We all have a list of dream cruises we hope to take one day. I’ve never really thought about a New England / Eastern seaboard trip — mainly because I grew up in New England — but I have to admit the October 19, 2007 itinerary aboard Seabourn’s Pride has piqued my interest!This particular cruise celebrates the fifth annual Great American Food & Wine Festival. The 12-day voyage begins in Gloucester, MA and then visits Newport, RI; Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD; Norfolk, VA; Charlestown, SC; Savannah, GA; Port Canaveral, FL; and then disembarks in Nassau.
On shore, travelers will learn about and enjoy regional specialties such as clams and chowder, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, Chesapeake Bay crabs, Virginia ham, Low Country cuisine, Southern cooking, and wild ocean shrimp.
Onboard the Pride, guest lecturer Arthur Schwartz will present a lecture about New York City food and he’ll be on hand for several cooking demonstrations. Mr. Schwartz was the executive food editor and restaurant critic of the New York Daily News for 18 years is the author of five award-winning cookbooks, including his latest, Arthur Schwartz's New York City Food: An Opinionated History with Legendary Recipes, which was named 2005 Cookbook of the Year by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. You may also know him from when he hosted the Food Talk radio show on WOR in New York.
Another cool aspect of this particular cruise is a complimentary “Shopping With the Chef” excursion in South Philadelphia’s Italian market.
Non-foodies will also find much of interest on this itinerary, from the colonial-era homes and grand "summer cottages" of Newport to the antebellum plantation manors of Charleston and Savannah. Both Baltimore and Philadelphia are treasuries of early Americana, and the latter also boasts museums offering exceptional collections of art. The fascinating 18th century restoration of Colonial Williamsburg near Norfolk is a world famous attraction, as is the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.
At Charleston, all guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary Exclusively Seabourn shore experience that features an authentic 18th century-style tea at one of the city's historic residences.
Seabourn is offering savings of 50% off brochure rates, fares start from $4,883 per person for an ocean-view suite. For details or to book a suite, contact your travel agent or Seabourn at 1 (800) 929-9391.
Photo courtesy of Seabourn.
