Though technically not a river, the intercostal Waterway is another of the voyages offered; traveling south from Charleston to Jacksonville, passing through Hilton Head, Savannah and Jekyll Island with its“ Millionaires Village” of extravagant homes built over 100 years ago for some of the industrial giants of the early 20th C, including John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. The American Cruise Line is the largest of our river lines, but there are smaller companies offering interesting trips. Last year UnCruise Adventures, a small vessel company established in 1996 in Seattle, launched a category of sailings called Heritage Adventures. These are obviously history themed programs on board the Legacy. The Legacy is an 88-passenger ship refurbished in 2013 in the style of an early 20th C. coastal steamer. Spring and Fall cruises are offered on the spectacular Columbia River with the crew dressed in period costumes. They focus on the geology and history of the area, emphasizing the route of Lewis and Clark. Naturally they do not omit the fact that the river passes through the world class wine region of the Northwest. UnCruise taps into this with onboard expert oenologists and vintners invited to give in depth learning experiences. Off ship excursions are offered to historic forts and of course the area wineries.
These excursions are included in cruise fares. UnCruise Adventures is a unique firm. In addition to the above Pacific Northwest itineraries, the company offers trips in other parts of the world including exploration of Alaska; Mexico; Hawaiian Islands; Costa Rica, Panama and the always intriguing Galapagos. Another of the small ship adventure companies is Blount, with unusual different itineraries including the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal is of particular interest this year, celebrating its 200th anniversary. Another offering is cruising on Lake Michigan, the sixth largest lake in the world, originating in Chicago and sailing past Holland, MI, a Dutch inspired village and onto Victorian era Mackinac Island with its horse drawn carriages and automobile ban. Wisconsin’ s fabulous Door County is another of its ports. Surely this cruise is a very different experience. A testament to the increasing popularity of the domestic market is the fact that the European river cruise giant, Viking Cruises is considering entering onto our rivers! The growth of the river cruising industry overall seems, to be driven by the small ship experiences that resonate with the baby boomer generation’ s interest in“ learning” vacations and new travel opportunities. There is much room for growth and the United States is a vast beautiful country with many rivers and waterways with awe-inspiring vistas. It is thrilling to explore our own or adopted native land!! HAPPY TRAVELING!!
River adventures
Get on the boat— a waterfall hike steeped in native legend then a wine tasting and tour. And that’ s just one day. Wine lover, adventure seeker, history buff... there’ s a cruise for you.
Columbia & Snake River Cruises 7 & 8 nights | Aug-Dec | 88 guests
( 518) 477-4700
BlueSkiesTravel. com
Jacob’ s Pillow Dance INCLUSIVE | ADVENTURE | HISTORY | WINERIES | PREMIUM EXCURSIONSBecket, MA
12 Fall 2017 | 55PlusLivingGuide. com