Blount Small Ship Adventures, which offers the best value in small ship cruising, is expanding its presence by offering two new one-of-a-kind itineraries in 2014. Beginning in March of 2014, the Grande Caribe will sail along the Caribbean Sea allowing guests to experience the best of the Bahamas, while in May the Grande Mariner will navigate the narrow waterways of the Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois Rivers for a cruise to the Big Easy, New Orleans, by way of Chicago.

The 11-night ‘Bahamian Out Islands’ cruise, departing March 28 and April 11, immerses guests in the Bahamian culture with visits to 12 ports, including Nassau, Spanish Wells and Governor’s Harbour. The two sailings also feature a welcome dinner in Spanish Wells; a spirited Pirate Party on the white sand Bahamian beaches and an optional ride in Blount’s glass bottom boat in search of brain coral, parrot fish and sea fans. Guests who book this newly-launched itinerary will have the opportunity to indulge in this Caribbean adventure alongside Blount’s President, Nancy Blount, on this year’s exclusive 2014 President’s Cruise departing March 28. Rates begin at $3,999.

The 15-night ‘Chicago to the Big Easy’ cruise, departing May 15 and June 2, navigates narrow waterways to bring guests a picturesque experience alongside the banks of the Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois Rivers. On this voyage, guests will learn about the heritage and culture of Kuttawa, KY during a lecture by a local expert, enjoy a culinary demonstration by the New Orleans School of Cooking and listen to the local music of Columbus, MS. Rates begin at $4,999.

All Blount cruises include three meals daily with menus that are fresh, creative and often reflect the local cuisine, refreshments and snacks 24 hours a day, and wine and beer during lunch and dinner. Blount cruises also feature a BYOB policy, with mixers and set-ups for cocktails available throughout the day. Guests who book a 2014 cruise by Aug. 30, 2013 will receive a 10 percent discount on all Caribbean itineraries.

Blount vessels offer unique features that allow the Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner ships to sail where others cannot. To celebrate this unique design, Blount is launching its Signature Series of itineraries. These itineraries include routes which require the ships to pass through narrow waterways with shallow drafts, cruise under low bridges with the retractable pilot house, and make bow landings on virtually any shore, bringing guests up close and personal to local cultures and hidden treasures. Guests will travel to destinations no other cruise line can duplicate, from traveling down the Erie Canal to a sail through the legendary 1,000 Islands on the way to the Saguenay River in Quebec – a Blount classic.

Through the Signature Series, guests will have a chance to really meet the locals – not at a souvenir shop – but on their streets and in their neighborhoods to truly take in a piece of their culture. Signature Series cruises will also be joined by select Blount family members, allowing guests to discover the history of company founder Luther Blount, and his goal to bring travelers to places they wouldn’t normally access by cruise.