Californians with a penchant for cruising have long had to take to the ocean to scratch their itch. However, after some 80 years absence, river boats are now set to be a regular sight in the California Delta once again, with cruises from San Francisco primed to begin next month.
Over eight days, American Cruise Lines’ 180-guest American Jazz – replete with a five-storey glass atrium and all-balcony suites – will traverse San Francisco Bay, weaving along the scenic Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, while also taking in the legendary Napa Valley wine region.
As an added treat, the ship will base itself in Napa for two days, giving guests ample time to raise a glass (or two) of the renowned local Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as enjoy custom experiences like the opportunity to be a winemaker for a day.
Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, describes its debut as a “momentous occasion for domestic river cruise”, giving travellers a chance to discover the cities, towns and wine regions of California from a different vantage.
Already on its journey from the Mississippi River to San Francisco Bay, American Jazz is due to transit the Panama Canal in the coming days, with its repositioning voyage following a similar route to historic mail ships that carried passengers and mail during the Gold Rush.
River cruising has seen a huge global resurgence in recent years, particularly among advocates of the ‘slow travel’ movement. Although not as opulent as small ocean ships, they still deliver a luxury experience, with fewer guests and more personalised service just two of the perks.
The first California sailing on American Jazz departs on February 24, with a limited number of sailings through February and March, followed by a return in November and December.
This new Californian cruise takes you from San Francisco to Napa
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