One day during a recent journey through several Southeastern states, I knocked on an unmarked wood door, uttered a secret password, and my wife, Fyllis, and I were admitted to the throwback of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. This experience took place in a history-rich city where visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time. And adding to the enjoyment of dropping by Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and other historic gems was time spent traveling from one to another.
The outings at each port appealed to many tastes and interests. That Prohibition Museum in Savannah, for example, is the only one of its kind in the nation. Exhibits, dioramas, and other displays bring the Roaring ‘20s to life in a meaningful way.
Charleston’s low-rise setting, cobblestone streets, and romantic appeal recall its founding in 1670. Given that fact, I wasn’t surprised when a guide, pointing to a church built in 1855, referred to it as a “new” place of worship.
That city’s dominating architectural style is the unique “single house,” with its narrow one-room-wide side facing the street, which recalls the Colonial era, when the minuscule 62-acre town was encased by a wall. The street-facing door opens onto a two-story piazza (porch) that runs the length of the home. The backyards of some main houses still retain small structures that served as kitchens when food was prepared over fires.
Enjoying the historic atmosphere of these quintessential Southern enclaves set the stage for selecting from a long list of other tours that were available to passengers aboard our American Cruise Line ship. In Charleston, they included a visit to the magnificent Magnolia Gardens and Plantation founded in 1676 and to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
In addition to the Prohibition Museum, Savannah offers both trolley and walking tours. Those who went ashore at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, could check out an alligator and wildlife preserve or take a dolphin discovery cruise. Brunswick, Georgia, meant visiting a rice plantation that operated from 1800 until 1915 or sailing on a shrimping boat to see shrimp, crabs, pufferfish, and other denizens of the deep netted and, if desired, handled before being returned to the sea. And the list went on.
As far-reaching as was the variety of to-sees and to-dos on land, it was equaled by almost around-the-clock activities offered on the ship. Onboard experts and guests described the next day’s shore excursions and delved into topics such as music of the Civil War, the Civil War at sea, and early American religion. Fun and games included bingo, trivia, and arts and crafts. A Veterans Appreciation Ceremony honored passengers who served in the military, and those traveling on their own had a Solo Travelers Meetup.
Evening performers were equally varied, including musicians and singers, a talented ventriloquist, and an equally gifted Gullah woman. She described and portrayed the unique culture of that African American ethnic group who live predominantly in the Southeastern states.
Speaking of food, it added to the enjoyment. Virtually around-the-clock opportunities for a snack or seated meal proved challenging for weight-watchers. The feast began at 6:30 a.m. with an early riser’s breakfast, included predinner cocktail hour with more-than-ample hors d'ouevres and peaked in the white-tablecloth dining room.
The dinner menus, which offered a choice of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, reflected the culture and tastes of the region through which the ship was sailing. Main-course selections included local favorites such as crabcakes, barbecued pork chops, and shrimp and grits. Passengers could indicate any dietary restrictions, and Jason Rivera, the executive chef, did his best to cater to them.
One evening, I watched Mr. Rivera give his predinner briefing to the waitstaff. He listed the ingredients of each entree displayed on a tray and indicated any that were in short supply as the servers took notes and asked questions.
When You Go
American Cruise Lines’ small ships carry 90 to 180 passengers and are designed specifically to navigate this country’s waterways and coastlines. They’re known for offering spacious staterooms, many of which have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to a private outside balcony.The company offers a choice of more than 50 itineraries that visit 35 states. Its ships often skip over-touristy ports in favor of small, often overlooked on-shore treasures, and among items on the list of what it does not offer are inside staterooms, overpriced shore tours, and prepaid beverage packages (unlike its open-bar policy): AmericanCruiseLines.com or 800-814-6880.
