October 30 - November 11, 2015

Set sail from Portland, Maine, on a 13-day coastal expedition cruise along North America’s stunning east coast. Tour gilded mansions, early English settlements, and heroic battleships. Stroll through southern plantations and beautifully preserved Victorian towns. Sip from the fountain of youth, shop haute couture boutiques, and soak up the island sunshine.

Highlights
Portland, Maine to Nassau, Bahamas

• Boston’s Copley Square, Back Bay, the Massachusetts State House, and Quincy Market.
• Seaside “summer cottages” of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers in Newport, Rhode Island.
• Historic Williamsburg, Virginia and the living history village at Jamestown Settlement.
• Wilmington’s USS North Carolina, the first battleship to join the battle of World War II.
• Beautiful Boone Hall Plantation, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.
• The Victorian era homes of Savannah, Georgia – America’s “Jewel of the South.”
• The old masonry fort and Ponce de León archaeological park in St. Augustine, Florida.
• A private tour of the Whitehall Flagler Museum, a magnificent Edwardian-style mansion.
• The haute couture boutiques along Worth Avenue in West Palm Beach, Florida.
• Nassau Island’s Straw Market, Pirates of Nassau Museum, and popular Cable Beach

M.S. Saint Laurent

The indisputable joy of sailing is brought to life on the M.S. Saint Laurent, an agile small ship that easily navigates canals and locks, tranquil bays, and hidden ports where larger ships dare not go. Onboard fresh and modern design tips its hat to the ship's maritime past as spacious, open-air lounges, inviting dining venues, and generous windows ensure guests will never miss a chance to savor the view. The 105-stateroom M.S. Saint Laurent is a 4-star, intimate and charming ocean-going coastal vessel. Her spacious indoor and expansive outdoor public areas make her an ideal vessel for exploring destinations larger vessels cannot reach. Outfitted with an elevator (Decks 1 to 4), an on-board full service salon, a boutique, and medical services; guests will find all amenities expected from a deluxe ocean vessel.

Intuitive and Attentive Service
With a caring crew of 90 pampering no more than 210 guests, guests will feel at home on the M.S. Saint Laurent from the moment they step on board. Whether it’s a favorite cocktail served being on deck, hot coffee delivered in-room, an iPad® offered for use in the lounge, or the delicate chocolate placed on the pillow at turndown, serving guests is an immense pleasure. Throughout the ship “free flowing” beverages are available 24 hours a day and 24-hour room service is just a phone call away.

Onboard Specialists and Included Excursions
Aboard the M.S. Saint Laurent, guests often travel in the company of engaging specialists focusing on areas such as: marine biology, naval history, ornithology and geology who share their expertise freely in presentations and impromptu discussions throughout the journey. In port, shore excursions with knowledgeable local guides provide meaningful opportunities to uncover the rich history, unique wildlife, and fascinating cultures of the destinations visited.

Study Leader Information

On board, engaging historians and military specialists ensure there’s never a dull moment between ports. On shore, expertly guided excursions provide meaningful opportunities to uncover the rich history, unique flora and fauna, and fascinating culture of each destination. FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER: JAMES ROBERTSON, JR. The recipient of every major award given in the Civil War field, and a lecturer of national acclaim, Dr. Robertson is currently an Alumni Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech. A native of Danville, Va., Robertson has authored numerous books, including Tenting Tonight: The Soldier’s Life, Civil War! America Becomes One Nation, Soldiers Blue & Gray, and an impressive biography of General “Stonewall” Jackson.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Portland, Maine; Embarkation
In the afternoon, board the luxurious M.S. Saint Laurent in Portland, Maine before gathering for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as the cruise begins in the evening.

Day 2 | Boston, Massachusetts
This morning, the cruise will arrive in Boston and go ashore for a tour of this 250-year old city. Highlights include: Copley Square,Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, upscale Back Bay, the exclusive shops along Newbury Street, the Public Garden, the green oasis of Boston Common, and the exclusive neighborhood of Beacon Hill. Downtown, pass the golddomed Massachusetts State House and see the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party began. Across the Charles River, catch a glimpse of the Old North Church where Paul Revere signaled that the British were coming. At the conclusion of the tour, guests can choose to meander through Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall or return to the ship. On board this evening, the group will gather for a welcome reception followed by dinner in the ship’s main dining room.

Day 3 | Newport, Rhode Island
Today, the ship arrives in Rhode Island and take a scenic drive through Newport’s historic district with its fine examples of Colonial, Federal, and Victorian homes. The group will see Trinity Church, Redwood Library, and the Gothic Church of Saint Mary, where Jacqueline Bouvier and Senator John F. Kennedy were married. Next, the group will take the famous ten-mile Ocean Drive to Bellevue Avenue to see the gorgeous “summer cottages” of the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. At the conclusion of thetour, guests will have the option to stay in town for independent exploration or return to the ship for an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

Day 4 | Sailing the Atlantic Coast
Today, the group will enjoy scenic cruising along the East Coast of the United States. En route, the onboard specialists will offer presentations on the rich history of this region. Twelve of the original British colonies – which later became the first states in the United States – lie along the East Coast. Maine and Florida were originally settled by the French. The “middle colonies” (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) were owned by the Dutch until they were captured by the British in the 17th century.

