Nicole Edenedo
Often in the weeks since Memorial Day weekend, as I've stood on the rocky, man-made shores of the Yonkers, N.Y. waterfront overlooking the Hudson River, I've found myself wondering about one thing as yet another American Cruise Lines (ACL) ship sails past:
When will I get to sail on one of ACL's Hudson River Summer Classic cruise itineraries?
Well, with any luck, next summer might be the next best chance for myself and anyone else who might have missed the first departures of the line's newest itinerary on the Hudson River this year.
ACL is tripling the number of departures next year for its eight-day Hudson River Summer Classic cruise itinerary, providing even more opportunities for travelers to experience this off-the-beaten-path river cruise destination.
The Summer Classic cruise was built off the success of ACL's original itinerary that operates on the Hudson in the fall: The eight-day Hudson River Fall Foliage cruise, which is notoriously hard to find space on because departures typically sell out fast.
Strong demand for the Hudson led ACL to decide to test out summer sailings in May and June this year, and after a successful inaugural season, which concluded with the June 25 departure, ACL says the additional summer departures on the Hudson are here to stay.
Next year, the line will have departures of the Summer Classic itinerary all summer long, throughout June, July and August.
Exploring the Hudson River Valley
The Hudson River Summer Classic itinerary, like the fall foliage cruise, sails roundtrip out of New York City from Pier 81 near Hudson Yards, right next to the Intrepid Museum. Stops include Catskill, Albany, Kingston, Hyde Park, West Point and Sleepy Hollow, and the itinerary also includes excursions in Manhattan.
This is the heart of the Hudson Valley, famous for its history, art movements, natural beauty and gastronomy. There are plenty of sights travelers will visit that showcase the region's cultural roots and show off its more active opportunities.
In Catskill, for example, travelers can take in panoramic views of the valley from one of two pedestrian crossings over the Hudson River during an active excursion to the Hudson River Skywalk, which consists of a two-mile roundtrip walk.
But there are excursions for travelers who want to move at a more leisurely place. Guests will be able to stroll through the apple orchards of Indian Ladder Farms just outside of Albany, and they can watch a boat-building demonstration at the Hudson River Maritime Museum's Wooden Boat School.
Local guides and experts will also lead guests through the West Point Military Academy, FDR's Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park and the Vanderbilt Mansion.
There's an opportunity to visit Sleepy Hollow, where Washington Irving's most famous novel, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," was written while Irving lived on the banks of the Hudson at his home, Sunnyside.
The itinerary also offers a guided exploration of New York City, including a special World Trade Center experience.
Coastal Cats and Independence ships
The Hudson Valley is a unique area to explore by river cruise, if for no other reason but the simple fact that no one else but American Cruise Lines offers overnight river cruises here.
The American Eagle, shown here in New England, is one of American Cruise Lines' Coastal Cats. Photo Credit: American Cruise Lines
For travelers who live in the area and are only a stone's throw away, these itineraries could prove to be the ultimate way of exploring their own backyard.
ACL's cruises on the Hudson operate on some of the line's new Coastal Catamaran vessels, or Coastal Cats; next year, the American Eagle is scheduled to operate the summer route. ACL's coastal Independence Class ships and other Coastal Cats can also be found on the river. Both ship classes are slightly smaller than the average ACL ship, carrying between 90 to 100 guests onboard.