THE NEW FRENCH AMERICA LINE'S INAUGURAL OFFERINGS

Images: French America Line

UPDATE 8/12/2016 First Sailing Sept. 30, 2016

  Back when George Washington was knee high to a grasshopper most Americans thought of the competing powers for North America to consist of three European nations, The contenders were Great Britain, France and Spain. By the time George was old enough to ride a horse and use a musket, France and Great Britain were at war over parts of North East North America in a military campaign called the French and Indian war. The French and their Indian allies lost that one but George Washington gained a lot of military acumen that would serve him well when a new nation would emerge along the east coast of the continent, later to engulf it from "sea to shinning sea". French influence and territorial possessions didn't however evaporate after the French and Indian war. The French remained sovereign in much of the Mississippi and Missouri valley until Napoleon settled some debts with the territory and France virtually disappeared from North America as a territorial competitor. Spain  stretched the borders of its' possessions to the west bank of the Mississippi. Then in what would be described as a twinkling in terms of pre- electronic communications times France resumed sovereignty over the Mississippi / Missouri Valley and just as quickly sold the entire region to the upstart United States. 

 That wasn't the end however of French influence in the Louisiana Territory. French is still an official language in Louisiana, More over Louisiana is the only American State to have adopted a form of the Justinian Code (referred to in Louisiana as the Napoleonic Code) as the basis for their legal system. French symbols, French colonial architectural influence, and history abound not only in Louisiana but in Mobile, St. Louis, in parts of Arkansas, and throughout the Mississippi / Missouri Valley. The new French American Line will soon offer cruises along the inland waterways linking the old French territories that became part of the United States in 1803. 

 While the ambiance and elegance of the vessels are decidedly French influenced the vessels are Jones Act compliance, the crews are all American, and the vessels built in the United states under U.S. Coast Guard inspection. Passengers can be sure that when selecting a French American Lines cruise they are supporting American Merchant Marine personnel and American ship yard workers. 

 I know we sound like a commercial but in fact we accept no advertising. We are just very firm believers in the Jones act and surely welcome those who choose to operate under it. To learn more about this new cruise line and next season's inaugural offerings click here French America Line. To this newest Jones Act service we wish good luck, moderate river stages, and easy currents.