American Cruise Lines introduces its first California itinerary

Operating round-trip San Francisco on the modern riverboat American Jazz, the eight-day cruise explores the heart of wine country along the Napa River and the San Joaquin Valley.

Destinations are Napa, Vallejo, Stockton and Sacramento on waterways including San Francisco Bay, San Pablo Bay, Napa River and San Joaquin River.

The cruise explores Napa Valley and San Joaquin Valley, sailing round-trip San Francisco

Rare chance to cruise Napa wine country

'American continues to expand the possibilities for exceptional domestic small ship cruises across the country. Exploring this beautiful region of Northern California by riverboat will provide a new opportunity for our guests to discover the Bay Area and the Napa Valley in an exceptional way,' said Charles B. Robertson, president and CEO, American Cruise Lines.

'Many have driven there, but not many can say they have actually cruised through wine country,' he added.

The itinerary highlights the region’s historical, cultural and geographical influences that gave rise to the City by the Bay, as well as the lush vineyards and flourishing agricultural communities throughout the Bay Area and its surrounding valleys.

Winery visit, NASCAR-style experience, Old Sacramento

The trip features a scenic sailing of San Francisco Bay, passing the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Treasure Island with visits to Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square and Alcatraz. Special experiences include a Napa Valley winery visit and a NASCAR-style driving experience at the Stockton 99 Speedway.

The cruise also offers a guided tour of Old Sacramento’s underground city and port, and a visit to the California Railroad Museum, home to five full-size steam locomotives including Central Pacific No. 1 Governor Stanford, and exhibits covering facets like the Chinese contribution to the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and the infamous Golden Spike that commemorated the railroad's completion of in 1869.

Sunrise yoga, wine presentations, cooking demonstrations

Onboard activities will include sunrise yoga, wine presentations focused on regional varietals and cooking demonstrations of Northern Californian cuisine. Passengers will receive a local cookbook to take home.

2023 departure dates are Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3 and March 10.