7 Night Cruise sailing from Jacksonville roundtrip aboard American Glory.

Designated an American Heritage River, the St. Johns is one of the few north-flowing rivers above the equator. Along this river you'll sail a route that adventurous passengers first followed on 19th-century paddle-wheelers in search of a tropical paradise. But with the advent of the railroads, tourism headed further south and the St. Johns meandered serenely and untouched thereafter. The artesian mineral springs that feed its waters have created an extraordinary environment for flora and fauna, with creeks, lagoons and lakes opening before you in magical splendor. Journey to the heart of the Ocala National Forest where you'll observe alligators, playful manatees, and majestic bald eagles all in their natural habitats.

Day 1 - Jacksonville, FL area (Amelia Island)
Departing for Palatka, you will enjoy a leisurely journey along the slow-moving waters of the St. Johns River, one of only three rivers in the nation that flows north. For the avid birdwatcher, the St. Johns is home to over 200 species of birds including the bald eagle, swallowtail kite, and wood stork. Discover why the St. Johns River, with unlimited recreation, celebrated history, and protected wildlife, has been distinguished as one of fourteen American Heritage Rivers.

Day 2 - Palatka, FL
The late 1800's marked the golden age of Palatka, a time when Palatka rivaled Jacksonville as the major port on the St. Johns River. Not only was it known for its worldwide shipping commerce of citrus and timber, it attracted vast number of tourists and wealthy northerners looking to relocate to picturesque northern Florida. Today is remains a charming river town with grand homes and restored plantation houses that stand as testament to distinguished residents that once called Palatka home. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the beautifully landscaped Ravine Gardens State Park, famous for its thousands of azaleas and other sub-tropical blooms.

Day 3 - Cruising the St. Johns to Lake George (Ocala National Forest)
Today you'll continue to cruise the St. Johns River to Lake George, which is bordered on the west bank by the Ocala National Forest. Ocala is the second largest National Forest in Florida and the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S. Lake George is the second-largest freshwater lake (only Lake Okeechobee is bigger) in Florida and the largest along the St. Johns River. The lake hosts a wide variety of wildlife ranging from migratory water birds and alligators to a number of marine animals. Local springs in Lake George feed enough salt to the system to make the habitat suitable to marine species like Atlantic stingray, striped bass and blue crabs.

Day 4 - Green Cove Springs, FL
Had Ponce de Leon traveled further inland when exploring Florida in the 1500's, he very likely would have discovered his fountain of youth in the area now known as Green Cove Springs. Three hundred years after Ponce de Leon, Green Cove Springs attracted a surge of vacationers from the north, drawn to the warm mineral spring reputed to have medicinal qualities and healing powers. Steamboat services brought the elite, including President Abraham Lincoln, noted showman P.T. Barnum, and President Grover Cleveland, searching for a warm retreat from the winter's harsh climate. Today, along with the crystal clear spring, visitors can explore the historic district known as the Historic Triangle, which includes historic homes, courthouse and a very unique restored theater.

Day 5 - Cruising the Tolomato River
Today you will experience one of the most fascinating stretches of inland waterways in the United States - the Tolomato River. Among the many spectacular sights that await you is the Atlantic Ocean, visible over the Barrier Islands from this smooth, unique Inland Passage. Grab your binoculars and join our invited naturalist on one of our open observation decks for unparalleled views of fascinating wildlife, captivating sunsets, hidden villages, and unending miles of pristine landscape.

Day 6 - St. Augustine, FL
Established in 1565, St. Augustine is recognized as America's oldest surviving European settlement. In the late 1800's, oil millionaire Henry Flagler built a number of elegant hotels and churches in the old city in an attempt to fulfill his vision of establishing an American Riviera along Florida's eastern shores. Although this "golden era" ended in the early 1900's, Flagler's legacy remains, and his buildings grace St. Augustine as both monuments to early American opulence and architectural ingenuity. Spend the afternoon exploring historic ruins, unique architecture, and the narrowed streets of a city once used as a remote outpost of the Spanish Empire.

Day 7 - Amelia Island, FL
Discover the unspoiled beauty of pristine Amelia Island, with its miles of quartz beaches and rolling sand dunes, surrounded by calm waterways and Nassau Sound. Throughout its history Amelia Island was home to Spanish explorers, French Huguenots and British settlers before enjoying its "golden age" during the late 1800's when several wealthy Americans relocated to the picturesque island. Once a bustling Victorian seaport, Fernandina Beach, the island's only city, now harbors a treasure trove of history, antiques, and collectibles just steps from your ship. Discover the Historic District, with 50 blocks of restored 19th century Victorian homes and shops, or take a leisurely stroll along the shady tree-lined avenues and explore Amelia Island's charm at your own pace.

Day 8 - Amelia Island / Jacksonville, FL