Intracoastal Waterway & Southeast Cruises
Lowcountry marsh, live oaks and historic squares, by sheltered inland water.
Get Free US River Cruise QuotesThe Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is a sheltered inland route of rivers, sounds, marshes and canals running down the East Coast. For small ships, its Southeast stretch — South Carolina’s Lowcountry and Georgia’s Sea Islands — is a gentle, beautiful cruise through some of the oldest towns in America.
The Southeast Sea Islands Route
American Cruise Lines sails between Charleston, South Carolina, and Amelia Island, Florida, on its small coastal ships. Stops include:
- Charleston — cobbled streets, historic houses and some of the South’s best food.
- Beaufort — antebellum homes under live oaks.
- Hilton Head — beaches, bike paths and marsh views.
- Savannah — its famous squares and riverfront.
- Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island — Georgia’s Golden Isles, with Gilded Age history and maritime forest.
- Amelia Island — the historic town of Fernandina Beach.
Why Small Ships Work Here
The waterway is shallow and narrow in places, with tight turns through marsh creeks and low bridges. Big ships cannot use it at all. Small coastal ships slip through and tie up at town docks, so you step off into Beaufort’s waterfront park or onto Savannah’s riverfront. Between towns, the scenery is salt marsh, dolphins and wading birds rather than open sea.
The Gulf of Mexico has its own version: American Cruise Lines introduced a Gulf Coast itinerary for 2026 that pairs Gulf ports with part of the Lower Mississippi.
When to Go
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring | Azaleas, mild days, a favorite time for the Southeast |
| Summer | Hot and humid; fewer sailings |
| Late autumn and early winter | Comfortable temperatures; departures in November and December |
Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June through November. Lines plan around it, and travel insurance is wise for late-summer and autumn travel.
Pairing It With a Stay
- Arrive in Charleston a day or two early; many itineraries include a pre-cruise hotel night.
- Add Savannah or St. Augustine before or after the cruise.
- Combine with a Florida beach stay at the southern end.
The Culture of the Coast
The Sea Islands are home to the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved West Africans whose language, crafts and food traditions still shape the Lowcountry. Many Southeast itineraries include time with local guides on this history, alongside the colonial and Civil War stories of Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah. Add the seafood — shrimp, oysters and Lowcountry boil — and this becomes one of the most flavorful small-ship trips in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Intracoastal Waterway rough like the ocean?
Generally no. The route follows sheltered rivers, sounds and marsh channels behind the barrier islands, so the water is usually calm. Short open stretches can be livelier in wind.
Do I need a passport?
Not for a cruise that stays within the United States, though you will need the photo ID your line requires.
How long are these cruises?
The Charleston to Amelia Island route is typically about a week, and many packages add a hotel night in Charleston.
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