Start your journey in one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1630, Boston has played a significant part in shaping the nation. Boston continues to shape America's history, from the influential Boston Tea Party to its impact on the American Revolution. 

As the day progresses, bid farewell to the bustling city streets and board your awaiting ship. Depart from Boston Harbor in the afternoon, surrounded by the calmness of the sea and the excitement of adventure ahead.

Welcome Aboard
As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Sitting on the shores of beautiful Casco Bay, Maine's oldest seaport invites visitors with its rich 360-year history. Cobblestone streets weave through various architecture, from grand Victorian mansions to weathered homes, each telling a story of the city's vibrant maritime heritage. With granite cliffs and rolling waves in the background, Portland's lighthouses watch over the waters, ensuring safe passage for ships entering the harbor.

Portland City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Meet your local guide for a narrated exploration. View Longfellow's boyhood home, sea captains' houses, and the elegant Victorian Mansion. Travel through historic neighborhoods overlooking the islands of Casco Bay in Portland Harbor. Stop at Portland Head Lighthouse in Fort Williams Park, a historic landmark and the most photographed lighthouse in America.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Here, the river meets the sea in a graceful embrace, and history creates the town's spirit. Cobblestone streets bear witness to the craftsmen who shaped mighty ships that once ruled the ocean waves. Stately church spires rise against a skyline imbued with colonial elegance. In Bath, time feels suspended, like the past is in every weathered brick and beam. It's clear the legacy of shipbuilding and seafaring prowess endures, enticing you to explore its nautical past.

 

In Boothbay Harbor, the textured coastline meets the Atlantic, and history mingles with the salty air. Quaint streets hold the footprints of fishermen and sailors who once cast their nets and set sail for distant horizons. Established in the early 17th century as a fishing village, Boothbay Harbor grew into a hub of shipbuilding and maritime commerce during the 19th century, crafting vessels that traversed the world's oceans. Weathered docks hold stories of bustling trade that once fueled the town's livelihood, including its role in supplying ships during the Civil War. Against a backdrop of rolling hills and granite cliffs, the harbor is a testament to resilience and maritime ingenuity.

In Bar Harbor, where cliffs embrace the sea in an eternal dance, history speaks softly through the rustling pines. Once a modest fishing village, Bar Harbor flourished into a haven for Gilded Age elites, drawn by its untamed beauty. Along the coastline, the Bar Harbor Inn stands as a symbol of opulence amidst the wild landscapes of Acadia National Park. Above, Cadillac Mountain stands tall, which you can get up close and personal with. Amidst nature's symphony of breeze and wave, Bar Harbor invites exploration, each cobblestone and trail a chapter in its captivating story of charm and prestige.

La Rochelle Mansion and Museum - complimentary
The Bar Harbor Historical Society proudly offers an exclusive, private exploration of La Rochelle Mansion and Museum. Whisked back into the Gilded Age as you step under the wishbone staircase and into the magnificent foyer looking out on Frenchman Bay. While exploring this grand home, a local guide will provide the history of Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Mount Desert Island. Enjoy a glimpse into areas of the museum that are normally closed to the general public. With handcrafted woodwork, formal rooms, servant quarters, and wonderful gardens, La Rochelle Mansion and Museum is your opportunity to witness life in the early 1900s authentically. Explore this 1903 colonial revival, chateaux-styled brick home with 19 bedrooms, an oceanfront piazza, and a sunken garden!

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

On the bend of the Penobscot River, Bangor sprawls as the third-largest city in Maine. Reigning supreme as the lumber capital of the world through most of the 19th century, this port town is known as the "Queen City." 

This city is also the hometown of celebrated horror author Stephen King. King used this very city's streets to spin his twisted tale narratives. You, too, can see where King's monsters hide when you visit the perfectly creepy Victorian home with a spider-webbed wrought iron gate outside the author's former home. 

For an equally exciting, less macabre excursion, chart a boat on the calm waters of the Penobscot River and try your hand at catching a smallmouth bass beneath the vast expanse of Maine's blue sky.

The Orono Bog Boardwalk – Complimentary Excursion
Experience the beauty and fascinating plants and wildlife of a Maine bog. The 1-mile boardwalk loop trail begins at a forested wetland edge in the Bangor City Forest, crossing the Orono town line into the portion of the Orono Bog owned by the University of Maine. View a wide range of changing vegetation and environments on your way to the open, peat moss-carpeted center of the Orono Bog. Along the way, well-designed, full-color signs provide illustrations and explanations of common species of bog plants and animals. Benches for rest and contemplation are provided at least every 200 feet.

Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Yes

Downtown Bangor Walking Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Travel back in time to walk the streets of Bangor's historic downtown with the notorious Madam Fan Jones as she shares true and dramatic tales of the people and events that shaped the 19th-century "lumber capital of the world." During the great lumber boom of the 1800s, Bangor, Maine, was famous for its wealth, refinement, industry, and vice and violence. While the lumber barons, politicians, and other members of polite society spent time in their well-appointed offices and fine estates, those employed toiled deep in the woods, out on the mighty river, or in their factories. Lumbermen, river drivers, sailors, Irish laborers, and other members of the working class worked hard –and played harder– entertaining themselves with booze, brawls, and brothels -- like Fan's Sky Blue House of Pleasure -- in the infamous "Devil's Half Acre" before stumbling back to tenements, ships, and the woods. This lively excursion shines a light on the city's complex history while showcasing some of the monuments and architecture of the great city on the Penobscot.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Bangor Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Visit the museums of Bangor aboard this convenient shuttle, making stops at:

The Cole Land Transportation Museum - The museum is home to over 200 vehicles that span the history of transportation in Maine. The purpose is to collect, preserve, and display (before they disappear forever) a cross-section of Maine's land transportation equipment from which this and future generations will gain knowledge of the past. Whether you like trains, trucks, snowmobiles, or classic cars, anyone can find something interesting and learn something new! 
 
