Cruise to Famous Film Locations
By Anne Kalosh.
Two small-ship companies are offering extraordinary opportunities to visit famous film locations, one in the United States for “Field of Dreams” and one in Croatia for “Game of Thrones.”
Special Theme Excursions Offered by American Queen Voyages
American Queen Voyages’ new Field of Dreams Experience premium shore excursion is available beginning with the 245-passenger American Countess’ arrival at Dubuque, Iowa, on July 22 (2022).
The 245-pax American Countess. * Photo: Josh Brasted for AQSC
Starring the iconic baseball diamond in nearby Dyersville, made famous by the 1989 movie starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones and the late Ray Liotta, the Field of Dreams Experience excursion is available on eight nine-day voyages between Alton (St. Louis), Missouri, and Red Wing (Minneapolis), Minnesota, through October.
Additional ports include Hannibal, Missouri; Bettendorf, Iowa; La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Burlington, Iowa.
Hannibal, Missouri. * Photo: American Queen Voyages
RELATED: John Roberts reviews the new American Countess.
Join the Mark Twain Experience in Hannibal
“Our guests always enjoy strolling in the footsteps of Mark Twain’s classic characters in Hannibal and spotting bald eagles near Red Wing,” said Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages.
“Adding the Field of Dreams Experience premium excursion in Dubuque promises to create even more memorable moments on this popular Upper Mississippi River itinerary.”
At Dubuque a local guide will point out “Field of Dreams” locations including the elementary school, University of Dubuque and Central Avenue, which was transformed into Boston for the film.
The Field of Dreams Experience is offered in Dubuque. * Photo: American Queen Voyages
Departing the city with views of cornfields and farmlands weaving through the Iowa bluffs, tour participants will arrive at the “If You Built It” exhibit to explore the story that inspired the film and see behind-the-scenes photos about the making of the movie.
Walk the Diamond & Emerge from the Corn
At the actual “Field of Dreams” baseball diamond and farm from the film, participants may walk the bases like Shoeless Joe Jackson, emerge from the corn and take a break on the bleachers for an Instagram moment.
The “team of dreams” emerges from the corn in the Field of Dreams Experience. * Photo: Travel Dubuque
“Dubuque has played an important part in the rich history of riverboating in the U.S. and we are proud to be hosting American Queen Voyages’ paddle-wheelers this season,” said Keith Rahe, president and CEO, Travel Dubuque.
The Field of Dreams Experience costs $99 and will be available on Upper Mississippi River cruises operated by the American Queen, American Duchess and American Countess.
Dates include July 18 and 30; Aug. 28; Sept. 10, 11, 24 and 26; and Oct. 16 (2022).
Lots of photo ops on the Field of Dreams Experience excursion. * Photo: Travel Dubuque
Interested in one of these American Queen Voyages cruises?
Sail Croatia also Offers Excursions to Famous Film Locations
Half-way around the world, Sail Croatia, a yachting company that offers multiple types of sailing adventures, is promoting a “Game of Thrones”-inspired cruise on August 20 (2022).
Sail Croatia’s theme cruise coincides with the August release of HBO’s prequel series “House of the Dragon.”
Much of “Game of Thrones” was filmed in Croatia, with some of its most iconic scenes shot along the region’s picturesque coastline.
Much of “Game of Thrones” was filmed in Croatia; here Blackwater Bay in Dubrovnik, one of the film locations. * Photo: Sail Croatia
Sit On the Iron Throne
The seven-night August cruise is aboard the updated, 38-passenger Mali Ante.
The 38-passenger Mali Ante. * Photo: Sail Croatia
Mali Ante’s Jacuzzi. * Photo: Sail Croatia
It will call at several of the most famous film locations, including Dubrovnik, home of King’s Landing.
There, passengers can visit the Red Keep, Blackwater Bay and Walk of Shame, and sit on the Iron Throne.
An opportunity to sit on the Iron Throne. * Photo: Sail Croatia
Here’s a primer on the Dubrovnik tour.
Other itinerary highlights include exploring Lokrum Island, the stand-in location for the city of Qarth, and Klis Fortress, the setting for Meereen.
Lokrum Island, here, is the stand-in location for the city of Qarth. * Photo: Sail Croatia
Entrance to the Game of Thrones Museum in Split and a Game of Thrones Walking Tour in Dubrovnik are included.
Round-Trip from Split
The small ship theme cruise sails round-trip from Split, with prices starting at $1,169 or €1,109 per person, double occupancy.
A dedicated tour manager accompanies the trip to point out the highlights. Regular swim stops will be offered, along with optional (extra charge) excursions including river rafting, kayaking, cycling and wine tasting.
Croatia’s picturesque coastline. * Photo: Sail Croatia
Breakfast, a three-course lunch and a captain’s dinner onboard are covered in the fare.
During the other evenings, passengers are encouraged to explore and dine ashore; Sail Croatia is happy to offer suggestions.
“This ‘Game of Thrones’ cruise is the perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxing and socializing, allowing fans to immerse themselves in famous filming locations while exploring the very best of Croatia,” according to Sail Croatia Director Grant Seuren.
He said the trip is the “ideal way to get in the mood for ‘House of the Dragon,’ as well as enjoy the region’s welcoming sun, sea and sights.”
Interested in Sail Croatia’s special theme cruise?
RELATED: 4 small ship Croatia cruise charters you should know about.
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HEIDI SARNA
What a great idea to take a small ship cruise to favorite movie sites. The two in Anne’s article beg for more. Let’s hear from readers about favorite film sites that can be reached by small ship cruises. I will start off with “Belfast” where many gripping scenes were shot in Northern Ireland’s capital city. What a riveting film!
Ted