Grand New England Cruise

Begin your venture in one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1630, this city helped shape this nation. With influential moments like the Boston Tea Party and its impact on the American Revolution, Boston continues to impact America’s past, present, and future. Board your modern vessel amongst the cobblestone streets and 18th-century architecture that makes this city the perfect place to push off for a New England adventure.As we welcome you onboard for your voyage, we’ll share a toast to you, meet the crew, and get excited for the days to come.

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.

Perched on the shores of stunning Casco Bay, Maine's oldest seaport beckons with its impressive history spanning 360 years. Cobblestone streets wind through architectural, from stately Victorian mansions to weathered homes, each bearing witness to the city's exciting maritime heritage. Against a backdrop of granite cliffs and rolling waves, Portland's lighthouses stand sentinel, guiding ships safely to harbor through many stages of waters.

Portland, Maine The largest city in Maine, Portland was founded in 1632 on the Casco Bay Peninsula. It quickly prospered through shipbuilding and the export of inland pines which made excellent masts. A long line of wooden wharves stretched along the seafront, with the merchants' houses on the hillside above. From the earliest days it was a cosmopolitan city. When the railroads came, the Canada Trunk Line had its terminal right on Portland's quayside, bringing the produce of Canada and the Great Plains one hundred miles closer to Europe than any other major U.S. port. Some of the wharves are now occupied by new condominium developments, with the exception of the Customs House Wharf, which remains much as it used to be. Grand Trunk Station was torn down in 1966 and a revitalization program of this historic section was spearheaded by a group of committed residents. The result was the revival of the Old Port Exchange District with its redbrick streets built in the 1860s following a disastrous fire. The area today features a wide variety of restaurants, specialty and antique shops, and makes for a pleasant place for a stroll. Congress Street and its many side streets are an engaging mixture of culture, commerce and history. Art is everywhere, from the Portland Museum of Art to the many statues and monuments throughout the city. Other points of interest include the Portland Observatory, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's childhood home, several colonial mansions and Fort Williams Park, with the adjacent Portland Head Light. Farther afield one can visit the charming yachting and fishing village of Kennebunkport, also noted as the locale of the home and summer White House of former President George Bush. Going Ashore in Portland Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the Portland Ocean Terminal, a very easy walk to the Old Port District located about two blocks away. Taxis are available at the pier. Shopping A wide range of Maine-made clothing, crafts and imported items can be found in shops along the cobblestone streets of the quaint Old Port Exchange. Small boutiques and numerous art galleries feature everything from paintings, crafts and furniture to prints and photographs. Antique lovers will enjoy browsing through area shops. Bargain hunters may want to visit the designer factory outlet shops in Freeport. On Sundays, most shops are open from 12:00 noon to 5:00-6:00 p.m. The local currency is the dollar. Cuisine Portland has the most restaurants per capita, second only to San Francisco. Eating establishments are as diverse as the menus they offer. The fresh catch of the day can be found on most menus, but seafood is only one of many culinary delights. From specialty coffee houses and ethnic restaurants to chowder and lobster houses to elegant dining rooms, Portland makes it easy to please every palate. Other Sights Longfellow's "City by the Sea" Portland is a walkable city, and a good place to start exploring is at the Old Port with its striking buildings comprising a bevy of architectural styles, ranging from Italianate to Mansard, Queen Anne to Greek Revival. The charming streets house an amazing collection of shops, galleries, bookstores and restaurants. Congress Street and the Arts District reflect the changes of 350 years of history, boasting an engaging mixture of culture and commerce. Portland Museum of Art The museum's award-winning building is a blend of 1911 Beaux Arts and 1983 post-modernism. It houses one of New England's finest art collections. Don't miss the museum's indoor Sculpture Garden. Portland Observatory Built in 1807, this is a rare example of a signal tower from which signal flags would be flown to identify incoming vessels. Factory Outlets of Freeport About a 25-minute drive north of Portland (approximately $35 one way for a taxi), this shopping mecca is crammed with serious shoppers who come from as far away as New York. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.

Here, the river meets the sea in a graceful embrace and history creates the spirit of the town. Cobblestone streets bear witness to the craftsmen who shaped mighty ships that once ruled the ocean waves. Stately church spires rise against the backdrop of a skyline imbued with colonial elegance. In Bath, time feels suspended, as if the past is in every weathered brick and beam. It’s clear the legacy of shipbuilding and seafaring prowess endures, enticing you to explore its nautical past.

