Category: Boston

SCENIC BOSTON and HARBOUR CRUISE

Whether you choose to explore on land or on the water – or both as on this appealing outing – the city of Boston is one of many charms. After a coach transfer to reach Boston’s Long Wharf, you’ll board a boat for a 60 minute harbour cruise.

As you sail past the historical waterfront, your guide will share information on key landmarks, the harbour islands and the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned US naval warship. Once back on dry land, you’ll re-join the coach to enjoy drive-by views of Boston’s cityscape, passing Copley Square, the Back Bay residential area, Beacon Hill, the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House and the Old South Meeting House as the place where the Boston Tea Party began. Last up before you return to the ship, you’ll catch views of Old North Church, on whose steeple two lanterns were once hung as a sign that the British were coming – one lantern lit meant they were approaching by land, two by sea.

Please note: the order in which sites are visited may vary. Snacks and drinks are available on the Boston Harbour Cruise for purchase

HISTORIC BOSTON and CAMBRIDGE

Get set to discover Boston’s historical landmarks and Cambridge on an enjoyable outing that balances time spent on a coach with a chance to explore on foot. First up, you can enjoy drive-by views of such city highlights as Copley Square, Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, the Back-Bay neighbourhood, Beacon Hill and the Massachusetts State House.

You’ll then continue on foot through the North End, passing by the Old North Church to learn about the start of the American Revolution. Next up, you’ll reboard the coach for the transfer across the Charles River to Cambridge, home to the world-famous Harvard University – the oldest seat of tertiary education in the United States of America. You will have time in Cambridge to explore on your own, from Harvard Square, with its bustling cafés and time-honoured bookstores, to Harvard Yard. The return journey to your ship then brings the outing to a close.

Please note: the order in which sites are visited may vary. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on some of the stops

FREEDOM TRAIL WALKING TOUR

Since the city of Boston occupies a key spot in the story of American independence, this trip back in time will see you take a guided walk along the Freedom Trail. Among the landmarks you’ll pass on the route are the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, the Granary Burying Ground, the site of America’s first public school and the Old Corner Bookstore, a place that drew such great authors as Emerson, Longfellow and Hawthorne. Once you reach the circle of stones in the forecourt of the Old State House, your guide will relate the story of the Boston Massacre, the first bloodshed of the Revolution. Following on, you’ll also pass by the Old North Church for an outside visit, whose steeple is famed for having supported two lanterns that were lit to warn that the British were coming. One lantern lit meant the British were approaching by land, two meant they were coming by sea.

Please note: This is a walking tour which covers approximately 2 miles of walking up slight hills and cobblestone streets. It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes. There are some stops along the tour that have snacks and drinks available for purchase. Guests will have the option at the end of the tour to have free time at Quincy Market before taking a shuttle back to the ship.

BOSTON SCENIC DRIVE

This 2-hour coach-based roundup of Boston’s main sights delivers a relaxing way to see the best of the historical city. Among the scenic spots you’ll pass along the route is Copley Square, which is flanked by the impressive Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library buildings. Next up, you’ll make your way through the upmarket Back Bay residential neighbourhood, then move on to the Beacon Hill quarter, one of the city’s wealthiest districts that overlooks the green of Boston Common.

After then passing the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House, the last landmark on the itinerary will be the Old South Meeting House, the place where the Boston Tea Party began. Catch a glimpse of the Old North Church steeple where Paul Revere – legendary revolutionary of the late 18th century – ordered two lanterns to be hung to signal the approach of the British. One lit lantern meant they were coming in by land, two meant they were heading in by sea. Enjoy more city views on the return ride to your ship.
Please note: The order of the visits may vary

BEST OF BOSTON: LEXINGTON AND CONCORD

Spend a history-centric day off the ship exploring the best of Boston, visiting the grounds of Harvard University and paying your respects to the historic battlefields at nearby Lexington and Concord.

The coach ride will first take you across the Charles River to Cambridge and the oldest of Harvard University’s colleges, Harvard Yard, where you’ll have free time on your own. Back on the coach again, you’ll move on to the town of Lexington to visit its historic Battle Green as the place where the first shots were fired in the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. Moving on again, you’ll next reach the town of Concord and the Old North Bridge, famed as the site of the first full battle of the American Revolution.

