First California river cruise in 80 years sets sail aboard ACL's ship American Jazz

   January 26, 2023 ,   Cruise Industry

According to ACL-American Cruise Lines, there have not been any river cruises in California in 80 years. However, that all changes in February 2023.

The line is operating its first California river cruise from San Francisco CA, exploring the San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay (Vallejo), Napa River, Sacramento River, and San Joaquin River over an 8-day itinerary.

Excursion highlights feature a visit to Stockton's Haggin Museum, honey tasting in Sacramento, and wine tastings throughout Napa.

To sail the itinerary, the company is repositioning its American Jazz ship from the Mississippi, sailing it through the Panama Canal and up Central and North America's west coast. The new ship, inaugurated in 2021, can accommodate up to 99 passengers in all-balcony staterooms.

Robertson said American Cruise Lines had doubled their fleet in the past few years, and with a total of 17 small ships and riverboats exploring the country in 2023, they had been able to create more new itineraries and operate in more new regions than ever before.

ACL now operates in 35 American states.

American Jazz cruise ship

The first California voyage aboard American Jazz departs on February 24th, with additional departures throughout the spring. 

Following a brief summer break, the cruises will restart in the fall.

Rates for an 8-day San Francisco Bay & California river voyage start at US$5990 per person.