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Yorktown, Va., to be Featured on Princess’ 2024 Schedule, First Major Oceangoing Cruise Line to Visit Virginia’s Historic Triangle

America’s earliest settlements, revolutionary war sites and charming small towns provide guests with unique experiences ashore.

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For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will call at Yorktown, Va. and Virginia’s Historic Triangle, as part of a series of custom-curated itineraries in summer 2024 that will highlight opportunities to experience Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown in addition to visiting the historic seaside town.

Princess Cruises is planning five day-long calls – three via Island Princess (2,200 guests/900 crew) and two via Emerald Princess (3,080 guests/1,200 crew) – that will result in a significant economic impact to the region, which has played an important role in American history.

Additional details, including specific sailing dates, itineraries and shore excursions, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Princess is already well known for our unique itineraries that appeal to our guests who gravitate toward interesting historical and cultural opportunities and Yorktown is perfectly in tune with that philosophy, offering not only a glimpse at the Revolutionary War but also dining, shopping and activity options with wide-ranging appeal. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

Padgett added that the new itineraries are even more significant as interest builds ahead of events and festivities across Virginia to commemorate the 250 th anniversaries of the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence.

“Our community is rooted in history and it is an important part of our visitor mix. We are honored that Princess Cruises sees the value in bringing their customers to Yorktown,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director, York County Economic & Tourism Development. “Additional visitors coming to our area via the cruise line would contribute to the region’s economy, benefiting retail, restaurants, and regional attractions, as well as generating revenue for both the Commonwealth and multiple local governments.”

As the first major cruise line to call on the region, Princess understands and appreciates the significant role it plays in boosting area tourism and, as it does with other homeport and port of call communities, the company will work with local tour operators to showcase the attributes of this fascinating historical region while benefiting local residents.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this incredible opportunity to add this truly unforgettable destination experience to our already impressive array of itineraries,” said Padgett. “As a native Virginian myself, I can attest that an itinerary that offers the chance to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown promises to be a most welcome addition for our guests, providing them memorable vacation experiences that they can’t find anywhere else.”

Yorktown offers 300 years of history from revolutionary battlefields to 18th Century homes. Picturesque streets provide the backdrop for art galleries, antique and specialty shops, while attractions like the Watermen’s Museum offer hands-on programs and exhibits for all ages. Entertainment, including Fifes and Drums performances, abounds, and visitors can stroll along the scenic riverwalk lined with charming restaurants and shops that offer a view of the York River.

Sure to be a popular shore excursion, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg will allow guests to discover why this was the capital of Virginia and the largest, most prosperous American colony. Men and women from all walks of life strolled these streets, and Princess guests will follow in their footsteps as they re-trace history They’ll also explore dozens of original buildings, homes, and shops reconstructed on 301 acres – most on their original foundations. Rare animal breeds, historic trades, and lovingly restored gardens add layers of authenticity to the Colonial Williamsburg experience. Guests will feel as if they’ve traveled back in time.

Guests opting to visit Jamestown, just a short, 30-minute motorcoach ride from the port, will be captivated by the history behind the original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America and the story of the role of the three cultures - European, North American and African - that came together to lay the foundation for a uniquely American form of democratic government, language, free enterprise and society.

Princess Cruises sails to more than 330 incredible destinations around the world. More information is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com .

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Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

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Cruise Ships at Yorktown

Only American Cruise Lines ships visit Yorktown, as part of the 10-day American Revolution Cruise that starts in Baltimore. American Cruise Lines ships also visit Alexandria and Tangier Island. 1

Princess Cruise Lines added Yorktown as a "port of call" one-day stop when it announced the 2024 schedule. The company anticipated greater interest in sites associated with the American Revolution, as Virginia tourism officials prepared to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and the semiquincentennial (250 th anniversary) of the Battle of Yorktown in 2031. The interest in Yorktown may have been enhanced by the fact that the president of the cruise line had lifeguarded at the Yorktown beach when growing up, and thought the town was unfairly overshadowed by the fame of Williamsburg.

The larger Princess ships would not be able to use the dock at Yorktown; they required a channel 26 feet deep. The cruise line planned for tenders to ferry people from the anchorage site 1.75 miles to the Riverwalk Landing Piers. Charter buses to take people to nearby tourism destinations would be staged just upstream of the Coleman Memorial Bridge at the Watermen's Museum.