Returning to Boston, you’ll have some free time for lunch on your own (at extra cost) at the early 19th-century Quincy Market, where a wide array of restaurants and food stalls await you. Last up, enjoy drive-by vistas of key Boston landmarks such as Copley Square, Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the Massachusetts State House.
Please note: the order in which sites are visited may vary to suit city traffic

SALEM and WITCH MUSEUM

Although there are about 40 places called Salem in the United States alone and several more in other countries around the globe, the name generally conjures up the city in Massachusetts made famous by its 17th-century witch trials. It is this Salem you’ll be visiting on this half-day outing, which begins with a coach transfer. First up, you’ll pay the Salem Witch Museum a visit. While there, immerse yourself in the dramatic representations of the infamous trials that began in 1692 and led to the death of at least 25 people under horrific circumstances. Lastly, Next, you’ll have some free time to stroll around the picturesque waterfront area with its historic buildings and do some shopping before you return to the coach for the transfer back to your ship.

Please note: guests will be required to walk and stand for about 30 minutes at the Salem Witch Museum. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase during your free time in Salem. It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes

BOSTON HIGHLIGHTS and DUCK TOUR

The Boston Duck is not a species of aquatic bird, but rather a replica of an amphibious vehicle first used in WWII – and will be your mode of transport on this whistle-stop tour of historic Boston. Once you’ve climbed aboard, you’ll begin your tour on land, passing through the heart of the city and along a part of the Freedom Trail. Look out for passing views of the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, the King’s Chapel, the Granary Burying Ground, Park Street Church, Boston Common, North End, Newbury Street, Quincy Market and the Prudential Tower, to name but a few. You’ll then find yourself making a splash as you enter the water and continue on the Charles River, catching views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines, Longfellow Bridge, Fenway Park and the Esplanade. Returning to dry land, enjoy the views as you journey back to the pier.

Please note: the order in which the tour is run may vary. The actual arrival time at the pier will be between 1.75 and 2 hours after the tour begins. Guests must be able to climb 8-10 steep steps to get on/off the Boston Duck. Return shuttle ticket is included in the cost of the tour

REVOLUTIONARY EXPERIENCE (LEXINGTON & CONCORD)

When visiting the city of Boston and surrounds, you cannot help but tread in the footsteps of those who fought in the battles of the American Revolution. This tour showcases this era with a visit to two erstwhile battlegrounds in nearby Lexington and Concord.

A short coach transfer will first take you to Lexington to visit Lexington Green, the spot to which the revolutionary Paul Revere rode through the night to warn the resident minute men of the approach of the British. Moving on, you’ll next head for Concord and the Old North Bridge, where you can catch views of the place where the first battle of the Revolution played out. At the foot of the wooden bridge, now a replica, you’ll find the Minuteman statue. During the drive, your guide will also point out the former homes of such notable American authors as Nathanial Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The return trip will take you through Cambridge, where you’ll get to enjoy free time to walk the grounds of one of America’s most prestigious seats of higher learning: Harvard University.

Please note: the order in which sites are visited may vary to suit city traffic. It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable shoes

BEST OF BOSTON: LEXINGTON AND CONCORD

History looms large on this all-day outing, which delivers the best of Boston, a look at Harvard University and visits to two historic battlegrounds at Lexington and Concord. After crossing the Charles River, you’ll reach the adjacent city of Cambridge and the oldest of Harvard University’s colleges, Harvard Yard, where you’ll have free time on your own to go for a short walk. Returning to your coach, you’ll continue on to Lexington to visit its historic Battle Green, the spot where the first shots were fired in the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. Next up, you’ll visit Concord and the Old North Bridge, notable as the site of the first full battle of the American Revolution.

Following lunch at the Union Oyster House, America’s oldest restaurant, enjoy views of key Boston landmarks such as Copley Square, Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, Newbury Street, the Public Garden, Boston Common, Beacon Hill and the Massachusetts State House. Lastly, discover the North End for a walking tour that includes an outside visit of the Old North Church, whose steeple once featured two lanterns that heralded the approach of the British.
Please note: the order in which sites are visited may vary to suit city traffic

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOUR

Your Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston begins at the cruise ship terminal and proceeds past the site of the famous Boston Tea Party, often described as the spark that ignited the American Revolution.

Turn back the pages of history and relive the bustling seaport days of colonial Boston! The tour takes in major points of interest such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Old State House, Boston Common, Public Garden (home to the famous Swan Boats), Trinity Church, Beacon Hill, the CHEERS Bar, Fenway Park, Cambridge and M.I.T. Join expert tour conductors as they bring Boston’s history to life and historical information. At the end of the tour, you may choose to return to the ship or to remain in the heart of the city at Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall to continue to explore this historic city. For those guests ending at Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall, Old Town Trolley will provide complimentary transportation back to the ship.

Please note: All trolleys can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair. With advance notice, vehicles with wheelchair lifts can be made available. The trolleys for returning guests depart from Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall every 30 minutes