Exploring the Prohibition Trail and America's Inland Waterways

Author: Victor Block
Published: 2024/10/20 - Updated: 2024/10/22
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Accessible Cruise Vacations (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item

Synopsis: Travel journalist Victor Block reviews his trip aboard the American Eagle, an American Cruise Lines ship during an eight-day voyage from Amelia Island, Florida to Charleston. The company's small ships (90 to 180 passengers) are specifically designed to navigate U.S. waterways and coastlines. They're known for offering spacious staterooms many of which have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to an outside private balcony. It offers a choice of more than 50 itineraries lasting 6 to 61 days, which visit 35 U.S. states.

Introduction

One day, during a recent journey through several southeastern U.S. states, I knocked on an unmarked wood door, uttered a secret password and my wife Fyllis and I were admitted into the throwback of a Prohibition era speakeasy.

Main Item

Another experience was a horse-drawn carriage ride through a small, picturesque town that has served as backdrop for more than 100 movies and television series.

A very different immersion in local lore took place in a history-rich city where visitors feel as if they have stepped back into the past.

Adding to the enjoyment, excitement and education of dropping by Savannah, Georgia; Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina, and other historical and architectural gems was time we spent between traveling from one to another.

Fyllis and I were aboard the American Eagle, an American Cruise Lines ship during an eight-day voyage from Amelia Island, Florida to Charleston, SC. We sailed the company’s Southeast Sea Islands itinerary which cruises along a section of the Intracoastal Waterway, the 3,000-mile-long stretch of river, canals and bays that runs from Massachusetts to Florida and then on to Texas.

In some places, the channel was so wide that the marshes, sandbars and sawgrass lining the shorelines almost faded into the distance. In others, the ship slowed to a crawl as it navigated narrow, shallow sections, providing close-up views of gulls, pelicans and other bird life.

While our vessel often had the water to itself, we occasionally spotted a barge or other working boat, pleasure craft carrying passengers whose friendly waves we returned, and dolphin that seemed to enjoy following in our vessel's wake.

The on-board experiences alone would have provided a memorable trip. Throw in opportunities to explore a sampling of the U.S. South's most charming cities and towns and we ended the excursion wishing it had been longer.

The selection of outings at each port appealed to many tastes and interests. For starters, there was a visit to the Prohibition Museum in Savannah, the only one of its kind in the nation. Exhibits, dioramas and other displays bring the "Roaring Twenties" back to life in a meaningful way.

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Image of people protesting the sale of alcohol. Photo taken by Victor Block at the prohibition museum in Savannah, U.S.A.
Image of people protesting the sale of alcohol. Photo taken by Victor Block at the prohibition museum in Savannah, U.S.A.
Continued...

You enter into a street scene of a truck transporting alcohol through a mob of angry, sign-carrying protestors. Not far away, an evangelist rails against "king alcohol," and proclaims Savannah to be the most wicked city in the world.

Continued below image.
Two ladies holding signs protesting the sale of alcohol. Photo taken by Victor Block at the prohibition museum in Savannah, U.S.A.
Two ladies holding signs protesting the sale of alcohol. Photo taken by Victor Block at the prohibition museum in Savannah, U.S.A.
Continued...

Hollywood's love affair with Beaufort (pronounced Byoo-fert), South Carolina began in 1914, when scenes for a film were shot there. The small-town atmosphere, streets lined by graceful antebellum homes and overhead canopies of Spanish moss-festooned oak trees comprise a photographer's dream. Viewing it from a wagon pulled by a straw hat-wearing horse named Bandit added to the ambiance.

Charleston's low-rise setting, cobblestone streets and romantic appeal recall its founding in 1670. Given that fact, I wasn't surprised when a guide, pointing to a church which was build in 1855, referred to it as "new."

Enjoying the historic atmosphere of these quintessential southern enclaves set the stage for selecting from the long list of tours that were available to passengers aboard our American Cruise Line ship. In Charleston they included a visit to the magnificent Magnolia Gardens and Plantation founded in 1676, and Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.

In addition to the Prohibition Museum, Savannah offers walking tours and, for those who prefer to ride, trolley excursions. Passengers who went ashore at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina could visit an alligator and wildlife preserve or take a dolphin cruise. Brunswick, Georgia meant checking out a rice plantation which operated from 1800 until 1915, or sailing on a shrimping boat. And the list went on.

At each stop, crew members used transfer chairs to assist passengers who required help moving from the vessel to the dock, and vice versa. On land, lift-equipped coaches were available to assist sightseers to manage steps and get to their seats.

As far-reaching as was this variety of to-sees and to-do's on land, it was equaled by almost around-the-clock activities available on the ship.

On-board experts and guest lecturers described the next day's shore excursions and delved into topics like Music of the Civil War, the Civil War at Sea and Early American Religion. Fun and games activities included bingo, trivia and arts and crafts. A Veterans Appreciation Ceremony honored passengers who had served in the military, and those traveling on their own could attend a Solo Travelers Meetup.

Evening entertainment was equally varied, including musicians and singers, a talented ventriloquist and an equally gifted Gullah woman. She described and portrayed the unique culture, customs and cuisine of that African-American ethnic group whose members live predominantly in the Southeastern States.

Speaking of food, it added to the enjoyment of the trip. Virtually around-the-clock opportunities for a quick snack or leisure seated meal proved challenging for weight-watchers. The dinner menus, which offered a choice of appetizer, entrees and dessert, reflected the culture and tastes of the region through which the ship was sailing.

That attention to detail pervaded every aspect of our cruise, including assistance and facilities designed for persons with disabilities. All American Cruise Lines ships have accessible staterooms with wide doors and bathrooms that can accommodate wheelchairs, grab rails, a shower bench and other conveniences. Most have an elevator that reaches every stateroom deck. Guests are requested to complete an Accessibility Questionnaire and they may get specific questions answered by emailing accessibility@americancruiselines.com.

The company's small ships (90 to 180 passengers) are specifically designed to navigate U.S. waterways and coastlines. They're known for offering spacious staterooms many of which have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to an outside private balcony.

It offers a choice of more than 50 itineraries lasting 6 to 61 days, which visit 35 U.S. states. Its ships often skip over-touristy ports in favor of small, overlooked on-shore treasures, and among items on the list of what it does not offer are inside staterooms, overpriced shore tours and pre-paid beverage packages (unlike its open-bar policy).

For more information, log onto americancruiselines.com or call 1-800-814-6880.

Author Credentials:

Victor Block has been a travel journalist for many years, and has written for major newspapers, magazines and travel websites and served as an editor of Fodor's Travel Guides. He is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association. Victor is a regular contributor of reviews to the Disabled World travel section. Visit Victors's biography for further insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Cite This Page (APA): Block, V. (2024, October 20 - Last revised: 2024, October 22). Exploring the Prohibition Trail and America's Inland Waterways. Disabled World. Retrieved November 6, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/travel/cruises/prohibition-trail.php

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