Cape Codder Cruise

Pre-Cruise: Boston Four Seasons Package

American Cruise Lines’ Pre-Cruise Package delivers a complete experience of Boston. Located in the dynamic core of downtown, this hotel gives you easy access to the city, allowing you to arrive at your convenience the day before your cruise.

The package features a hearty morning meal on the day of your departure, followed by an engaging exploration of Boston. American Cruise Lines manages every detail, including the transportation of your luggage directly to your room on the ship. Your Boston adventure concludes seamlessly at the ship, just in time for a calm afternoon departure from Boston Harbor on our Cape Codder cruise.

Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

Day 1: Boston, MA

Famous for its smooth lagers, Fenway Park, and The Boston Marathon, Boston provides an exciting kickoff for your Cape Codder cruise. The city seamlessly blends historical depth with contemporary progress. Home to the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route that leads you through 16 significant sites, Boston offers a firsthand look at the American Revolution. The city also holds the oldest public park in the U.S., Boston Common, established in 1634. Additionally, Boston’s role in the American literary scene is monumental, having been the home to authors such as Emerson and Thoreau who led the transcendentalist movement.

Day 2: Provincetown, MA

Initially founded as a sanctuary for creative minds, Provincetown has blossomed into a bustling summer hotspot on Cape Cod. Famed for its eclectic shops, vividly painted buildings, and tranquil beaches, Provincetown invites visitors to dive into the spirited culture of historic Cape Cod. The town’s lively street performances and bustling art galleries capture the essence of its artistic roots, offering endless entertainment and cultural enrichment.

Day 3: Plymouth, MA

Plymouth, a coastal town, marks the spot of the earliest Pilgrim settlement established in 1620. The famed Plymouth Rock, positioned within Pilgrim Memorial State Park, symbolizes the believed landing point of these early settlers. Nearby, the Mayflower II, a meticulous full-scale reproduction of the vessel that transported the Pilgrims across the Atlantic, is typically moored at the park, offering a tangible link to this pivotal moment in history. The surrounding landscape shows the stretching shorelines and expansive views of the Atlantic, encapsulating the natural beauty that first greeted the Pilgrims. Bright green forests and scenic trails around the town offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and enjoying the serene outdoor environment.

Day 4: Mass Maritime Academy, MA

Established in 1891 in Boston, MA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) is the oldest and largest maritime academy still operational in the United States. Explore this unique “special mission” campus, which includes advanced simulators and labs, as you interact with MMA cadets and staff. Experience the cutting-edge 360-degree Full Bridge Simulator, the Emergency Operations Training Center, and the Marine Engineering Labs, among other innovative technologies. As you tour, gain insights into the Academy’s longstanding history and the local area from knowledgeable insiders. Positioned on the scenic shores of Cape Cod, the Academy provides sweeping views of the Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay.

Day 5: Newport, RI

Nestled within Narragansett Bay lies Newport, renowned as the global hub of yachting. Meander along its captivating coastlines, exploring its charming historic districts, bustling docks, and breathtaking waterfront. Newport unveils a vibrant array of experiences for all. Engage with its maritime legacy at the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Uncover Newport’s storied past, catching glimpses of majestic coastal residences lining the celebrated “Avenue of the Mansions.” Scale marble staircases, view grand ballrooms, and see what life was like when this string of homes were the summer destinations for America’s wealthiest families.

Day 6: Martha's Vineyard, MA

Martha’s Vineyard, once a bustling center for whaling and trade, attracted ships laden with goods from across the globe. Today, this island has transformed into a beloved holiday locale in New England, featuring six unique towns, including the serene Chilmark and the bustling Vineyard Haven. Edgartown, with its elegant aura, stands out as the most sophisticated town on the island, showcasing meticulously preserved colonial architecture and beautifully arranged gardens. Across the island, the natural landscape includes undulating hills and dense oak forests that border the peaceful sandy beaches. If you’re lucky, you might spot ospreys circling overhead as waves crash along the island.

Day 7: New Bedford, MA

In the mid-19th century, New Bedford reigned supreme as the epicenter of global whaling, capturing the imagination of Herman Melville and inspiring his legendary novel, Moby Dick, which hit the shelves in 1841.

Today, New Bedford proudly holds onto its title as “The Whaling City,” complete with a scenic waterfront lined with historic cobblestone streets, contrasting with the modern vessels bobbing in its busy harbor. Public art and colorful murals dot the landscape, adding vibrancy to the old whaling capital, while green spaces create peaceful retreats amidst the urban environment.

Day 8: Boston, MA

As we welcome you back to Boston, we say goodbye to this Massachusetts voyage. This may be the end of your ultimate Cape Cod adventure, but you can still explore the historic streets of Boston. Our crew is more than happy to point you in the right direction of landmarks, attractions, or your travel accommodations.