New England Explorer Cruise

Pre-Cruise: Boston Four Seasons Pre-Cruise Package

Start your cruise early with a Pre-Cruise package in Boston. Arrive early to explore all this cobble-stoned city and travel with ease.

Wake up to breakfast on the morning of your departure. Step into the bustling streets of Boston for a curated City Exploration, an immersive journey that unveils the city’s storied past, cultural treasures, and hidden marvels. From the cobblestone lanes of historic neighborhoods to the gleaming facades of iconic landmarks, every step offers a glimpse into the impact Boston has on American history. Relax as American Cruise Lines takes care of every detail, seamlessly transporting your luggage to your awaiting stateroom aboard the ship.

Day 1: Boston, MA

Along the shores of Massachusetts Bay, Boston captivates visitors with its blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Wander the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, lined with elegant Federal-style townhouses and gaslit lanterns, evoking a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Freedom Trail, tracing the footsteps of revolutionaries at iconic sites like the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. Indulge in a culinary adventure at the bustling Quincy Market, where you can savor local specialties like clam chowder and lobster rolls amid lively street performers and bustling crowds.

Day 2: Portland, ME

Perched beside the serene waters of Casco Bay, Maine’s oldest seaport boasts a captivating 360-year history awaiting exploration. Experience the unique fusion of big-city energy and small-town allure, where bustling fishing vessels mingle with Victorian-era architecture adorning cobblestone streets. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that defines this charming coastal gem. With excursions ranging from a beer-tasting walking tour to a lighthouse-spotting boat tour to making the city your own, there’s so much to do in this stunning port.

Day 3: Rockland, ME

Brimming with energy and classic schooners, this enchanting village proudly stands as the “Tall Ship Capital of Maine”. Bask in the glorious summer sunshine and invigorating sea breezes. Witness the graceful ships as they glide into the harbor, or peek into the charming, quaint shops and vibrant art galleries.

Day 4: Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a symphony of natural wonders, where ocean cliffs meet glacier-carved lakes and valleys, mountains rise boldly, and thick pine forests guard the shores. This breathtaking panorama has inspired legends like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, capturing the essence of its beauty in their timeless masterpieces.

Anchored in tradition, Bar Harbor thrives on lobstering—a centuries-old industry that continues to flourish alongside boat building, the cornerstone of its robust economy. Yet, beyond the wild, untamed outdoors, Bar Harbor reveals a cultured soul with its cozy museums, cultural gems, and landmarks steeped in history, offering a mosaic of experiences.

Day 5: Boothbay Harbor, ME

This charming, historic gem sparkles with a vibrant array of shops, chic boutiques, and idyllic harbors teeming with lobster boats, pleasure crafts, and windjammers. Boothbay reigns as the largest boating harbor north of Boston, proudly wearing the title of “Boating Capital of New England.” It’s a picturesque haven where the seafaring heart and the spirit of adventure come alive.

Day 6: Bath, ME

Bath, affectionately hailed as the “City of Ships,” is a testament to its storied past where shipbuilding isn’t just an industry, but the heartbeat of the community. Each corner of the city, from its storied buildings to the lively corridors of its urban core, Bath’s soul is etched with the marks of its maritime history. As you meander through the city’s streets, you’re greeted by avenues that feel like a walk through time—lined with architectural masterpieces showcasing the evolution of American design, from elegant Victorian homes to sturdy, industrial-era edifices.

Then there’s the Maine Maritime Museum, a beacon for nautical aficionados. Far from your typical museum, it’s a sprawling campus that invites you to step directly into Maine’s maritime saga through immersive exhibits, from life-size ship replicas to interactive displays that recount the perilous adventures at sea and the meticulous art of ship crafting. This institution doesn’t just tell a story; it plunges you into the depths of Maine’s connection with the ocean, offering a glimpse into the lives shaped by the sea.

Day 7: Gloucester, MA

Just a stone’s throw from Boston, Gloucester boasts America’s first seaport and the most venerable art colony on the continent. For more than four centuries, its scenic harbors have attracted fishermen, artists, and wanderers alike, creating a dynamic community brimming with creativity. Gloucester’s natural beauty stretches over 60 miles of pristine coastline, offering an endless mosaic of breathtaking views. As you explore, don’t miss the Cape Ann Museum, where you can immerse yourself in local art and maritime history, or Hammond Castle, which showcases medieval-inspired architecture and fascinating exhibits. The sea offers up its bounty, with fresh seafood a staple of the local fare, inviting you to relish the flavors that reflect the town’s rich past.

Day 8: Day of Cruising

As you make your way from the historic shores of Gloucester towards the elegant vistas of Newport, allow the sweeping New England panoramas to unfold around you. Embrace a day drenched in serenity, whether you’re relaxing on your personal balcony with the horizon stretched wide or soaking up the sun on the deck, the waves become your soundtrack to relaxation. Join presentations from our onboard specialists, who bring the history of this water to life. This journey is not just a passage through water, but an opportunity to continue exploring New England.

Day 9: Newport, RI

Tucked away in Narragansett Bay lies Newport, a crown jewel known globally as the “yachting capital”. Here, as you meander along its stunning beaches, amidst the lively hum of its wharves, and beside the tranquil beauty of its waterfront, you’ll discover that Newport is a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored. Stroll down the “Avenue of the Mansions,” where the grandeur of opulent seaside estates offers a window into the utmost luxury of the Gilded Age.

Day 10: Martha's Vineyard, MA

As you wander the serene paths of Martha’s Vineyard, you might stumble upon the enchanting sight of wild roses and hydrangeas framing the iconic Gay Head Lighthouse. In the quaint village of Edgartown, you can indulge in the culinary delight of a freshly caught lobster roll, its meat spilling out of a buttery, toasted bun, a true taste of the island’s bountiful waters.

Venturing further, the vibrant Farmers Market in West Tisbury offers a feast for the senses with its array of heirloom tomatoes, crisp apples, and homemade pies bursting with local berries. As the day wanes, find yourself sipping on a chilled glass of blackberry sangria at a cozy vineyard, the perfect end to a day spent exploring this New England paradise.

Day 11: Boston, MA

Welcome back to the storied streets of Boston, a city where history breathes life into its modern hustle. Renowned for its signature hearty clam chowder, the legendary Fenway Park, the inspiring Boston Marathon, and the iconic bar that inspired Cheers, Boston is a hub of cultural richness and spirited tradition. Whether you’re plotting the next leg of your journey or opting to delve deeper into the heart of this vibrant city, we’re here to guide you through its winding streets, historic landmarks, and hidden gems.