Frommers | Blunt Boat Adventure

The New England Line of the Blount Small Ship Adventure (formerly the USC Caribbean Line/ACCL) is a New England Line that operates a small cargo-free ship that attracts a well-traveled, very casual and older crowd. Here is the “what you see is what you get” experience: friendly, local and places to visit other boats. In 2011, Blunt will sail the Mississippi River system for the first time, becoming one of the only two lines in the region (along with Cruise West) to operate a “sleep” overnight cruise ship in the region. Sailing to: United States/Canadian River/Coastal Cruise, Central American Caribbean Hanoi Waterway.

The line began in ACCL in 1966, when Luther Blount, a late Rhode Island shipbuilder, realized that there was a need for small sailings on rivers, canals and coasts in New England and Canada. Over the years, his company’s ships have gone far beyond their regional residence. Today, many of the almost universal passengers of the series (average age around 72) have sailed before and appreciated its leisure, lack of glitz and head, its early-to-bed lifestyle, and its “Just Us Outs” characteristics (such as the BYOB policy). (It’s a real money saving for passengers, who can store in the port and place bottles in the bar area marked with cabin numbers. Tonics and soda are free.)

Three ships on this line were built in 1997 and 1998 – 100 passenger twins The Great Caribbean Sea and sailor And the older 84 passengers Prince Niagara – Basic like a cruise with a tiny Spartan cottage; worry-free decor; miniature head cabin bathroom; only two common rooms (lounge and a dining room). But no one expects the luxury of these parades. Instead, Blount Cruises are all related to the real life of the areas they visit, with most activities exploring the harbor and natural areas. About 85 to 90% of cruises sail in domestic waters, focusing on visiting historic, colonial ports and natural areas rich in plants and wildlife. These boats can go to some others because they have innovative exploratory features built in: shallow grass and retractable cabs, which allow them to cross shallow pipe canals and under low bridges; bow ramps allow them to pull right to the original dock beach; and a platform at the stern for swimming and rolling out the vessel’s glass bottom boat.

Car activities and entertainment are often limited to occasional informal lectures, some printing quizzes, cooking demonstrations, card playing, and movies in the onboard video collection. The meals are well prepared, nationwide, but limited and not encouraging. The daily menu, along with all three meal options, is posted every morning on the dining room blackboard. There is only one main course for each meal, so anyone who wants an alternative must notify the kitchen by 10 a.m. Due to the average passenger age, the chefs on the ship line tried to keep salt and fat low. The staff of the young Americans (many from Blunt’s hometown of Rhode Island) are casual and friendly.

These boats won’t attract the vast majority of young couples, singles, honeymooners and families. Children under the age of 14 are prohibited, and the series does not provide children’s facilities or activities, nor does it have any particularly active activities. Very tall people should also stay away, as all the ceilings on the Blount boats are not set up more than 6 feet 4 inches.

The Blount is the cheaper version of the small cargo line, with a typical daily diems of $290-$305.

The Great Caribbean Sea sail Central America From Belize City (winter); south from Charleston and Jacksonville, Florida (spring); Chesapeake Bay From Baltimore (summer); Maine Coast from Portland (summer); New England Islands Warren from RI (Summer); and Erie Canal/Sagne River From New York and Montreal (Autumn).

sailor Sailing Caribbean Sea From St. Thomas, St. Martin south From Jacksonville, Florida (Spring); The Great Lakes Chicago, Toronto, New York and Warren from RI (spring, summer); and Erie Canal/Sagne River From New York and Montreal (Autumn).

Prince Niagara Sailing Mississippi River System From New Orleans, Chattanooga, Nashville and Chicago (spring, summer); The Great Lakes from Chicago (summer, fall); and Lake Champlain From New York and Burlington, Virginia (fall).