May 2015 EXPERIENCE MAINE COAST & HARBORS

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1 The Eagle Society of American Cruise Lines Eagle Society newsletter May 2015 EXPERIENCE MAINE COAST & HARBORS Maine Bangor Bath Portland Belfast Camden Rockland Boothbay Harbor Penobscot Bay Blue Hill Bar Harbor Castine Somes Sound Northeast Harbor Deer Isle Monhegan Island ATLANTIC OCEAN Bar Harbor, ME Maine Coast & Harbors 8-Day Cruise The Maine coast is lined with cascading cliffs and breathtaking views of mountaintops and national parks. With more coastline than the state of California, the 3,478 miles that make up Maine s coastline are some of the most awe-inspiring in the country. Maine is a nature lover s paradise representing the perfect balance of rustic, untamed beauty and relaxing white-sand beaches. The magnificence of Maine is highlighted during the summer months, as visitors from all around world flock to enjoy its natural splendor, delectable seafood, and preserved history. During the summer, temperatures range in the mid-70s making travel along the calm coastal waterways very pleasurable. This was our 2nd American Cruise Line trip and we enjoyed it tremendously. You ve spoiled us with excellent service, good food and a delightful crew! Thank you. American Cruise Lines offers several Maine Coast and Harbor cruises during the ideal summer cruising season aboard both the Independence and the American Glory. -Richard and Sherry M., Hendersonville, NC 1 Guests will begin their cruise departing Portland, ME with an afternoon on the calm summer waters as the ship makes its way up the coast to Bar Harbor. Most famously known as the home to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor attracts those seeking outdoor adventure. A tour guide will take guests to the memorable summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the North Atlantic, and the first place to view the sunshine in the United States. We will visit Castine and Belfast, ME. One of the oldest communities in North America, Castine is also home to the Maine Maritime Academy. Guests will enjoy a private walking tour where they ll Continued on page 3

2 Butchart Gardens The Puget Sound and San Juan Islands are a complex system of waterways and basins that runs along the northwestern coast of Washington state. Created from retreated glaciers, the area is now surrounded by distant mountains, uninhabited islands, and vibrant seaport communities. One of the most amazing times to visit this brilliant area is during the fall season. As the season transitions from summer to fall, the temperature becomes ideal to cruise as the rolling scenery blossoms with amazing orange, brown and yellow colors. American Cruise Lines is pleased to offer several exciting fall itineraries that leave from Seattle and explores the many islands, national parks, and wildlife. Cruise highlights include a visit to the popular town of Anacortes, WA. Here guests will experience the popular, Deception Pass. Originally named by George Vancouver in 1792, because he was misled into thinking Whidbey Island was a peninsula, this famous area is now a popular state park. The expansive park features amazing views, sandy beaches, dense forests, and breathtaking sunsets. PUGET SOUND & THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS This was our third trip with American Cruise Lines and it was again flawlessly executed by your officers and staff. In Port Angeles, WA visitors will enjoy the Olympic National Park and Hurricane Ridge. In 1981, the park was named a World Heritage Site in recognition of its exceptional natural beauty and biodiverse ecosystem. Eleven major river systems drain the Olympic Mountains, which offers a great habitat for various fish species. With bird-watching available year round, the park is a wonderful location to catch - Stephen & Martha S., Carmel, IN sightings of threatened and endangered species such as the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bald eagle, bull trout, and Puget Sound Chinook salmon. Forested islands, snow-capped mountains, and pristine beauty surround you as your ship cruises through the San Juan Islands and Admiralty Bay into the Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend. Explore Port Townsend s vibrant downtown, designated a National Historic District, where you will have access to museums, art galleries, and specialty boutiques. Port Townsend is also home to the Fort Worden State Park, a turn-ofthe-century army base that offers a combination of natural beauty and historic wonders. Call your Cruise Specialist at for more information about our fall Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruises. CONTACT YOUR CRUISE SPECIALIST AT

