Travel Spotlight: US Cruises 2021

“I want to sip mint juleps from the deck of a grand riverboat as it paddles gracefully along the Mississippi River,” you think as you google US-based cruises. To carefully ease back into the joys of cruising, travelers today are making plans for shorter trips, aboard smaller vessels, and seeking US sail itineraries for their next on-the-water experience. River cruises are one of several regional options. They are also one of the most unique.

In this issue of our B. Ready Travel Mag we explore a multitude of exciting options and diverse locations across the US to help plant the seed for your next special cruise experience. While daydreaming about your next sail, find out what to expect cruising in the “new normal,” including a few unexpected perks, in the article Is it Safe to Take a Cruise Now?

Whichever excursion you choose, our cruise safety travel packs provides a carefully chosen selection of travel safety products, mindfully curated to simplify your trip preparations while providing the utmost in comfort, eco-friendliness, and travel safety and protection.

New England cruise: small ship with a big itinerary

Delight in 11 wonderful days onboard the Grand New England Cruise with American Cruise Lines. Sail from southern New England to Maine and back following a carefully crafted schedule that highlights captivating coastal hamlets and postcard-pretty island villages. Dock in historic harbors just steps away from cobblestone streets, whaling and maritime museums, scenic beaches, boutique shops, and dining featuring beloved New England seafood fare. With just 90 rooms, this cozy-sized cruise focuses on personalized service and attention to detail. Small US cruises offer an opportunity to cultivate shared camaraderie with fellow cruisers or to enjoy time for just the two of you.

Wildlife-rich Alaskan expedition cruise

Cameras are a must aboard the 62-guest capacity expedition ship the National Geographic Sea Bird or the sister ship, National Geographic Sea Lion. Both expedition ships are newly renovated and redesigned with updated and welcoming accommodations. All 31 cabins are exterior, and the open bow and sun deck design provide ample space and opportunity for wildlife viewing. The shallow draft of both ships allows easy access to many waterways where larger ships cannot go. This means visits to secluded coves with waterfall vistas and access to tight channels where passengers can encounter marine mammals, including whales and orcas, feeding and frolicking. (Photo above: National Geographic Expeditions)

An intimate and luxe cruise on Puget Sound

Picture yourself in the center of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges as they meet the sea at opposite shores of Puget Sound. And imagine cruising through the breathtaking San Juan Islands archipelago. This cruise has a bit of everything, from historic and cultural seaports, abundant wildlife, breathtaking vistas, and memorable regional fare like San Juan Sliders and Norwegian pastries. The luxury small ship American Constellation is able to access ports that larger ships cannot. With spacious staterooms, large lounge areas, and numerous observations decks, guest have plenty of space to relax and revel in the experience. The onboard historians and naturalists provide engaging opportunities to connect with the wonders of the area. This cruise is full of added amenities and special touches to create a safe and comfortable trip.

Dreamy Queen of the Mississippi cruises

All along the Mississippi River, small river cruise business is thriving, and it’s no wonder. Small regional cruises offer a delightful departure from the big boat experience― including from the crowds. A perennial favorite is a river sojourn on the American Countess, part of the fleet of American Queen Steamboat Company known for the darling white gingerbread lattice trim, bold white exteriors, and a bright red paddlewheels. Each each carry less than 250 passengers making them ideal for those who want a smaller cruise experience. Imagine interesting ports of call like New Orleans, St. Louis, and Memphis. The haute culinary experiences and myriad entertainment options round out an utterly decadent US cruise experience.

Speaking of New Orleans…

How about a New Orleans riverboat evening cruise? Plan an evening of live music and dining on the water. Depart from the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans aboard the only surviving authentic steamboat with New Orleans as her homeport, the Sternwheeler Steamboat Natchez. Groove to Dixieland jazz while savoring Cajun and Creole flavors like chicken and sausage gumbo, bayou seafood pasta, or paddlewheel primavera. This graceful cruise down the Mississippi River leaves room in your travel itinerary for additional land adventures.

Florida bareboat and voyage sailing charters

Bareboating (or a Demise charter) means chartering a vessel, usually a sailing yacht or catamaran, without a captain or crew. For experienced sailors looking to charter their own luxury yacht, Cruzan’s Sailing Bareboat Charters is the perfect option for planning your own cruise. Choose from dozens of vessels, both single hull and catamaran, with a four to ten-person capacity. Set out from your choice of Florida ports with the itinerary of your own design.

For explorers that prefer to sit back and relax with a captained charter, Florida Yachts Charters provides a luxury charter vacation while cruising the Florida Keys island chain. Nearly every aspect of this trip is taken care of and the small head count provides for a significant safety bubble. With a private chef preparing gourmet meals and watersport equipment already provided, guests are surrounded by a playland of turquoise waters and are free to explore secluded private islands and grand resort marinas. Sounds like heaven to us! 

History sets sail with Maine Windjammer Cruises

Imagine setting sail off the coast of Maine in summertime 150 years ago. Venture through spruce-covered island chains on a National Landmark Windjammer, a merchant sailing ship with multiple masts and soaring sails. This all-inclusive vacation on an authentic 19th century sailing vessel offers the enchanting balance between historic integrity and modern amenities. The accommodations are more rustic than those found on a luxury liner. However, this is balanced with gorgeous interiors made of rich hand carved pine and oak that showcase unique, one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. In all, this experience provides an atmosphere of coziness with a rare and unforgettable living history adventure. Think fresh Maine Lobster and seals playing...

An update on the US cruise ship industry

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidelines for the cruise ship industry on April 2, 2021. This provided an update to the October 31, 2020 technical requirements for cruise ships designed to keep crew and passengers safe, as outlined in the article The United States and its cruise ban. Find the newest CDC news here.

B. Ready for travel with the wind in your sails

Start planning for big adventures aboard small vessels and cruise safely while having a novel, intimate adventure. Whether historic or tropical, for an evening or a week, there is a cruise out there for everyone. The B. Ready custom cruise safety kit can help ensure every journey is comfortable and indulgent while keeping you feeling protected. Sail on…

Check out our curated travel safety packs now!