American Cruise Lines Is an American Cruise Company that sails along America's rivers and coasts. With today being America's Birthday, I think about an itinerary that would include some of the places where America began.
This itinerary is called the Cape Codder. The cruise is aboard the American Constitution.
The Cruise starts and ends in Boston MA:
Day 1: Boston, MA:
Excursion: Beantown Sightseeing: Known for its famous baked beans, Fenway Park, The Boston Marathon, and the Boston Tea Party, this vibrant city is a great way to start your Cape Codder cruise. Boston is a unique blend of colonial history and cutting-edge innovation. Arrive a day early to explore its diverse neighborhoods, walk the Freedom Trail, or enjoy shopping at Quincy Market.
Day 2: Gloucester, MA:
Excursion options:
Option 1: The Hammond Castle: The Hammond Castle, constructed between
1926 and 1929, is a true European castle located on the New England
Shoreline. The home, which sits on a rocky cliff overlooking picturesque
Gloucester Harbor, was the residence and laboratory of inventor John Hays
Hammond, Jr. who was pioneered the study of remote control and held over
four hundred patents. Led by our expert guide, explore this medieval castle,
which incorporated elements from several architectural periods and styles.
View the most famous feature in the home, a gigantic pipe organ, an
instrument designed and built by a collection of world-famous organ builders
over a period of ten years.
Option 2: Maritime Gloucester: Maritime Gloucester is a working waterfront,
maritime museum, sea pocket aquarium, and so much more all rolled into
one exciting destination. Combine your visit with a narrated city exploration
and you will see why Gloucester is such a special port of call.
Option 3: Schooner Lannon Cruise: Join us for a two-hour scenic sail aboard this
beautiful 65-foot schooner and get a taste for what it was like to sail on a
fishing schooner a hundred years ago. Help the crew raise the sails or just sit
back and take in the sights and sounds of Gloucester’s coastline.
Day 3: Plymouth MA. Mass Maritime Academy:
Excursion Options:
Option 1: Massachusetts Maritime Academy: During this privileged excursion,
you will explore the impressive grounds of Mass Maritime and immerse
yourself in its state-of-the-art, 360-degree full bridge simulator, view the
Emergency Response Operations Training Center, and learn about the
Academy's green technologies while standing at the base of its massive 280-
foot wind turbine.
Option 2: Discover Plymouth: This coastal town is the site of the first Pilgrim
settlement, founded in 1620. Your guided discovery includes stops at Pilgrim
Memorial State Park where the Mayflower 2 is anchored, Plimoth Grist Mill,
Brewster Gardens, and includes time to explore the shopping, dining and
attractions of the historic waterfront.
Option 3: Plimoth Plantation: Visit this 17th century English village and living
history museum that replicates the original settlement of the Plymouth Colony
as indigenous people dressed in traditional clothing guide you through
several exhibits that highlight the culinary arts, planting season, crafts,
construction, family and culture of the time.
Day 4: Martha's Vineyard:
Excursion Option:
Option: Views of the Vineyard with Gingerbread Cottages Exploration: Enjoy a narrated tour of the island, including historic Edgartown which maintains its Greek revival architecture, the scenic harbor of Vineyard Haven, and West Tisbury, reminiscent of a Currier & Ives print. Stroll through the quaint village
of Edgartown where you will have time to shop and explore. Later, visit the historic gingerbread cottages known for their bright colors, storybook charm, and Victorian architecture.
Day 5: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution:
Excursion Option:
Option: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Enjoy exclusive access to Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) where you will meet working
scientists and engineers and get a behind-the-scenes look at WHOI’s cutting-
edge research, technology, and facilities, including a sneak peek at the
vehicles and robots that are driving ocean exploration today.
Day 6: New Bedford MA:
Excursion Options:
Option 1: New Bedford Whaling Museum - Complimentary Excursion: In this famous whaling city, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is the largest of its kind, devoted to the history of North American whaling. Your tour begins with
a narrated walk led by a park ranger or a trolley ride to the Visitors Center. Enjoy a short introductory film in the theater and time to explore, before taking
a short walk across the street to visit the Whaling Museum. As you tour the exhibits, gain an understanding of the industry that shaped the town of New Bedford.
Option 2: Acushnet Harbor Cruise: After a hearty New England-inspired breakfast,
the harbor cruise captain will greet you at the ship and take you on relaxing
cruise around the historic New Bedford / Fairhaven harbor. Explore the
popular Palmer’s Island Lighthouse, a working fishing fleet, and Fort Phoenix,
which dates back to the Revolutionary War. Your captain will also share
insights into the local fishing industry and their focus on scallops. After you
arrive back on the ship, enjoy a seafood dinner made from the locally sourced
scallops and fish.
Option 3: Working Waterfront Walking Excursion: Once the whaling capital of the
world, today, New Bedford is the nation’s most valuable fishing port. Take a
shuttle to the Fishing Heritage Center, where you can learn the story of this
fishing community. Watch a short orientation film, explore the Center's
interactive exhibits, and browse the gift shop. Next enjoy a guided walking
exploration of New Bedford’s working waterfront where you can learn about
different types of fishing vessels, shoreside businesses, the old auction, and
local fishing families.
Day 7: Provincetown, MA:
Excursion Options:
Option 1: Mayflower Trolley: Take a trolley tour of "P-Town" to learn about its fascinating history, beginning as a quaint Portuguese fishing village to its status as a center for art and culture. Visit the creative and colorful community of Commercial Street. Explore the diverse shops, cafes, art galleries, and attractive homes that line the street. Next travel to the Cape Cod National Seashore with stops at the Provincetown Library where you can view works of art from the town’s collection, as well as the Rose Dorothea schooner model. After, enjoy the scenic views at the Provincelands Observatory and Visitor Center.
Option 2: Dune & Seashore Adventure: Enjoy a guided scenic hike along North Truro's High Head Beach, where we will explore the Dune Habitat and Atlantic Shore. Led by an expert naturalist, learn about the uniqueness of this ecosystem and how the dunes are formed. View the amazing plants and animals that call this area home, as well as the megafauna found on the beach. Along the way, our guide will discuss their place and importance in the ecosystem. Some of it will surprise you
Option 3: Provincetown Dunes Adventure: In your private SUV, enjoy this unique adventure that takes you on a rolling exploration along the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District. As you weave through the dunes, witness the shacks that come into view. Home to many American artists and writers from the 1920s to today, these wooden shacks provide inspiration amidst the shifting sands. Along the way, view the picturesque Pilgrim Lake as you listen to your knowledgeable guide share the history and ecology of this enchanting location.
Day 8: Boston, MA: Disembark
If you are interested on this New England cruise, one of their other New England Cruises, or another American Cruise Line Cruise, click on the link below to get started:
