Grand New England Cruise

Pre-Cruise: Boston Four Seasons Signature Package

Start your journey with our Boston Pre-Cruise Package, designed to give you an effortless introduction to this historic city. Your centrally located hotel offers easy access to all the attractions Boston has to offer before you embark on your cruise.

Kick off your adventure with the Boston City Exploration. On this guided walking tour, discover the fascinating history behind the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Boston Common and Quincy Market. Let American Cruise Lines take care of all the details, from luggage transfers to ensuring a seamless transition onto the ship.

As the day comes to a close, leave the city behind and step aboard your vessel. Set sail from Boston Harbor in the afternoon, surrounded by the peaceful waters and the excitement of new adventures ahead.

Day 1: Boston, MA

Start your journey in one of America’s most historic cities, founded in 1630, where pivotal moments like the Boston Tea Party played a key role in shaping the nation’s future. Boston’s rich legacy continues to echo through its streets, influencing the past, present, and future of America.

Board your modern vessel amidst the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture that define this vibrant city, making it the ideal starting point for your New England adventure.

As we welcome you aboard, raise a glass with us, meet the crew, and get ready for an unforgettable journey ahead.

Day 2: Portland, ME

Nestled along the picturesque shores of Casco Bay, Maine’s oldest seaport invites you to explore its 360-year history. Cobblestone streets meander past architectural treasures, from grand Victorian mansions to weathered homes, each telling the story of Portland’s vibrant maritime past. Surrounded by rugged granite cliffs and the sound of rolling waves, the city’s lighthouses stand as steadfast guardians, guiding ships safely into harbor through centuries of change.

Day 3: Bath, ME

Where the river meets the sea, Bath’s rich history and maritime spirit come alive. Cobblestone streets echo with the footsteps of craftsmen who built the mighty ships that once sailed the oceans. Stately church spires reach toward a skyline steeped in colonial charm, while every weathered brick and beam seems to tell the tale of a bygone era. In Bath, time feels suspended, and the legacy of shipbuilding and seafaring mastery endures, inviting you to discover the town’s nautical past.

Day 4: Boothbay Harbor, ME

In Boothbay Harbor, the rugged coastline meets the Atlantic, and history blends with the sea breeze. Quaint streets echo the footsteps of fishermen and sailors who once cast their nets and sailed toward distant horizons. Established in the early 17th century as a fishing village, Boothbay Harbor grew into a thriving hub of shipbuilding and maritime commerce by the 19th century, crafting vessels that sailed across the globe. Weathered docks tell tales of bustling trade that sustained the town, including its vital role in supplying ships during the Civil War. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and granite cliffs, the harbor stands as a testament to resilience and maritime ingenuity.

Day 5: Bar Harbor, ME

In Bar Harbor, where cliffs meet the sea in an endless embrace, history whispers through the rustling pines. Once a humble fishing village, it blossomed into a retreat for Gilded Age elites, captivated by its untamed beauty. The Bar Harbor Inn stands proudly along the coastline, a symbol of opulence amidst the wild splendor of Acadia National Park. Above, Cadillac Mountain rises majestically, offering breathtaking views up close. Surrounded by nature’s symphony of breeze and waves, Bar Harbor beckons for exploration, where each cobblestone and trail tells a chapter in its rich story of charm and prestige.

Day 6: Bangor, ME

Nestled along the bend of the Penobscot River, Bangor is Maine’s third-largest city, once crowned the lumber capital of the world throughout much of the 19th century, earning its title as the “Queen City.”

This city is also home to the renowned horror novelist Stephen King, whose tales of terror are inspired by the very streets of Bangor. Step into the eerie world of his stories with a visit to his former residence, a Victorian home with a spider-webbed wrought-iron gate, where you can feel the unsettling atmosphere that inspired King’s spine-chilling creations.

For a less eerie but equally thrilling adventure, set out on a boat ride across the calm Penobscot River and try your hand at fishing for smallmouth bass beneath the expansive Maine sky.

Day 7: Rockland / Camden, ME

Nestled along Maine’s rugged coastline, Rockland is a charming town embraced by granite cliffs and the cool Atlantic breeze. Just a short distance away, Camden stands tall, framed by the majestic silhouette of Mount Battie, watching over its lively harbor. As the sun sets, the ocean and sky come alive in a mesmerizing dance, blending hues of indigo and apricot. Amidst the town’s art galleries and quaint shops, the spirit of Andrew Wyeth’s masterpieces lingers, preserving the essence of this timeless coastal retreat.

Day 8: Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth radiates colonial charm, with streets rich in stories from centuries gone by. The town’s Federal-style architecture reflects its history as a bustling port and shipbuilding hub. In Market Square, the past comes alive as the North Church and Portsmouth Athenaeum anchor the heart of the community. Nearby, Prescott Park offers a peaceful retreat, its vibrant gardens offering a calm contrast to the surrounding urban life. The iconic silhouette of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard stands tall, a symbol of strength and resilience, honoring the town’s deep maritime roots and its significant place in American history.

Day 9: Gloucester, MA

Just a short distance from Boston, Gloucester holds the distinction of being America’s first seaport. Steeped in history, this coastal gem has long been a haven for artists, fishermen, and tourists, all drawn to its picturesque waterfront and rich maritime heritage.

Spanning over 60 miles of New England coastline, Gloucester offers an array of breathtaking landscapes, from pebbled beaches to rugged cliffs. The town is also renowned for its fresh seafood, with local dishes reflecting the deep, authentic flavors of the Atlantic. With over four centuries of captivating history, Gloucester continues to enchant visitors with its timeless charm.

Day 10: Provincetown, MA

Originally founded as a haven for artists, Provincetown is a vibrant summer destination on Cape Cod, known for its colorful architecture, eclectic shops, and expansive shorelines. The town’s rich history is showcased through landmarks like the Pilgrim Monument, commemorating the Mayflower Pilgrims’ first landing in 1620. Provincetown’s streets are lined with galleries and performance venues, honoring its creative roots. Its culinary scene is a true treat, with fresh local seafood and diverse international flavors that reflect the town’s dynamic spirit. With its picturesque beauty and warm community, Provincetown effortlessly blends historical charm with modern flair, offering a coastal experience that stays with you long after summer ends.

Day 11: Newport, RI

Nestled in Narragansett Bay, Newport is renowned worldwide as the yachting capital, where New England elegance meets captivating historical charm. The city beckons visitors to explore its picturesque beaches, historic neighborhoods, vibrant wharves, and unobstructed waterfront vistas. Newport’s prestigious past comes alive on the “Avenue of the Mansions,” lined with grand estates that once symbolized the wealth and social prominence of their owners.

Among them is The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, inspired by the palaces of Genoa and Turin. It stands as a masterpiece of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial heights. Nearby, Marble House, built for William K. Vanderbilt, showcases Beaux-Arts architecture with its stunning 500,000 cubic feet of marble, once hosting the most lavish gatherings of the Gilded Age, when Newport was the playground for America’s elite.

Don’t miss Fort Adams, named after President John Adams, where the cannons still stand as a reminder of its role from the War of 1812 to World War II. Once a key military site protecting Newport Harbor, it is now a state park offering panoramic views and hosting major events.

Day 12: Martha's Vineyard, MA

Located off the Massachusetts coast, this island is renowned for its rich history and distinctive landscapes. It boasts expansive sandy beaches alongside the striking clay cliffs of Aquinnah, offering breathtaking ocean views. In Oak Bluffs, the charming gingerbread cottages, with their intricate trim and vibrant colors, stand as a tribute to the Camp Meeting revivalist movement of the 19th century. Edgartown, with its grand Greek Revival homes once owned by prosperous whaling captains, reflects the island’s golden age of whaling. The island’s historic lighthouses, such as the Edgartown Harbor Light, have been guiding ships safely to shore since the early 1800s.

Day 13: Nantucket Island / Martha's Vineyard, MA

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Martha’s Vineyard was a bustling hub for merchant ships, their holds filled with exotic goods from far-flung destinations. Today, the island continues to be a premier New England getaway, made up of six distinct towns. Historic Edgartown, with its refined charm, boasts rows of pristine white clapboard colonial homes, each adorned with black shutters and surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, radiating an air of quiet elegance and old-world affluence.

As your journey nears Nantucket, the captain anchors in the calm, crystal-clear waters of the sound, offering a stunning seascape that merges with the horizon at sunset. Stepping onto the island, the cool sea breeze carries the scent of salt and weathered timber as you wander down cobblestone streets steeped in history. Nantucket is a visual delight, with its historic architecture, from towering church steeples to weathered buildings that line the streets. Once a simple farming community, it rose to prominence as the heart of the American whaling industry, and today, it thrives as a sophisticated resort destination, inviting you to explore its rich legacy.

Day 14: Plymouth, MA

Plymouth, a coastal town rich in American history, is home to the site of the first Pilgrim settlement, established in 1620. At the heart of Plymouth’s historical story stands the iconic Plymouth Rock in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, widely believed to be the landing spot of the Pilgrims. Just beside this revered landmark, the Mayflower II, a meticulously recreated full-scale replica of the ship that transported the settlers across the Atlantic, is often anchored, offering visitors a tangible connection to the Pilgrims’ journey. The Mayflower II serves as a floating museum, immersing guests in an interactive educational experience. Beyond these historic sites, explore the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where the history of the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag people is brought to life through living history exhibits and hands-on experiences.

Day 15: Boston, MA

Here we are—back where it all began—in Boston. If there’s something you missed the first time around, like catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or visiting the iconic bar from the beloved sitcom Cheers, now’s your chance to explore a little longer. Whether you extend your stay or head home, we’ll ensure a smooth disembarkation so you can get to your next destination with ease.