fbpx

From the Colonial South to New York

From the Colonial South to New York

From £7,795 GBP

Description

Here is a fascinating voyage along the United States eastern seaboard and the perfect springtime journey for those who enjoy stunning coastal scenery, alluring architecture and quaint colonial towns contrasting with large metropolises – a veritable mix of culture and history. During our two week journey, the MS Hebridean Sky will traverse a great swathe of North America whilst our Guest Speaker and enthusiastic local guides will bring the history of the region to life. From the arrival of the British to the American Revolution and beyond, we will learn of the history of the United States from early exploration through to modern times.

After embarking the MS Hebridean Sky in Nassau, there will be a relaxing day at sea before we arrive into Florida and commence our voyage along the coastline of the Southern States. We arrive into Savannah, an elegant city founded in 1733 and see some of its enchanting architecture before heading to beautifully preserved Charleston in South Carolina, the birthplace of the Civil War. Of course when planning a voyage along the eastern coast we couldn’t omit the great cities of Washington, Philadelphia and New York however, for many, it will be the less well known ports of call we will visit which will be the most memorable. We will spend time exploring North Carolina’s historic Wilmington and, further north, elegant Beaufort, an attractive fishing town with magnificent antebellum homes and gardens. Next we step back in time in colonial Williamsburg which is a living museum of the 18th century with its cobbled streets, reconstructed houses and authentically dressed guides.

Continuing our passage north, we explore Washington D.C. and Philadelphia before sailing along the Hudson River for Poughkeepsie where one of America’s most famous sons, Franklin D Roosevelt, is immortalised in the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, and his wife Eleanor is honoured in her home Val-Kill. As our voyage approaches its end, we continue along the Hudson to the iconic city of New York, a fitting end for our voyage.