3 Continued from page 1 discover the fascinating history of these towns and the opportunity to visit the many art galleries, boutique shops, and nineteenth century homes. Rich in nautical history, Camden is known as the tall ship capital of Maine." Visitors can learn about classic schooners and tall ships or enjoy a stroll along its active waterfront, noted as the prettiest seacoast village in Maine. Onto Rockland, ME which is known as the lobster capital of the world. Guests can experience a true lobster boat experience on the Captain Jack Lobster boat adventure. On this vessel the licensed captain will show guests what it takes to be a Maine lobsterman as he baits, sets traps, and even pulls fresh lobsters from the ocean floor. Finally, a visit to the popular Boothbay, which is the largest boating harbor north of Boston and is known as the "Boating Capital of New England." We will take a guided tour of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to explore gardening horticulture and learn local green techniques. The center of town is filled with restaurants, shops, and beautiful lighthouses. As a special Eagle Society benefit, we are offering members an additional $ off any summer 2015 Maine Coast & Harbor cruise. Call your Cruise Specialist today for details at THE LOBSTERBAKE A NEW ENGLAND TRADITION A visit to the Maine Coast wouldn t be complete without experiencing its most famous delicacy: lobster. The Lobsterbake's origin dates back to the 1600s when they were first introduced by Native Americans to the pilgrims when the European settlers arrived in New England. On our specially designated lobster cruises, our chefs continue the tradition by digging a deep pit in sand and lining it with large rocks. Next, they build a fire in the pit adding logs every 15 minutes for two hours to ensure there s ample heat to cook the food. The lobsters are added then accompanied by potatoes, onions, corn, and other seafood such as clams and mussels. Finally, a layer of seaweed is added to the top to help steam and heat the food. American Cruise Lines is delighted to offer guests the chance to participate in a true lobster bake experience and savor the many flavors of seafood when they book a Maine Coast & Harbors cruise. Lobsterbake cruises run throughout the summer aboard both the American Star and American Glory. For further details call your Cruise Specialist today or visit us online at 3

4 AMERICAN EAGLE SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES On April 11, 2015 the American Eagle made history as the newest most modern paddlewheeler to successfully cruise along the Mississippi River. Guests aboard the Maiden voyage celebrated the launch with music, food, local fanfare and representatives from the media. The 8-day cruise departed on a New Orleans round-trip adventure. As expected, rooms aboard the American Eagle have been selling out quickly. With spring cruises completely sold-out, a limited number of summer and fall staterooms remain available. Please call today if you re interested in cruising aboard the American Eagle during its Inaugural season. Never one to rest, American Cruise Lines has already begun planning the construction of its newest riverboat, currently named Hull 118. This new paddlewheeler will offer a slightly more contemporary design and feel featuring an open deck plan to allow for maximum exposure of natural light and unobstructed views. Crews at the Chesapeake Shipbuilding yard -Carolyn S., Fort Collins, CO have been busy as the concept phase begins to transition to development. Hull 118 is expected to begin cruising during the upcoming 2016 season. Additional details will be announced in the coming months. The servers were wonderful and entertaining. I can t say enough about how fabulous the food was. My hat off to the chefs! Our trip could not have been more perfect. It was terrific all the way around! Brand New 2015 American Eagle CONTACT YOUR CRUISE SPECIALIST AT

5 A MEMORABLE SUMMER ALASKAN CRUISE Long days and warm weather coupled with calm crystal blue waters makes summer in Alaska a popular destination. Nowhere else can you view soaring eagles, humpback whales, bears, and moose right from the comfort of your private balcony. In Juneau, guests will visit Mendenhall Glacier. This 12 mile long, 1,000 foot glacier is a sight to be seen. The area surrounding the majestic mountain of glacier ice is teeming with wildlife including sea lions, elk, wolves and owls. In Skagway, AK guests will experience what life was like during the peak of the Klondike gold rush of On a rail tour, you ll learn about the history of the region while visiting the area s most significant sites. Alaska is a place that must be experienced to truly appreciate its wonder and beauty. On our Alaskan summer cruises, shore excursions are included. Passports are required to participate in the Canadian shore excursions Summer Alaskan cruises have already sold out. If you re interested in visiting this majestic area, reservations are now being taken for summer of Call your Cruise Specialist today at to learn more about this exciting itinerary. PUGET SOUND & SAN JUAN ISLANDS WHALE WATCHING During the peak fall season, the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands are abundant with marine life making this region the perfect feeding grounds for the resident orcas. Orcas are extremely intelligent whales that belong to the oceanic dolphin family. These highly social animals travel in groups called pods. Within the Puget Sound, there are two types of orca whales known as Transient and Resident whales. Resident orcas live in the region year-round and travel in one of the three distinct pods, known as the J, K, and L pods. Transient orcas travel to the region from Alaska or California primarily to feed and tend to belong to smaller pods consisting of 2 to 7 members. No one understands how these two races developed, but most likely they have been genetically separated for over 100,000 years. For a more focused whale watching excursion, we offer a signature tour in Friday Harbor, WA that brings guests up close and personal to these whales to learn about their life in the sound. This fall, join American Cruise Lines to view these majestic animals in their natural habitat on one of our Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruises. 5