Day 5 | Williamsburg, Virginia (Norfolk)
This morning, the group will take a drive to historic Williamsburg. Founded in 1632 as a fortified settlement on high ground between the James and York rivers, Williamsburg was the capital of the Colony of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and the center of political events in Virginia leading to the American Revolution. Located here, the College of William & Mary, established in 1693, is the secondoldest institution of higher education in the United States. Its alumni include three U.S. presidents, four U.S. Supreme Court justices, and four signers of the Declaration of Independence. Next, the tour will continue to Jamestown Settlement, a living history village commemorating the first permanent English settlement on the North American mainland. This full-day tour includes a picnic lunch.

Day 6 | Sailing the Atlantic Coast
Enjoy a full day of cruising today en route to North Carolina. During the day, the onboard specialist will offer presentations on the history and culture of the United States’ Atlantic Seaboard.

Day 7 | Wilmington, North Carolina
Today, the group will tour the charming southern city of Wilmington, North Carolina. Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington was founded in 1739 and served as an important shipping port for goods arriving from Europe. Today, the city is known for its well-preserved Antebellum, Georgian, and Victorian homes. Visit Thalian Hall Theater, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, it is one of the most historic theaters in the United States. Thalian Hall is the only surviving theater designed by John Montagne Trimble, one of the foremost architects. The final stop on the tour is a visit to the USS North Carolina battleship. Commissioned in 1941, the ship was the first of ten to join the battle of World War II. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the M.S. Saint Laurent’s main dining room.

Day 8 | Charleston, South Carolina
This morning, the group will take a drive through Charleston’s old historic district with homes dating back to the 18th century. The highlight of the day is a visit to Boone Hall Plantation, which was used in the filming of the television miniseries North and South and the movie Gone With the Wind. Here, visitors can enjoy a tour of the stately Colonial Revival plantation house and grounds, including slave quarters built from bricks that were made on the plantation in the 1800s.

Day 9 | Savannah, Georgia
Arriving in lovely Savannah, Georgia, the group will go ashore after breakfast for a comprehensive tour of this sophisticated and charming southern city. Founded in 1733, Savannah is one of America’s finest preserved cities and considered a jewel of the south. Traveling with a knowledgeable guide, guests will learn why Savannah has the distinction of being one of the largest National Urban Historic Landmarked Districts in the United States and get a true taste of authentic southern hospitality. Back on board this evening, the group will toast another historic day as the ship sets sail for northern Florida.

Day 10 | Saint Augustine, Florida (Jacksonville)
This morning, the ship sets off early for a tour of St. Augustine, the oldest successful European settlement in the United States, settled 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and 42 years before Jamestown. Here, the group will visit the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, which began construction in 1672 when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire. Then, the tour will continue to the Archaeological Park of Ponce de León,the original site of the city, which was explored by Juan Ponce de León in 1513 and settled by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565. Back on the ship, everyone will set sail in the afternoon for South Florida.

Day 11| West Palm Beach, Florida
Today, the group will enjoy a private tour of the Whitehall Flagler Museum. Also known as the Taj Mahal of North America, Whitehall is a 55-room, Edwardian-style mansion featuring a Louis XIV music room and art gallery, a Louis XV ballroom, and 14 guest suites with original antique European furnishings. The tour continues to Worth Avenue where — just steps away from the breezy blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean — guests will find what’s rumored to be the best shopping in the world. For many years, the boutiques along this drive have been renowned for their elegant couture apparel, art, antiques, jewelry, and fine furnishings.

Day 12 | Nassau, Bahamas (overnight)
Late this afternoon, the ship will arrive in Nassau, the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Here, guests will enjoy free time for individual pursuits exploring the island’s many sites, including the pink parliament building, the Straw Market, Bay Street boutiques, Pirates of Nassau Museum, and Cable Beach. Tonight, the group will gather for a sumptuous farewell dinner in the ship’s main dining room.

Day 13 | Nassau, Bahamas; Disembarkation
After breakfast, guests disembark the M.S. Saint Laurent and make their way to the airport for flights home or transfer to The British Colonial Hilton (or similar) for an extended stay.

Tour Price*

2-for-1 pricing discount applies to reservations book and paid in full by July 2, 2015. Discount is per person and based on double occupancy. If full payment is not received by July 2, 2015, the full price applies per person.

Onboard Amenities

• Spa quality robes and slippers
• L’Occitane® bath amenities
• Pillow menu
• Premium mattresses
• 100% Egyptian cotton bedding
• In-room electronic safe
• Individual climate control
• LCD flat screen television (satellite)
• Universal docking station with alarm clock
• Hair dryer & makeup mirror
• Telephone with outside line
• 24-hour room service
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including distinctive wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and water.
• Complimentary WiFi package
• Daily housekeeping; nightly turndown
• Certified medical doctor onboard
• Onboard Salon
• Mid-Morning Consumme & Afternoon tea service

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour, please contact our tour VIP desk by calling +1 202 772 8000 or emailing scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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Terms & Conditions

* Cruise fares cover certain shipboard services including: accommodations, shore excursions, onboard meals and entertainment, complimentary beverages aboard ship where noted in the respective cruise program brochure.
Not included in your cruise tariff are: airfare, hotel accommodations, optional shore excursions, meals ashore(unless otherwise noted), beverages not highlighted as included, fuel surcharges, laundry (unless otherwise noted), purchases from the ship boutique or any item or service of a personal nature such as medical care, massages, and spa treatments.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.