About 1/3 of passengers come ashore for pre-planned trips and another 1/3 come ashore to wander on their own, so Riverwalk Landing would be busy as the small 90-passenger tenders delivered and retrieved passengers. Princess Cruise Lines floated the idea of building a new dock if the three 2024 visits and a repeat again in 2025 was successful. At the request of the York County Board of Supervisors, the General Assembly amended the state budget in 2023 to add $15 million for the Virginia Port Authority to support making Yorktown a port of call for cruise ships.

At maximum capacity, three stops by the 2,200-guest Island Princess and two stops by the 3,080-guest Emerald Princess could bring over 14,000 visitors to the Williamsburg Triangle area in 2024. The Island Princess had 16 decks; the Emerald Princess had 19 decks.

Both ships were twice the height of the Coleman Memorial Bridge carrying Route 17 over the York River. For comparison, the Yorktown Victory Monument is 94 feet tall. A new pier at the Watermen's Museum campus for docking cruise ships, eliminating passenger transfer by smaller tenders, would require opening and closing the two swing spans on the bridge.

The area economy welcomed tourists, but some local residents objected to the large cruise ships stopping at Yorktown. They argued that the American Cruise Lines visits, with 180 people, were appropriate but that the larger number of visitors from Princess Cruise ships would overwhelm the town. A reverse concern was that the business benefits would bypass Yorktown if most cruise ship passengers chose to visit Colonial Williamsburg or Jamestown, rather than eat/shop in Yorktown.

In addition, the large cruise ships would generate significant emissions that could affect local air quality. No terminal in Virginia offered on-shore (shoreside) power to cruise ships, providing enough electricity to the floating small cities to allow ships to turn off fuel-burning engines. Worldwide, only 3% of cruise ports were projected to offer on-shore power by 2025.

Local tourism and economic development officials highlighted the revenue that the cruise ship passengers would generate: 2

York County and the region is being given access to a source of tourism that will bring economic prosperity to the community. As more visitors experience the historical significance of Yorktown, local businesses and artisans will benefit, contributing to the overall well-being of the town. On average, port of call visitors spend $125 per passenger.

By August 2023, local opposition organized by "Preserve Yorktown" was sufficient for Princess Cruise Lines to cancel the two planned stops by the Emerald Princess . A petition opposing stops by the larger cruise ships had 5,000 signatures by then. The issue was a factor in the November 2023 election. By January 2024, there were over 7,000 signatures on the petition. The 2020 census had recorded 221 residents as the total population of Yorktown and 70,045 people in York County.

Holland America Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation like Princess Cruise Lines, also announced in 2023 that its ships would make three stops in Yorktown in 2025 as part of its Atlantic Coast cruises. That arrangement was never finalized with town officials. When local citizens objected in November 2023, Holland America promised to remove the 2025 Yorktown stops from its announced schedule.

Local opponents continued to press for the York County Board of Supervisors to block the planned 2024 visits. One opponent conmmented: 3

...this is not just the pilot for a couple of ships. This is a launch of a whole new market for the cruise industry.

The opponents managed to get the House of Delegates to block a bill in the 2024 session which would have authorized casino gambling on a cruise ship in Virginia waters within one hour of port. That legislation would have increased the time that cruise ships with at least 2,000 passengers on overnight voyages could generate revenue from gambling. State legislation was required to authorize casinos on ships to stay open once they crossed the boundary line three miles from the Atlantic Ocean coastline, from Federally-controlled into state-controlled waters. Reaching international waters beyond the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay normally required traveling four or five hours.

The bill was designed in part to make Norfolk a more-attractive port of call for large cruise ships, but Preserve Yorktown lobbied hard against it. One delegate who voted "no" in the subcommittee said: 4

I would think that while you're on the boat in the rivers, you're looking out, looking at beautiful Virginia, rather than sitting in their little casino and playing the games... But that's just me.

Cruise Ships in Virginia

Ports in virginia, york county.

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Discover the joy of sailing in Yorktown, VA with Yorktown Sailing Charters. Join us for memorable sailing adventures on the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy the beautiful Virginia sunset, a pirate-themed cruise, or private sail on our luxury charters. You never know what sea life you’ll encounter! Set sail and keep an eye out for dolphins and osprey. Sail by 18th Century homes and Naval warships or submarines with Yorktown Sailing Charters. Book online today!

