- Ship
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Pilgrims landed first in Provincetown in 1620, where they signed the “Mayflower Compact” before settling across the bay in Plymouth. Maybe it’s because it sits at the edge of the continent, 60 miles out to sea, in a place that swirls together people and experiences, but the area became a favorite of seafarers and fishermen, and the carousing, drinking, gambling, and smuggling caused the Puritanical to nickname the port “Helltown.” As more settlers arrived, the wilder sort were tamed and Provincetown was incorporated as a town in 1727. Decline set in until the late 1700s, when deep-water whaling became an industry and Provincetown became one of the great whaling ports of the country. In the late 1890s, the town saw the beginnings of its current economic backbone, tourism. The arrival of the railroad made visiting easier, and the sea, the dunes and the unusual natural light attracted artists and painters. By the time World War I began, Provincetown had a well-established reputation and was attracting well-known artists like Hans Hofmann and writers like Norman Mailer and Eugene O'Neill. Art, theater, and fishing still exist in Provincetown. The dense array of shops and restaurants on Commercial Street host a constant stream of visitors drawn to the beautiful beaches, galleries, shops, whale watching, and, of course, people watching. And – from the 1950s onward – this coastal community became a haven for “alternative lifestyles” with gay men and lesbians opening guesthouses and businesses. Today, Provincetown is proudly recognized as one of the “gay friendliest” towns in America.
Included Shore Excursion
Provincetown Full Day
Pilgrim Monument: Visit this massive monument that stands to honor the Mayflower Pilgrim’s landing in Provincetown in 1620. The Pilgrim Monument was founded in 1892, and construction was completed under President Taft in 1910. Climb the 252-foot column and enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding area.
Commercial Street: Enjoy local shops and restaurants for a taste of Provincetown. Stop in the shops and search for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip to New England!
Provincetown Library: This historic building has served the Provincetown community for over 150 years. Its varied uses include a church, art museum, heritage museum, and finally the public library that stands today. The interior of the building has been restored to match the original design and features much of the heritage museum’s collection.
Provincetown Art Association and Museum: Explore this cultural institution and museum that hosts a stunning collection of art that showcases the artistic qualities of Provincetown and Cape Cod. Appreciate the culture of the area through the galleries and exhibitions on display."