Trip Name
From the Colonial South to New York
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 110 Built: 1992 - newly re-launched 2016 The Hebridean Sky (formerly the Sea Explorer) underwent a 6.5 million dollar refurbishment. Always  known for its effortless elegance, impeccable service and atmosphere of charm and camaraderie, the Hebridean Sky continues that tradition adding a host of new amenities as well as state of the art stabilization, fuel efficiency, and upgraded communications systems. Its all-suite accommodations and increased adventure options make the Hebridean Sky the perfect blend of luxury and adventurous exploration. SPACIOUS SUITES Hebridean Sky is an all-suite yacht accommodating up to 110 guests. Built in 1992, refurbished 2014 and again in 2016, each suite features: • Exterior views • Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds • Sitting area with sofa and side chair • Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player • Telephone • Independent temperature controls • Mini-Bar • Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries • Hair dryer • 220 square feet or more • Sofa can be converted to bed for third person In adition Promenade, Deluxe, Veranda & Penthouse Suites include: • En suite Champagne & Chocolates on Arrival • Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) • $100 per person Gift Shop credit • En suite Nespresso machine Penthouse Suites (325 sq.ft.) and Veranda Suites (260 sq.ft.) feature private balconies. ONBOARD DINING Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. SERVICES • World-Class Cuisine • Complimentary Wine with Dinner • Live Entertainment • Complimentary Coffee/Tea station • Voyage Photographer • On-board MD and Facilities • Dedicated Passenger Service Manager • Pre-voyage hotel night • Complimentary Expedition Jacket FACILITIES • Elevator serving all passenger decks • Upgraded WIFI Internet • Library with computers • Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform • Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment • Boot Room • Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities • DVD Movie Library Deck plans may very depending on the ship operator.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Nassau, Bahamas.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Sail before dinner.
Day 2 - Day 2 - At sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we make our way to the American coast.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Port Canaveral, Florida.
Arrive this morning in Port Canaveral, our base for the day and from where there will be a choice of tours. You can choose to either tour the Kennedy Space Centre, offering a rare and behind the scenes look at one of mankind’s most fascinating and remarkable achievements – the space programme. Alternatively, enjoy an airboat trip through the fresh water marshes and wetland hammocks of beautiful St Johns River and be on the lookout for alligators and bald eagles.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Savannah, Georgia.
After a morning at sea we will arrive in Savannah and this afternoon discover Fort Jackson which was built in 1808 and is the oldest standing fort in Georgia. We continue to the Historic District of Savannah and explore its restored 18th and 19th century buildings and the waterfront where cotton warehouses are now restaurants, hotels, and shops. Here we find exquisite ironwork, ancient cobblestones, splendid mansions and picturesque cottages. We will visit one of the most elegant houses in Savannah and see the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Massie Heritage Centre which interprets the history of Savannah.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Charleston, South Carolina.
The city of Charleston is brimming with history and culture. It was the scene of the major Revolutionary War naval battles, tales of pirates and Civil War sieges. We will moor for the day in the heart of this living museum on the banks of the Ashley River, one of the best places to appreciate the southern antebellum culture. Our tour will include a boat ride to Fort Sumter and the historic district including St Michael’s Church and the Confederate Museum. The afternoon will be at leisure to explore the city independently or relax on board.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Wilmington, North Carolina.
Situated between the sea and Cape Fear River, historic Wilmington was founded in 1739. It was named in honour of Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, who was a patron of North Carolina’s Governor at the time. To this day, visitors are reminded of its rich history by the grand old homes and tree-lined boulevards making Wilmington one of the most beautiful small cities in the south. Our visit will include the beautiful antebellum Bellamy Mansion and Thalian Hall, a working historic 1858 theatre which is listed on the national register of historic places. After lunch on board shuttle buses will be available for those who wish to explore the city independently.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Morehead City for Beaufort, North Carolina.
Arrive this morning in Morehead City from where we travel across to elegant Beaufort, a quaint fishing town with magnificent antebellum homes and gardens. There will be an opportunity to tour the North Carolina Maritime Museum and stroll around the old town or visit the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, a unique historic and cultural legacy, where their descendants reportedly swam ashore from a sinking Spanish ship in the 16th century. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and spend the afternoon at sea sailing south to Norfolk, Virginia.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Norfolk, Virginia.
From the port of Norfolk, our excursion this morning leads to historic Colonial Williamsburg, the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780. Once the political and economic centre of the Virginia colony, Williamsburg is the nation’s premier living museum, offering visitors a glimpse of life as it was in the 17th and 18th centuries. A guided tour leads us along the Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg’s main thoroughfare, past the Capitol, the courthouse, the Governor’s Palace and the historic Bruton Parish Church, where Episcopal services have been held since 1715.
Day 9 - Days 9 & 10 - Baltimore, Maryland.
Arrive this morning in Baltimore, a truly great American city full of colonial and maritime history and our base for the next two days. Join a full day tour to Washington D.C. and Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington. For more than forty years, George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States, called Mount Vernon home. We will visit the Mansion, more than a dozen original structures, Washington’s Tomb, and nearly 50 acres of his extensive plantation. The estate also includes a working blacksmith shop and the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. After lunch we will set off for Washington, D.C., enjoying a drive around the US capital including the Capitol Building, Washington Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and the White House. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky in the late afternoon and remain moored overnight. The following day our morning tour will include Fort McHenry, best known for its role in the War of 1812 and now a National Monument and the vibrant hub of Fells Point, steeped in maritime history. We will end at the inner harbour where we climb to the “Top of the World” observation deck with views over the harbour and beyond. This afternoon will be at leisure to explore Baltimore at leisure, relax on board or shuttle buses will be provided for those who wish to return to Washington.
Day 10 - Day 11 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia is where Americans defended their liberty, achieved technological success and forged the ideals of the American Dream. The city was once the second largest in the British Empire and the social centre of the original 13 American colonies. Furthermore, it was the home of many ideas and actions which gave birth to the American Revolution and American independence, and it is where the Declaration of Independence was written in 1776. Spend the morning exploring the city including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Centre before we set sail for Poughkeepsie during lunch.
Day 11 - Day 12 - Poughkeepsie.
Spend a relaxing morning on board as we sail along the Hudson River for Poughkeepsie where we arrive after lunch. Our afternoon tour will include a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, conceived by Franklin D. Roosevelt to house the many historic papers, books and memorabilia he accumulated throughout his life. After privately raising funds to build the site, he donated it to the National Archives to ensure that the public would have access to such important documents. We also visit Eleanor Roosevelt’s Val- Kill, a National Historic Site. Wander the bucolic grounds and visit the cottage where Eleanor lived until her death.
Day 12 - Day 13 - New York.
To stand on deck whilst we sail into New York City past the Statue of Liberty is a truly breathtaking experience. On arrival into New York, enjoy the city highlights of Manhattan as we pass the Empire State building, Central Park and Times Square. The afternoon is free to explore independently. Maybe visit the legendary artists and writers’ quarter of Greenwich Village, enjoy shopping on Fifth Avenue, visit one of the world famous galleries such as the Guggenheim in the Upper East Side or the Museum of Natural History. If you prefer to escape from the hubbub, enjoy a stroll around Central Park or along the Highline. We will remain moored overnight and so have the whole evening to enjoy this iconic city.
Day 13 - Day 14 - New York to London.
We will disembark after breakfast and will take one of the ferries at Battery Park to enjoy a morning at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Here we will see the location where around 12 million steerage and third class steamship passengers were processed for immigration into the USA between 1892 and 1954. Now a museum, we will get a fascinating insight into the immigrant’s experience. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before we transfer to the airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Day 14 - Day 15 - London.
Arrive this morning.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-05-201820-05-2018£8,595Mawson Corner Suite
06-05-201820-05-2018£11,295Shackleton Hebridean Suite
06-05-201820-05-2018£9,795Amundsen Standard Sole
06-05-201820-05-2018£9,995Byrd Superior Sole
06-05-201820-05-2018£8,295Mawson Premuim Suite
06-05-201820-05-2018£7,995Byrd Superior Suite
06-05-201820-05-2018£7,795Amundsen Standard Suite
06-05-201820-05-2018£9,895Scott Deluxe Balcony Suite
06-05-201820-05-2018£10,295Shackleton Owner's Balcony Suite

Inclusions

    • Arrive in Savannah and discover Fort Jackson which was built in 1808 and is the oldest standing fort in Georgia
    • Travel to elegant Beaufort, a quaint fishing town with magnificent antebellum homes and gardens
    • Visit historic Colonial Williamsburg, the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780
    • Discover Baltimore, a truly great American city full of colonial and maritime history
    • Stand on deck whilst we sail into New York City past the Statue of Liberty
    • have a truly breathtaking experience. On arrival into New York, enjoy the city highlights of Manhattan.

Map