6 EAGLE SOCIETY BENEFITS COMPLIMENTARY SHORE EXCURSIONS The Eagle Society offers members many unique benefits to help enhance their cruising experience. One generous benefit gives its members complimentary premium level shore excursions after their 3rd cruise. How does it work? It s easy. Once Eagle Society members complete their 3rd cruise, they become eligible to receive premium level shore excursions available at each port. Make sure to take advantage of the benefits and sign-up for as many excursions as possible. To make sure you re getting the most from your membership, or to see how close you are to getting your free shore excursions call or go online and visit the Eagle Society benefits tab. The Eagle Society of American Cruise Lines MEET OUR ONBOARD EXPERTS American Cruise Lines is proud of our carefully selected onboard experts that provide our guests with entertaining lectures while onboard each cruise. Our riverlorians provide guests with fascinating facts, captivating lectures, and insider information that can t be found anywhere else. On each cruises, the onboard expert is specifically chosen to enhance your overall cruising experience and their lectures are tailored specifically to marry with the itineraries ports, rivers, and shore excursions. TODD WEBER LEWIS AND CLARK ITINERARIES Todd is a living history presenter and tour guide who specializes in the explorers and adventurers of American history. His unique presentation style and vast historical knowledge makes him one of our most sought-after onboard experts. TOM STANLEY PUGET SOUND ITINERARIES Tom has an extensive knowledge and experience with natural resource management after working as Chief of Natural Resources at Cleveland Metroparks for over 35 years. He founded the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, one of the most successful private, nonprofit land conservation organizations in the eastern United States. CHARLES PETROCCI NEW ENGLAND ITINERARIES Charles has traveled and worked in more than 35 countries and has written over 900 articles and reports for universities, national, and regional publications. He focuses on coastal maritime history, fisheries, and the heritage of the Atlantic Coast. CONTACT YOUR CRUISE SPECIALIST AT

7 CRUISE AMERICA WITH THE EAGLE SOCIETY We are pleased to offer our Eagle Society members several exclusive Eagle Society cruises. These cruises include additional features to present our loyal members with an enhanced experience. A welcome reception, special member gifts, and a behind-the-scenes tour at a historically significant venue come complimentary with all of these cruises CHRISTMAS CRUISES This year, spend the holidays with the American Cruise Lines family on our Historic South & Golden Isles cruise or the beautiful Mississippi River round-trip cruise from New Orleans. Guests aboard our Mississippi itineraries can participate in the Oak Alley Holiday Experience, where one of the South s most beautiful settings is decorated to replicate Creole traditions with fresh fruit, greenery, and seasonal floral arrangements. On our Historic South itinerary, the Charleston Festival of Lights, is a must-see. Two million enchanting lights stretch for 3 miles along James Island Country Park are sure to fill you with holiday joy. Historic South & Golden Isles aboard the Independence December 19, 2015 New Orleans Round-Trip aboard the American Eagle December 19, 2015 UPCOMING EAGLE SOCIETY CRUISES The Ohio River Queen of the Mississippi July 25, 2015 The Upper Mississippi Queen of the Mississippi October 17, 2015 Puget Sound & the San Juan Islands American Spirit October 24, 2015 Great Rivers of Florida American Glory March 12, 2016 New Orleans Round-Trip Queen of the Mississippi March 19, 2016 Historic South & Golden Isles Independence March 26, 2016 Columbia & Snake Rivers Queen of the West April 16, 2016 Puget Sound & San Juan Islands American Spirit April 30,