New England CruisE Destinations
Learn more about the travel highlights of the four major New England cruise stops frequented by large and small cruising ships:
Newport, Rhode Island: Grand Mansions and Tennis Greats
The sailing capital of the USA, Newport has a long history as a summer playground. This town is perhaps best known for its historic and opulent grand mansions built by wealthy industrialists who summered there in America’s Gilded Age (1865-1914). Self-guided audio tours are offered in English, French, German and Spanish at three of the mansions: the Breakers, the Marble House, and the Elms. Visitors will also want to travel the Cliff Walk – a public access walk along the ocean past the mansions. In town, explore the International Tennis Hall of Fame, take a historic walking tour, or just admire the amazing collection of boats in the harbor. And for a special experience, visit the nearby award-winning Newport Vineyards. The Coyote Shuttle departs from the Newport Visitors’ Center to the Newport Vineyards on the hour.
Learn more about Newport, Rhode Island.
Boston: History, Culture, Shopping, and Fabulous Food
Boston is a very history-charged city. This is a great walking city so be sure to wear your comfortable shoes. The Freedom Trail is a marked path which takes you past 16 of America’s most significant historic sites (self-guided or organized tours available). On sunny days, visitors can enjoy a Swan Boat Tour at the Boston Public Garden (American’s oldest public garden) or take the elevator to the top floor of the Prudential Center for a spectacular aerial view of the city. If you enjoy museums, you have a many to choose from including the Boston Aquarium, the Boston Science Museum, the Museum of Fine Art, and the Boston Children’s Museum. Or head over to Cambridge to tour the Harvard Museum of Natural History and go on a humorous and informative tour of Harvard University on the “Hahvahd Tour”. For visitors picking up or departing from a cruise in Boston, you will want to take 3-4 days to explore this great city.
Learn more about Boston, Massachusetts: boston.com and Massvacation.com.
Portland, Maine: Lighthouses, World-Class Art, and A Foodie’s Delight
In the working seaport of Portland, Maine, visitors can take an entertaining trolley tour by beautiful historic homes and parks overlooking the harbor. On the way from downtown to the coast, tour past the childhood home of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the pre-war Victoria Mansion, then step out to see the famous Portland Head Lighthouse. Art lovers will want a special trip to the Portland Museum of Art with three historic and remarkable buildings showcasing three centuries of art and architecture. In the historic Old Port area, poke around unique shops and special eateries.
Learn more about Portland, Maine.
Bar Harbor: Acadia National Park & Mt. Desert Island
Up on the northern coast of Maine, Bar Harbor is a favorite cruise stop. This highly scenic seaside destination is on the east side of Mt. Desert Island and surrounded by Acadia National Park – one of America’s most popular public parks. The Island Explorer is a free shuttle bus service for the harbor and park; upon request it will stop at the Mt. Desert Oceanarium with its lobster museum and hatchery. Or you can opt for Oli’s Trolley — a 2½ hour fully narrated tour of Bar Harbor past the mansions of a bygone era and through Acadia. Some cruise ships also offer organized trips into the park.
In Maine do not miss one thing – lobster! At Bar Harbor Lobster Bakes, visitors can eat the freshest Lobster, fished early in the morning. The restaurant features a traditional lobster bake that includes North Atlantic mussels, corn on the cob, and homemade blueberry cake. Travelers who want the experiences of fishing for lobster can take a lobster boat ride tour with Lulu Lobster Boat Rides, starting at The Harborside Hotel & Marina. And beer lovers can wash it all down during a tour of the Atlantic Brewing Company with special brews like the Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale.
Learn more about Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in Maine.
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