Chesapeake Cruise Itinerary
Five-Night Itinerary*:
Day One:
Guests can board Arabella along the vibrant Annapolis,
(the first capital of the US ), waterfront at 4pm. Famous for
its stunning period architecture and lively seaport culture, Annapolis
is a mecca for history buffs and adventure seekers. Check out
the scene at the US Naval Academy just steps from the dock, then
discover the sights, epicurean adventures and charming stops that
this city has to offer. After a “welcome aboard”
cocktails on Arabella 's aft deck, you have a chance to enjoy
the wealth of dining opportunities for which Annapolis is so well-known.
Day
Two:
This morning we set sail for Cambridge , whose
sheltered waters and bountiful fisheries of America 's greatest
estuary have attracted people for centuries. As we cruise past
wooded shores, you'll see crabbers hauling their catch, sailing
oyster dredges dragging the shallows for these succulent shellfish,
while sea life of all types teem about.
Day
Three:
Back out into the Bay today for a brisk sail down to Solomons,
at the mouth of the Patuxet River on the west shore of the Bay.
This delightful port offers many attractions, including a restored
1934 seafood packing house, but a short cruise upriver shows a
very different culture than seen so far. Nestled amongst the heavily
treed bluffs along the river are plantations and manor houses
that are survivors of the Antebellum South . Many of these are
now restored and open to the public. Our visit to this unique
area would not be complete, however, without a visit to the Calvert
Marine Museum , where we can learn more about the ecology and
natural resources of the Bay. Dinner is on your own tonight in
town.
Day
Four:
Sunrise finds up slipping past the red clay Calvert Cliffs , remnants
of an ancient seabed and laden with fossils. The crew shakes the
morning dew from the sails, we then direct our course northwest
back to the Maryland Eastern Shore. By lunchtime, we're dropping
anchor off the Eastern Shore seaport of St.
Michaels, where we'll spend the day ashore exploring this
historic seaport. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a must-see,
with a collection of 85 vessels and the restored Hooper Strait
Lighthouse on display. Take in St. Michaels bustling Main Street
, with many delightful shops, while the narrow streets lined with
17th and 18th century houses make for an enjoyable stroll including
the Inn at Perry Cabin that was once home to
Laura Ashley. Be sure to work up an appetite, because tonight
you'll be treated to a Chesapeake tradition - the Crab Feast -
where we'll get to enjoy the local harvest of the sea as it's
been prepared for generations –this dinner is included in
your fare.
Day
Five: This morning we'll sail past the wooded shores
of Kent Island , where we'll pass under the majestic span of the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge , which has joined the Eastern and Western
shore of the Bay since its construction in 1952. Our final destination
is Baltimore,
a city steeped in history. From Fort McHenry , home of our national
anthem , looming over the Harbor, to the towering spans of the
18th Century warship USS Constellation , to the magnificent
Baltimore Aquarium , the largest marine aquarium
in the country, Baltimore offers something for everyone.
After an afternoon soaking up the attractions on the harbor front,
we suggest venturing off to the old settlement of Fells Point
. Then we will raise a final toast to fair winds and calm seas
at our cocktail party on board…after which you are free
to explore Baltimore 's many unique restaurants for dinner.
Day
Six: Our final sail down the broad waters of the Chesapeake
, a cloud of canvas overhead- seabirds skimming low over the blue
water, finds us sailing back into the bustling harbor of Annapolis
. After breakfast, you'll still have time to stroll the
waterfront for one last look at the tranquil waters of the Chesapeake
Bay .
*All stops
are subject to the captain’s discretion and may vary due
to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
