. Johns River taking in the scenic views along Riverside, Avondale, and San Marco, returning downtown in time to see the sparkling city lights.

Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible: Yes

On this exclusive experience for American Cruise Lines guests, see some of the hidden gems of downtown Jacksonville and the historic communities of Riverside and Avondale. Aboard an open-air Tuk Tuk, driven by a knowledgeable guide, learn about the city’s past, including the Great Fire of 1901, as well as its present and future development. Along the way, admire a variety of architecture styles, with homes designed by world-renowned architects, before and after the fire.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Partial

This excursion is a perfect way to navigate the “River City.” Once known as “Cowford,” this picturesque city along the river has grown to be the largest city in land area in the continental United States. Led by a local guide, learn how Jacksonville rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1901 to emerge as an architectural gem of the South. Explore the luxurious old Carling Hotel and hear the exploits of past presidents, great American architects, and music legends such as Elvis.

Activity Level: Moderate| ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy a historic river cruise in downtown Jacksonville, Florida's original port city. On this narrated journey, learn about Jacksonville's past, present and future. Your guide will discuss the site you see along the way as you cruise east toward Exchange Club Island. Learn about the St. Johns River, an American Heritage River, and see first-hand the diverse wildlife that abounds in and around it. Be on the lookout for dolphins in the waters near downtown Jacksonville.

Activity Level: Low| ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 8 Jacksonville, FL

Take in the beautiful weather of northern Florida as you disembark from your tour of the South. Reflect upon the wonderful time had and the new friends made as you start your journey home. Or stay a day or two longer to experience all that Jacksonville has to offer.

Stay a day or two longer to explore more of Jacksonville. The city offers a number of wonderful attractions, including the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Cummer Museum of Art, and Little Talbot Island.