9 Day American Cruise Lines River Cruise from Jacksonville to Jacksonville 2029

Day 1 Jacksonville, FL

Begin your journey with a seamless one-night stay in Jacksonville at a deluxe riverfront hotel, offering comfort, scenic views, and convenient access to the cruise dock. Take time to explore the city’s character-rich neighborhoods. Stroll through Riverside, one of Jacksonville’s most historic districts, known for its tree-lined streets and eclectic architecture, or visit San Marco, with its art galleries and European-style squares. Savor fresh seafood at one of the many acclaimed restaurants along the waterfront, where the St. Johns River in Jacksonville provides a picturesque backdrop.

Day 2 Day of Cruising

Board the ship and raise a toast as we begin along the legendary St. Johns River in Florida, one of only a few rivers in the world that flows north. Settle into your spacious stateroom, where your luggage is waiting. Take a moment to explore the ship’s inviting amenities, meet fellow travelers, or simply relax on the sun deck as the Florida riverbanks drift by.

Day 3 Green Cove Springs, FL

This riverfront town is known for its crystal-clear spring at Spring Park and Victorian-era architecture district shaded by oaks and Spanish moss. Once famed for healing waters, today it blends history, charm, and lively river activity.

On a morning walk, admire the picture-perfect Victorian architecture that lines the streets of its historic district, each building telling tales of a bygone era. In the afternoon, take an airboat ride along the tributaries of the St. Johns River in Clay County as you learn ecological facts about the area and local wildlife.

Later, visit a local coffee roasting house to get a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee roasting process, from beans to the perfect cup.

Day 4 Jekyll Island / St. Simons Island, GA

Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, Georgia, hum with lively energy, offering scenic beaches, charming shops, and fresh seafood.

Uncover the fascinating narrative of Jekyll Island, nestled among Georgia's Sea Isles, where history comes alive amidst the opulent grandeur of "Millionaire's Village." Spanning 240 acres, this enclave boasts extravagant homes and winter cottages, a testament to the lavish lifestyles of America's elite.

Spend a laid-back afternoon aboard the Lady Jane, a fully restored shrimping boat on a cruise through the scenic Marshes of Glynn, just south of St. Simons Sound. Keep an eye out for seagulls, pelicans, and maybe even dolphins while learning about the local ecosystem and the traditions of the working waterfront. Admire the St. Simons Lighthouse on Georgia’s coast, standing tall as a beacon of maritime history.

Tap into your creative side with an afternoon at Makers Arts Café and visit Hofwyl-Broadfield Estate to learn about the marshes where rice planting once flourished.

Day 5 Amelia Island, FL

Once a haven for pirates, soldiers, and smugglers, Amelia Island has flown under eight different flags, earning it the nickname "The Isle of Eight Flags." Today, visitors can stroll through historic Fernandina Beach, where Victorian-era architecture, local boutiques, and inviting cafés reflect the island’s rich past and laid-back culture.

Join a guided kayaking adventure through calm blackwater creeks of “Old Florida,” keeping watch for native wildlife, including birds, turtles, and other local species.

Explore the 19th-century Fort Clinch, which served as the area base of Union operations throughout the Civil War. Walk through well-preserved brick barracks, watchtowers, and artillery positions, and get a glimpse of daily military life through interpretive displays and reenactments.

Day 6 Cruising the Tolomato River

Cruise this pristine inland waterway framed by marshes, barrier islands, and glimpses of the Atlantic. Pass historic waterfronts of Northeast Florida and untouched natural landscapes perfect for birdwatching and photography. Engage with our onboard naturalist as you stand on one of the open observation decks, where graceful sea turtles and slow-moving manatees swim beneath you. Discover hidden villages lining the riverbanks, each with its own story waiting to be uncovered along the Tolomato River.

Day 7 St. Augustine, FL

Historic St. Augustine is a seasoned storyteller along the Atlantic Coast. The city's skyline, adorned with Spanish moss-draped oaks, stands as a testament to its colonial roots, with the imposing silhouette of the Castillo de San Marcos fortress guarding the bay.

Led by a costumed guide, 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.” Get a first-person account of how sleepy St. Augustine became a destination during the Gilded Age. Or explore the beautiful streets and countless attractions of St. Augustine on your own aboard the Old Town Trolley, making a variety of stops throughout the town.

Learn about the production process of making bourbon on a tour of the St. Augustine Distillery, a locally owned artisanal spirits distillery located in a restored 1917 ice plant. After, sample their premium bourbons under the guidance of a Certified Bourbon Steward.

Day 8 Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville is Florida’s largest city by area, offering a unique blend of urban energy and riverfront beauty.

Join your guide on an exploration of downtown Jacksonville, uncovering stories of Andrew Jackson, the Great Fire of 1901, and the city’s rebirth as a hub of architecture and commerce. Travel along the scenic St. Johns River to view landmarks like EverBank Stadium (home of the Jacksonville Jaguars) , the USS Orleck, and the iconic Florida Theatre, made famous by Elvis Presley. Conclude with a drive through the charming Riverside/Avondale historic district and a sweet stop at the original Peterbrooke Chocolatier for a taste of their signature chocolate-covered popcorn.

Day 9 Jacksonville, FL

Reflect on the fantastic experiences and the bonds formed with new friends as you prepare for your travels home. For guests flying home, we offer transportation from the ship to Jacksonville International Airport, ensuring a relaxing end to your Great Rivers of Florida cruise.