In Boothbay Harbor, the textured coastline meets the Atlantic and history mingles with the salty air. Quaint streets hold the footprints of fishermen and sailors who once cast their nets and set sail for distant horizons. Established in the early 17th century as a fishing village, Boothbay Harbor grew into a hub of shipbuilding and maritime commerce during the 19th century, crafting vessels that traversed the world's oceans. Weathered docks hold stories of bustling trade that once fueled the town's livelihood, including its role in supplying ships during the Civil War. Against a backdrop of rolling hills and granite cliffs, the harbor stands as a testament to resilience and maritime ingenuity.

In Bar Harbor, where cliffs embrace the sea in an eternal dance, history speaks softly through the rustling pines. Once a modest fishing village, Bar Harbor flourished into a haven for Gilded Age elites, drawn by its untamed beauty. Along the coastline, the Bar Harbor Inn stands as a symbol of opulence amidst the wild landscapes of Acadia National Park. Above, Cadillac Mountain stands tall, which you can get up close and personal with. Amidst nature's symphony of breeze and wave, Bar Harbor invites exploration, each cobblestone and trail a chapter in its captivating story of charm and prestige.

A resort town since the 19th century, Bar Harbor is the artistic, culinary, and social center of Mount Desert Island. It also serves visitors to Acadia National Park with inns, motels, and restaurants. Around the turn of the last century the island was known as the summer haven of the very rich because of its cool breezes. The wealthy built lavish mansions throughout the island, many of which were destroyed in a huge fire that devastated the island in 1947, but many of those that survived have been converted into businesses. Shops are clustered along Main, Mount Desert, and Cottage streets. Take a stroll down West Street, a National Historic District, where you can see some fine old houses.The island and the surrounding Gulf of Maine are home to a great variety of wildlife: whales, seals, eagles, falcons, ospreys, and puffins (though not right offshore here), and forest dwellers such as deer, foxes, coyotes, and beavers.

On the bend of the Penobscot River, Bangor sprawls as the third-largest city in Maine. Reigning supreme as the lumber capital of the world through most of the 19th century, this port town is known as the “Queen City”. This city is also the hometown of celebrated horror author Stephen King. King used the streets of this very city to spin his narratives of twisted tales. You too can see where King’s monsters hide with a visit to the perfectly creepy Victorian home with a spider webbed wrought iron gate outside the author’s former home. For an equally exciting, less macabre excursion, chart a boat on the calm waters of the Penobscot River, and try your hand at catching a smallmouth bass beneath the vast expanse of Maine's blue sky.

Along Maine's winding coast lies Rockland, a town surrounded by granite cliffs and Atlantic breezes. Nearby, Camden stands proudly, framed by the silhouette of Mount Battie, a guardian over its bustling harbor. Here, the ocean and sky engage in a perpetual ballet, their colors merging into a canvas of indigo and apricot as twilight descends. Amidst the art galleries and charming shops, the spirit of Andrew Wyeth's paintings endures, capturing the essence of this timeless coastal haven.

Portsmouth exudes a colonial charm, its streets abundant with tales of centuries past. The town's Federal-style architecture harks back to its bustling days as a pivotal port and shipbuilding center. At Market Square, history comes alive amidst the North Church and the Portsmouth Athenaeum, anchoring the heart of the community. Prescott Park offers a serene refuge, its colorful beauty a stark contrast to the urban hustle nearby. The iconic silhouette of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard stands as a beacon of strength and resilience, a reminder of the town's enduring connection to the sea and its role in shaping the course of American history.

Just a short distance from Boston, Gloucester holds the distinction of being America’s first seaport. Established long before the modern hustle and bustle, this city remains a beacon for the oldest active art colony in North America. For over four centuries, this historic town has captivated a diverse array of artists, fishermen, and tourists with its delightful waterfront and enduring maritime legacy.Extending across more than 60 miles of New England coastline, Gloucester presents a series of spectacular coastal landscapes that shift from pebbled beaches to textured cliffs. The area is also famous for its fresh seafood, with local dishes rooted in the deep flavors of the Atlantic.

Originally founded as an artists' haven, Provincetown is a premier summer destination on Cape Cod, celebrated for its kaleidoscope of, vivid architecture, unique shops, and stretching shorelines. The town's history is highlighted by landmarks such as the Pilgrim Monument, which marks the Mayflower Pilgrims' first landing in 1620. Provincetown's streets are lined with diverse art galleries and performance spaces that only bolster its creative origins. The culinary scene delights with fresh, local seafood and a variety of international flavors, enhancing the town's appeal as a vibrant seaside retreat. With its picturesque settings and welcoming community, Provincetown remains a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary flair, offering a unique coastal experience that lingers long after summer fades.

