Embark on an 8-day cruise through the maritime heritage of New England. Begin in Providence, Rhode Island, known as the "Renaissance City," boasting centuries of history reflected in its theaters, arts, and architecture. Next, delve into the whaling legacy of New Bedford, Massachusetts, home to the renowned Whaling Museum and historic seaport village. Traverse the charming Nantucket Island, steeped in 18th-century allure and whaling lore, before venturing to Martha's Vineyard, with its towns and storied past. Discover the unspoiled beauty of Block Island, relax in the yachting capital of Newport, and indulge in a traditional lobster bake along the shore. Explore Bristol's naval history at Battleship Cove and marvel at model ships in Fall River's Marine Museum. Conclude your voyage back in Providence, where small-town charm meets cosmopolitan culture, inviting you to extend your stay.
Highlights
Enjoy Block Island's unspoiled beaches and nature trails
Explore New Bedford's Whaling Museum
Discover the historic towns of Martha's Vineyard with storied pasts
Explore New Bedford's whaling legacy and maritime heritage attractions
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
The capital of Rhode Island is called the "Renaissance City," and it has many attractions for visitors to enjoy. These include acclaimed theaters, fine arts, and Philharmonic performances. Providence has over three centuries of fascinating history preserved within its boundaries. From Benefit Street's "Mile of History" to colonial and Victorian architecture, there are immaculate examples of architectural styles throughout the city.
In the mid-19th century, New Bedford was the whaling capital of the world and became the inspiration behind Herman Melville's classic American novel, Moby Dick, published in 1841.
New Bedford is still known as "The Whaling City," with an authentic seaport village, a large fishing fleet, and a working waterfront.
New Bedford Whaling Museum - Complimentary Excursion
Stop at the New Bedford Visitors Center and Whaling Museum in this famous whaling city, just a 10-minute walk from the ship or a short ride on the shuttle. The museum is the largest of its kind, devoted to the history of North American whaling. At the Center, enjoy a short introductory film in the theater and take time to explore before taking a short walk across the street to visit the Whaling Museum. Explore the many engaging exhibits to understand the industry that shaped the town of New Bedford.
New Bedford Whaling Historical Park Walk – Complimentary Excursion
New Bedford was the mid-19th century's preeminent whaling port and, for a time "the richest city in the world." Enjoy a leisure walk with a Park Ranger from the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the world’s largest whaling museum. Stroll down cobblestone streets, led by your guide, who will take you into the heart of the park and speak on the whaling history within New Bedford. Explore a whaling merchant's home and whaleman's chapel, and walk a 19th-century schooner's decks. Walk in the footsteps of Herman Melville and Frederick Douglass and learn about a remarkable era.
Take a ferry along the tranquil shores of Nantucket and enjoy breathtaking views. Upon arriving ashore, be transported back to the 18th century as you step onto the timeworn cobblestone streets. Nantucket is a world unto itself, with towering church steeples and old-world architecture. Discover how this delightful island has evolved from a small farming community to becoming the center of the American whaling industry and later a popular resort community.
Martha's Vineyard was once a hub for whaling fleets and merchant ships, with exotic cargo from the far corners of the world arriving on her shores. Today, the island is one of New England's most popular vacation spots, comprising six distinct towns, including Chilmark and Vineyard Haven. The most genteel town on the island is historic Edgartown, prim and proper with its freshly painted Colonial homes and manicured gardens.
Block Island is a pristine island 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island. Its unspoiled beauty is maintained thanks in large part to efforts of the Nature Conservancy who have preserved over 40% of the island from overdevelopment. This small island has become a popular summertime destination, adored for its easy-going attitude, splendid nature trails, and breathtaking views.
Nestled within Narragansett Bay is Newport, the yachting capital of the world. As you stroll along the beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods, bustling wharves, and scenic waterfront, Newport offers something for everyone. Explore Newport's fabled past with glimpses of opulent seaside estates along the "Avenue of the Mansions."
Fort Adams Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Visit Fort Adams, the well-known fort used to protect the harbor, and puts us just a short ride away from Newport’s bustling riverfront. View the “Officer’s Quarters” and ascend to the scenic overlook for a breathtaking view of Newport Harbor. Learn about the past and plans for the restoration of the Fort and enter the restored casemates to visit the latest historical exhibit. The listening tunnels beneath the walls of the Fort are a marvel of architecture and engineering and represent 180 years of American military history and culture.
Lobsterbake Luncheon – Complimentary Excursion
Watch the unveiling of a traditional, old-fashioned lobster bake, followed by a delicious buffet. Be treated to fresh lobster, steamed clams and mussels, warm corn on the cob, and baked rolls. A true New England experience!
Visit Battleship Cove, a unique "floating" museum recognized as the world's largest collection of 20th-century U.S. naval fighting ships. Relive childhood memories on the magnificent, fully-restored carousel at Battleship Cove, the oldest functioning carousel in America. Explore the collection of intricate model ships and other nautical keepsakes at Fall River's Marine Museum. Visit the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame.
Lobsterbake Luncheon - Complimentary Excursion
One of the highlights of our New England itineraries is the traditional Lobsterbake. This tradition pre-dates America, beginning thousands of years ago with the Native Americans. Our version of this long-held New England summer tradition is the same: fresh lobsters, steamed clams and mussels, warm corn on the cob, and baked rolls prepared on a fire along the beach. In addition to the finest seafood in the area, we also feature live music presented by talented local musicians.
Herreshoff Marine Museum & America's Cup Hall of Fame - Complimentary Excursion
Located directly across the street from where the ship docks, this museum is considered a maritime historic site and was where the world’s finest yachts were built during “The Golden Age of Yachting.” The America’s Cup Hall of Fame is a museum feature, honoring participating individuals of this 150-year-old competition and the most distinguished international sporting trophies.
Day 8: Providence, RI
1 Breakfast
Welcome back to Providence, offering the perfect blend of small-town friendliness, big-city culture, and sophistication. With its thriving arts community, many vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, amazing hotels, and renowned restaurant scene, you may want to stay an extra day or two longer.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,7802-3 travelers
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Single
queen size bed and large bathroom, full-size private balcony, small wardrobe, drawer storage, TV
Size: 280 sq. ft. including balcony
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AAM
King or two twin-size bed configurations, large bathroom, wardrobe, ample drawer storage, TV
Size: 310 sq. ft. including balcony
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Vista
King or two twin-size bed configurations, large bathroom, wardrobe, ample drawer storage, TV
Size: 310 sq. ft. including balcony
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Sky Suite
King or two twin bed configurations are available, Large bathroom with double vanity, TV
Size: 470 sq. ft. including balcony
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Grand Suite
King-size or Two twin bed configurations, Living room, bedroom, interior and exterior dining areas, and a spacious master bathroom
Size: 620 sq. ft. including balcony
Initial deposit is $500pp, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
3 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
5 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
