Cruises to New England
Its streets are lined with quintessential New England charm. New England, with its six states, is unique, yet its history is shared in its cities and small towns. Travel along cobblestone streets lined with colonial homes and antique lampposts. Walk along the Atlantic coast of Maine's Acadia National Park, home to rocky beaches and granite cliffs. Visit Portland, a foodie paradise, a haven for artists, and a water lover's haven. Discover the beginnings of the American Revolution on the Freedom Trail in Boston.
Many ports are available to explore on New England cruises, from Bar Harbor to Portland, Maine, Boston, Massachusetts, and Baltimore, Maryland. There are countless new adventures along the Atlantic coast, as each port offers something different.
Visitors on New England cruises frequently stop in Bar Harbor, Maine. Explore the downtown area and its many attractions. Visit Acadia National Park, where you can hike along Cadillac Mountain and admire the view of the bay. Discover island life on Great Cranberry Island, a beautiful destination for nature walks and small-town living.
Cruise ships that sail to New England often include Newport as part of their itinerary. It's almost impossible to travel to Newport without hearing about its glamorous mansions and Bellevue Avenue, once dubbed "American Versailles." the Vanderbilts, the Astors, and the Morgans built on the waterfront. Luxurious and splendorous, the museum still captivates visitors with the luxury and splendor of an earlier era. Tours can be purchased onboard some cruise ships.
The storied mansions aren't the only thing to explore on this trip; the Rose Island Lighthouse and Cliff Walk are also worthwhile alternatives. Along this 3-mile promenade, mansions along Bellevue Avenue and the rocky coast flank the promenade.
History lovers will find Boston a treasure trove with storied landmarks, a vast library, an expansive public park, and an ancient heritage. Various cruise lines offer Beantown itineraries, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Cunard Line. Visitors can enjoy walking the city's gaslight districts and cobbled streets while on cruises. Visit the Freedom Trail by walking or taking a trolley. After that, enjoy coffee and homemade cannoli in Little Italy. There are shore excursions outside of Boston offered by many cruise lines as well. The Salem Witch Museum and the witch trials of 1692 can be found in Salem. The Harvard University grounds near Cambridge are covered with ivy and a beautiful site to see.
Portland is one of New England's most popular cruise ports in Casco Bay. Holland America and Oceania both cruise to Portland. Portland is the birthplace of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, known for its beautiful Victorian brick homes, storefronts, and museums. Downtown Portland consists of 19th-century buildings, including the Old Port Exchange. Across from the cruise ship terminal, the Old Port Exchange is located. Discover the childhood home of the poet at Wadsworth-Longfellow House. Two classic New England small towns nearby - Kennebunkport and Yarmouth - are brimming with Victorian mansions and fishing boats.
As the oldest working seaport in America, Gloucester is located on the Cape Ann peninsula just north of Boston. A stroll along the Harbor Walk, followed by a sightseeing tour of Gloucester, is the perfect way to soak up the culture and history of this city. The town's seaside setting has long drawn artists, resulting in a modern-day art community. Handcrafted souvenirs, paintings, and ceramics can be found at Rocky Neck Art Colony. If you have time, you can take a two-hour harbor cruise aboard a 65-foot schooner called The Lannon. Cruise companies that offer New England itineraries offer sailings to Gloucester, including American Cruise Lines.
In addition to its stately lighthouses and gingerbread cottages, Martha's Vineyard has charming towns. Taking a ride on the Flying Horses Carousel at Oak Bluffs, the oldest continuously operated carousel in the country, is a must after exploring historic Edgartown. There is plenty of food on the island to satisfy your hunger, from fresh steamed lobster to honey-covered donuts and ice cream parlors from the olden days. A trip to Vineyard Haven would not be complete without stopping at the legendary Black Dog Tavern.