During a recent journey across several southeastern states, I approached an unmarked wooden door, uttered a secret password and found myself stepping into the ambiance of a Prohibition-era speakeasy

Another experience included a horse-drawn carriage ride through a quaint, picturesque town that has provided the backdrop for more than 100 movies and television shows.

I also immersed myself in local lore in a history-rich city where visitors feel as though they’ve stepped back in time. 

Adding to the joy of visiting Savannah, Georgia; Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina and other architectural treasures was the leisurely travel from one to the next.

SOUTHERN CHARM

I was aboard the American Eagle, an American Cruise Lines (ACL) ship, traveling from Amelia Island, Florida to Charleston. The vessel sailed along the Intracoastal Waterway, a 3,000-mile expanse of rivers, canals and bays stretching from Massachusetts to Florida.

In some parts, the channel was so wide that the marshes, sandbars and sawgrass along the shore seemed to disappear into the horizon. In other areas, the ship slowed to a crawl as it navigated narrow and shallow passages, offering up-close views of gulls, pelicans and other birdlife.

Each day, the ship docked at some of the South’s most charming cities and towns, offering a range of outings to suit various interests. 

One stop included the Prohibition Museum in Savannah, Georgia, the only one of its kind in the nation. Exhibits, dioramas and other displays bring the roaring ’20s to life in vivid detail.

Visitors step into a recreated street scene featuring a truck transporting alcohol through a mob of angry, sign-waving mannequin protestors. The soundtrack broadcasts the voice of famed evangelist Billy Sunday, railing against “king alcohol” and declaring Savannah “the most wicked city in the world.”

Hollywood’s love affair with Beaufort (pronounced Byoo-fert), South Carolina, dates back to 1914 when scenes for a film were shot there. Its small-town atmosphere, streets lined with elegant antebellum homes and canopies of Spanish moss-draped oak trees make it a photographer’s paradise.

Charleston’s low-rise buildings, cobblestone streets and romantic ambiance reflect its founding in 1670. Given its long history, I wasn’t surprised when a guide pointed to a church built in 1855 and referred to it as “new.”

The historic ambiance of these quintessential Southern enclaves set the stage for the long, varied list of tours available to passengers aboard the ACL ship. 

In Charleston, options included visiting the magnificent Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, founded in 1676, or exploring Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

In addition to the Prohibition Museum, Savannah offers walking, trolley and horse-drawn carriage tours. Those who go ashore at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, can check out an alligator and wildlife preserve or take a dolphin-watching cruise. 

Excursions in Brunswick, Georgia include visiting a rice plantation that operated from 1800 to 1915 or sailing on a shrimping boat to see various sea creatures netted and, if desired, handled before being returned to the sea. 

ONBOARD FOOD & FUN

The wide range of activities on land was matched by the near-constant entertainment and learning opportunities available on board the ship.

Onboard experts and guest lecturers provided insights into the next day’s shore excursions and explored topics like Civil War music, naval warfare during the Civil War and early American religion. Passengers also enjoyed a variety of fun activities such as bingo, trivia and arts and crafts. 

Evening entertainment was just as diverse, featuring musicians, singers, a skilled ventriloquist and a talented Gullah woman who vividly portrayed the culture, music and cuisine of this African American ethnic group, whose members primarily live in the states we were visiting.

The food on board—and on land—was a significant highlight of the trip. Nearly round-the-clock options for snacks or sit-down meals posed a challenge for those watching their waistlines. Warm, freshly baked cookies appeared twice daily, snacks and drinks were available in the Sky Lounge and a casual snack bar provided light breakfasts and lunches. 

Starting with an Early Riser’s Breakfast at 6:30 a.m., the day of feasting continued with a pre-dinner cocktail hour featuring ample hors d'oeuvres and culminated in the elegant, white-tablecloth dining room.

The dinner menus, featuring a variety of appetizers, entrées and desserts, showcased the local culture and flavors of the region through which the ship was sailing. Main course selections included regional favorites like crab cakes, BBQ pork chops and shrimp and grits. 

IF YOU GO

American Cruise Lines
1-800-814-6880
AmericanCruiseLines.com

The American Eagle, like all small ships in the ACL fleet, is designed to navigate the country’s waterways and coastlines, accommodating 90 to 180 passengers. The ships are known for their spacious staterooms, many with private balconies. ACL offers over 50 itineraries across 35 states, ranging from six to 61 days. Despite a no-tipping policy, the attentive crew ensures passengers can simply relax. ACL ships bypass tourist-heavy ports in favor of smaller, lesser-known gems.

SAVANNAH, GA

Visit Savannah
VisitSavannah.com

American Prohibition Museum
912-551-4054
AmericanProhibition Museum.com

BEAUFORT, SC

Visit Beaufort
843-525-8500
BeaufortSC.org

CHARLESTON, SC

Explore Charleston
CharlestonCVB.com

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
843-571-1266
MagnoliaPlantation.com

Fort Sumter
843-883-3123
NPS.gov/fosu 

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Visitor & Convention Bureau
843-785-3673
HiltonHeadIsland.org