Located in Narragansett Bay, Newport is recognized globally as the yachting capital, where New England elegance meets rich historical intrigue. The city invites visitors to stroll along its beautiful beaches, through neighborhoods teeming with history, along lively wharves, and by the unobstructed waterfront. Newport's prestigious past is showcased on the "Avenue of the Mansions," featuring opulent estates that symbolize the wealth and social prestige of their era.The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, representing the height of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence. Nearby, Marble House, another Vanderbilt home, this time for William K. Vanderbilt, stands as a testament to Beaux-Arts architecture, adorned with 500,000 cubic feet of marble. These homes were not just residences but extravagant venues for some of the most lavish social gatherings of the Gilded Age, reflecting an era when Newport was the playground of America’s wealthiest families.Visit the cannons still standing at Fort Adams, named for President John Adams has been a part of American history from the War of 1812 through World War II. Built to protect Newport Harbor this fortification is now a state park known for its panoramic views and a venue for major events.

Established in 1639 by a small band of religious dissenters led by William Coddington and Nicholas Easton, the city by the sea became a haven for those who believed in religious freedom. Newport’s deepwater harbor at the mouth of Narragansett Bay ensured its success as a leading Colonial port, and a building boom produced hundreds of houses and many landmarks that still survive today. These include the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House and the White Horse Tavern, both built during the 17th century, plus Trinity Church, Touro Synagogue, the Colony House, and the Redwood Library, all built in the 18th century.British troops occupied Newport from 1776–1779, causing half the city’s population to flee and ending a golden age of prosperity. The economic downturn that followed may not have been so great for its citizens but it certainly was for preserving Newport’s architectural heritage, as few had the capital to raze buildings and replace them with bigger and better ones. By the mid-19th century the city had gained a reputation as the summer playground for the very wealthy, who built enormous mansions overlooking the Atlantic. These so-called "summer cottages," occupied for only six to eight weeks a year by the Vanderbilts, Berwinds, Astors, and Belmonts, helped establish the best young American architects. The presence of these wealthy families also brought the New York Yacht Club, which made Newport the venue for the America’s Cup races beginning in 1930 until the 1983 loss to the Australians.The Gilded Age mansions of Bellevue Avenue are what many people associate most with Newport. These late-19th-century homes are almost obscenely grand, laden with ornate rococo detail and designed with a determined one-upmanship.Pedestrian-friendly Newport has so much else to offer in a relatively small geographical area— beaches, seafood restaurants, galleries, shopping, and cultural life. Summer can be crowded, but fall and spring are increasingly popular times of the year to visit.

Located off the Massachusetts coast, this island is celebrated for its historical significance and distinctive landscapes. This island features stretches of clean sandy beaches contrasted by the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah, offering stunning ocean views. In Oak Bluffs, the whimsically styled gingerbread cottages display intricate trim and bright palettes, standing as relics of the Camp Meeting revivalist movement of the 19th century. Edgartown, with its stately Greek Revival homes once owned by whaling captains, reflects the island's prosperous whaling era, while its historic lighthouses, like Edgartown Harbor Light, have safely guided sea vessels since the early 1800s.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Martha's Vineyard served as a hub for merchant ships, their holds brimming with exotic wares from distant lands. Today, this island remains a premier New England vacation destination, comprised of six distinctive towns. Historic Edgartown, the epitome of genteel charm, showcases rows of pristine white clapboard colonial homes. These structures, adorned with black shutters and surrounded by lush, meticulously sculpted gardens, exude an air of old-world affluence and quiet elegance.Upon nearing the shores of Nantucket, the captain carefully anchors in the still, clear waters of the sound, presenting a spectacular seascape that blends seamlessly with the sky at sunset. Stepping onto the island, the cool sea breeze mingles with the scent of salt and old timber as you traverse the time-worn cobblestone streets. Nantucket is a visual feast of historic architecture, from the grand church steeples that rise above the rooftops to the quaint, weathered buildings that line the streets. The island, once a simple farming community, burgeoned into the epicenter of the American whaling industry, its streets and buildings evidence of seafaring history and commerce. Today, it thrives as a sophisticated resort community for you to explore.

Plymouth, a coastal town famous for its contributions to American history, marks the site of the first Pilgrim settlement founded in 1620. At the center of Plymouth's historical narrative is the iconic Plymouth Rock in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, believed to be the landing spot of the settlers. Adjacent to this historic symbol, the Mayflower II, a meticulously crafted full-scale replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic, is usually moored, offering visitors a direct link to the early settlers' maritime journey. This ship functions as a floating museum, providing a hands-on educational experience. Beyond these landmarks visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where you can be a part of the living history of the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag people.

Here we are—where it all began—in Boston. If there’s something you missed our first time around; perhaps a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or a stop at the bar featured in the beloved sitcom Cheers, go ahead and extend your stay. Whether you choose to stay or head home, we’ll make sure you have a smooth disembarkation to get you where you’re headed.

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.