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Schooner Alliance II: Yorktown Sightseeing Day Sail

Enjoy a daytime cruise aboard the Tall Ship Alliance II on the York River from the Riverwalk Landing Pier. Immerse yourself in 300 years of history and enjoy the village streets and paths overlooking the York River before you board the ship. Book online!

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Schooner Alliance II: Yorktown Scenic Sunset Sail

Take a scenic sunset cruise aboard the Tall Ship Alliance II on the York River from the Riverwalk Landing Pier. Come aboard and enjoy the evening views of the York River while enjoying a beverage from our ships’ galley.

Yorktown Pirate Ship Adventure Sail

Bring the kids to Captain Mayhem’s School of Piracy and watch them set the sails, steer the schooner, and learn sailor skills! This sail is our kid-friendly cruise, recommended for kids 10 and under. Older kids may prefer Sightseeing Day sail.

July 4th Fireworks Cruise

What could be more patriotic than watching the July 4th Fireworks from a tall ship at Yorktown’s waterfront? This trip departs after the sunset sail and returns after the fireworks.

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Vessel Type: Small Ship

Length: 78 metres

Passenger Capacity: 138

Built: 1988

The Yorktown is the perfect vessel for relaxed and convivial exploration of America’s great coastal waterways. Built in Florida in 1988 specifically for coastal cruising and certified by the U. S. Coast Guard, the Yorktown flies the American flag and is staffed by friendly and experienced American officers and crew. With a draft of only 9 feet, the Yorktown is able to maneuver in secluded waterways and visit small ports that are inaccessible to larger vessels. And Yorktown’s American registry makes it possible to operate domestic itineraries unavailable to foreign-flag ships. The ship’s cuisine, served in a dining room large enough to accommodate all guests at once, emphasizes American regional culinary traditions. Accommodating only 138 guests in 69 exterior cabins, the Yorktown enjoys an atmosphere of warm and relaxed informality that endears it to repeat and new guests alike.

Click below for the last info & to sign the petition.

Protect Historic Yorktown 

and the York River!

Preserve Yorktown: Sharing our history responsibly

THIS IS WHY WE MUST ACT NOW

We are a group of citizens who are concerned about the potential damage that could be done to the York River and to the Historic Village of Yorktown, Virginia by bringing mega cruise ships up the York River.

Have you ever seen the smaller ships which already visit? 

They represent responsible tourism.

 American Cruiselines and others bring visitors to Yorktown 

via the York River all the time!

APPROPRIATE SHIP SIZES

There is no denying that the approach to Yorktown from the York River is magnificent. But river ships this size do not mar the view for either the onboard guests 

or those who are on shore.

We treasure visitors to our historic village and a warm welcome always awaits them! We want to share our history responsibly and appropriately, not through massive character-altering cruise ships.

Copyright © 2024 Preserve Yorktown - All Rights Reserved.

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Virginia Gazette News | Yorktown residents continue to question cruise…

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Virginia gazette news, virginia gazette news | yorktown residents continue to question cruise ship plans.

The signs are part of an effort against Princess Cruises’ plans to make stops in Yorktown this year and the next.

York County residents gathered Sunday at Tabb Library to learn more about the cruise stops from Preserve Yorktown, a group that opposes cruise stops there.

The group is worried about “untethered tourism” in Yorktown, calling instead for “sensible tourism,” said Bob Hodson, a member of the group.

Throughout Sunday’s presentation, speakers addressed the economic and environmental effects of cruise ships near Yorktown. For many opponents, the rejection of Princess Cruises’ presence represents the continuation of the waterfront village as it is today.

A survey by a group calling itself Concerned Citizens of York County found that out of 555 responses, 71% were against Princess, while 29% were in favor.

“(There are) a lot of detrimental effects associated with the cruise industry,” Hodson said. “It’s finding the right balance in terms of tourism, and we think that there are viable options for increasing tourism in York County without damaging our culture, degrading the environment, and, quite frankly, opening a Pandora’s box.”

Preserve Yorktown members have also repeatedly criticized how York County has disseminated information about the cruise ship stops.

Jacques Van Montfrans, a former instructor at the Virginia Institute for Marine Sciences, told the meeting he was worried about the trifecta of pollution — water, air and noise/light — that would be created by the introduction of a cruise line like Princess.

