This new Californian cruise takes you from San Francisco to Napa
Fine food and sensational wine await when American Jazz makes its Frisco debut next month.
By Chris Ashton, January 27 2023
Californians with a penchant for cruising have long had to take to the ocean to scratch their itch. However, after some 80 years absence, river boats are now set to be a regular sight in the California Delta once again, with cruises from San Francisco primed to begin next month.
Over eight days, American Cruise Lines’ 180-guest American Jazz – replete with a five-storey glass atrium and all-balcony suites – will traverse San Francisco Bay, weaving along the scenic Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, while also taking in the legendary Napa Valley wine region.
American Jazz is swapping the Mississippi River for San Francisco Bay.
As an added treat, the ship will base itself in Napa for two days, giving guests ample time to raise a glass (or two) of the renowned local Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as enjoy custom experiences like the opportunity to be a winemaker for a day.
Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, describes its debut as a “momentous occasion for domestic river cruise”, giving travellers a chance to discover the cities, towns and wine regions of California from a different vantage.
Napa Valley is well known for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
Already on its journey from the Mississippi River to San Francisco Bay, American Jazz is due to transit the Panama Canal in the coming days, with its repositioning voyage following a similar route to historic mail ships that carried passengers and mail during the Gold Rush.
River cruising has seen a huge global resurgence in recent years, particularly among advocates of the ‘slow travel’ movement. Although not as opulent as small ocean ships, they still deliver a luxury experience, with fewer guests and more personalised service just two of the perks.
The first California sailing on American Jazz departs on February 24, with a limited number of sailings through February and March, followed by a return in November and December.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 780
I hope tips are included in the fare.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
15 Feb 2013
Total posts 44
I live in Napa. I don't know how anything Bigger than a kayak would be able to navigate the river there.
01 Apr 2014
Total posts 113
Just had a look, and the ship only drafts 8ft with a 59ft beam, so should be able to make it up to at least the Napa Yacht Club just south of downtown - Maxwell Bridge if you know where that is. I have been down that section of river, and I wouldn't consider it a particularly scenic river for cruising, although surrounding areas obviously good. Same goes for the Sacramento River part of the cruises, regardless of whether they can fit on the normal river course, or via the deep water ship canal, not something I would pay $6k+ for.
Around San Francisco Bay nice though, especially at night.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
15 Feb 2013
Total posts 44
Not quite walking distance from town, but handy to Home Depot! I guess you could do some nice stops around the bay and further up the Sacramento River. Napa wine train would make a good shore excursion.
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