Hodson also noted the ships’ sizes (the smallest, Island Princess, carries 3,000 people), discussions to expand the Watermen’s pier and what Preserve Yorktown says is Princess Cruises’ incompatibility with Yorktown.

The cruise line has said the Island Princess would anchor more than 1.5 miles downstream and ferry passengers ashore by tenders, which are smaller boats capable of navigating the shallow water.

Another cruise line — Holland America Line — announced several months ago its intentions to make stops in Yorktown with its 2025 cruise lineup, but York County officials insisted the stops had not been approved . Although Holland said it would cancel those stops, as of Tuesday, Yorktown was still listed as a port of call on the Holland America Line website , with tickets available for purchase.

Anna Dorl, [email protected]

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Former names: MS Yorktown, Spirit of Yorktown, Yorktown Clipper

Cruise line Small Cruise Lines

Americana last position

Americana last location was at US East Coast (coordinates 29.98833 N / -81.66166 W) cruising The AIS position was reported 2 years ago.

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Americana Review

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The 1988-built MS Americana cruise ship is one of the best for USA and Canada small cruising expeditions. The vessel entered service for Clipper Cruise Lines under the name “Yorktown Clipper” (1988-2006). In 2006, it was renamed “Spirit of Yorktown” (2006-2011) and started operations for Cruise West ( Seattle -based company, 1973-founded/2010- defunct ).

After the bankruptcy of Cruise West in 2010 (September 22nd), its fleet of 9 ships was sold to various small cruise companies . MS Yorktown was purchased in 2011 and relaunched with the USA and Central American itineraries.

In March 2014, the ship was acquired and operated by TDI (Travel Dynamics International, NYC -based). In July 2014, the vessel was seized by the German KfW IPEX-Bank, claiming that the shipowner owed money for it. Because of “cash issues”, Travel Dynamics sidelined its vessel, claiming it is owed USD 9,85 million by Explorer Maritime Cruises - a company controlled by TDI's co-president Vasos Papagapitos. KfW IPEX-Bank had the vessel seized in Florida and auctioned in Jacksonville on July 30th, where it was acquired through a credit bid by KfW.

Since December 2014, MS Americana is owned by Absolute Nevada LLC.

The vessel (IMO number 8949472) is currently USA- flagged (MMSI 369039000). Yorktown Clipper was also USA-flagged (MMSI 368373000).

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship's interior decor is sleek and elegant, featuring light wood accents and etched glass.

The Observation Lounge has expansive picture windows, and doubles as a library/video room. It is fitted with conversation circles and cozy banquettes.

All passenger staterooms (54 total) boast a wide picture window, private facilities, and ample storage. Passengers enjoy generous outside space on the vessel's three decks.

MS Americana cruise itineraries include small cruises in New England and the USA, leaving on one-ways from Canadian and American ports.

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America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

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This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

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These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

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Savannah to Baltimore

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The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .

Cruise ships return to New London and Old Saybrook this week

American cruise lines ships will be making port in both new london and old saybrook multiple times this summer season beginning this week., by dave peck • published may 7, 2024 • updated on may 7, 2024 at 5:20 pm.

“When people come into New London, they go by the many lighthouses and they see, if they’re lucky, a submarine, all the ferries. It is a very interesting port,” Susan Tamulevich, executive director of the New London Maritime Society, said.

For the next six months, the Thames River will have even more life as it welcomes cruise ships into New London’s port.

“American Cruise Lines is planning on having I think six to eight ships this season and we’re really looking forward to it,” New London Mayor Michael Passero said.

The trip will take passengers between Boston and New York, stopping in some of New England’s most historic seaports.

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“New London has an amazing maritime history all the way from the days of whaling when it was the second leading whaling port in the world,” Tamulevich said.

Tamulevich said the cruise ship provides the perfect audience to showcase their trove of artifacts from the city’s most iconic sites.

“They love to talk about New London and tell these stories and for them, it’s like a special holiday to have a cruise ship come in,” she said.

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Improvements made in New Haven's West Rock neighborhood for pedestrian safety

Just down the street, Muddy Waters Café is also looking forward to the energy the cruise lines could bring this season.

“The more people, the merrier it is so we’re excited about the cruise ship and we’re excited to have them here. We’re excited to meet people from all over the place,” owner David Preka said.

This will be Muddy Water’s first summer season since recovering from a fire last August .

“We’re expecting to see a lot of people downtown. Downtown is revamping,” he said.

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