Bangor Historical Society - Established in 1864, the Bangor Historical Society is Maine's second oldest historical society. The BHS is home to an extensive collection of Bangor artifacts and one of the region's largest collections of Civil War memorabilia—including Joshua Chamberlain's sword from the Battle of Gettysburg.  
 
Thomas A. Hill House - The Thomas A. Hill House was built in 1835 and was designed by renowned American architect Richard Upjohn. The museum offers guided and self-guided experiences through Bangor's history, discussing the settling of Bangor, the lumber boom, the great fire of 1911, well-known area people/families, Maine and the Civil War, and so much more. 
 
Zillman Art Museum - Part of the University of Maine, this museum features a collection of more than 4,000 original works of art focusing on American mid-20th century works on paper. In addition to rotating exhibits, the museum's permanent collection celebrates the long heritage of Maine art and artists, including works by artists such as Berenice Abbott, Winslow Homer, and Andrew Wyeth.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Along Maine's winding coast lies Rockland, a town surrounded by granite cliffs and Atlantic breezes. Nearby, Camden stands proudly, framed by the silhouette of Mount Battie, a guardian over its bustling harbor. Here, the ocean and sky engage in a perpetual ballet, their colors merging into a canvas of indigo and apricot as twilight descends. Amidst the art galleries and charming shops, the spirit of Andrew Wyeth's paintings endures, capturing the essence of this timeless coastal haven.

Camden Historical Walking Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Join a local guide for a walking exploration of Camden, the prettiest harbor on the Maine Coast. As you weave through the streets, learn about the history of this quaint port from its industrial beginnings through its current status as the hub for yachting in Maine. View beautiful architecture and landscaping designs along the way. After the walk, explore Camden at your leisure.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Lobsterbake Luncheon - Complimentary Excursion
One of the highlights of this itinerary is the traditional Lobsterbake. This tradition pre-dates America, beginning thousands of years ago with the Native Americans. This version of the long-held New England summer tradition is the same, featuring 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, it also features live music presented by talented local musicians.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Sail, Power, & Steam Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Before enjoying the Lobsterbake Luncheon at Sharp's Point South, visit the Sail Power & Steam Museum, a working "hands-on" museum with sail-making and rigging rooms. Enjoy "make 'n break" gas stationery and steam engines, old shipbuilding tools, hand tools, and architectural builder's half models. The museum has a complete boat shop with caulking tools, a working sailmaker's bench, and a navigation room with two working radars. Also in the museum is a shipwreck room featuring wrecks of 1898, a real working lime kiln, and an extensive model display of schooners and steamboats of the Penobscot.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Rockland City Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the museums of Rockland by visiting the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Farnsworth Museum. The Owls Head Transportation Museum has the world's finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles. More than 100 historic aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, carriages, and engines are permanently displayed. Enjoy the museum's outstanding collection, view late 19th-century automobiles, or even ride in a Model T. The Farnsworth Museum's permanent collection, "Maine in America," focuses on Maine artists and The Wyeth Center. The Farnsworth Art Museum is one of only two centers in the country dedicated to the three generations of Wyeths: N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Portsmouth exudes a colonial charm, its streets abundant with tales of centuries past. The town's Federal-style architecture harks back to its bustling days as a pivotal port and shipbuilding center. At Market Square, history comes alive amidst the North Church and the Portsmouth Athenaeum, anchoring the heart of the community. Prescott Park offers a serene refuge, its colorful beauty a stark contrast to the urban hustle nearby. The iconic silhouette of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard stands as a beacon of strength and resilience, a reminder of the town's enduring connection to the sea and its role in shaping the course of American history.

Portsmouth Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
This convenient option will transport you to one of these local favorites:

Portsmouth Historical Society Museum - View the exhibition, "The Matter of Memory," which explores museums' role in preserving and creating individual and community memory. This exhibition is complemented by contemporary works exploring memory and remembrance themes.
 
Jimmy Jazz & Blues Club - Discover this architecturally breathtaking space, which dates back to 1905 when it was first constructed as a YMCA. Now serving as a center for arts and culture, this club is considered a world-class "listening room" built for music lovers and the inspiring artists who perform here.   
 
Albacore Park - Visit the USS Albacore submarine, which is a testament to naval innovation. Delve into Albacore's interior; look through the periscope and explore the control room, engineering spaces, and bunkrooms. Listen to recorded narration about the submarine's unique features, the daily life of its crew, and firsthand accounts from former crew members. Peruse the Visitors Center and gift store, where you can purchase submarine-themed books and gifts. Adjacent is the Memorial Garden, which pays tribute to all crew and officers who have been lost in the Submarine Service.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Just a short distance from Boston, Gloucester holds the distinction of being America's first seaport. Established long before the modern hustle and bustle, this city remains a beacon for North America's oldest active art colony. For over four centuries, this historic town has captivated a diverse array of artists, fishermen, and tourists with its delightful waterfront and enduring maritime legacy.

Gloucester, extending across more than 60 miles of New England coastline, presents a series of spectacular coastal landscapes that shift from pebbled beaches to textured cliffs. The area is also famous for its fresh seafood, with local dishes rooted in the deep flavors of the Atlantic.

Maritime Gloucester - Complimentary Excursion
Maritime Gloucester is a working waterfront, maritime museum, sea pocket aquarium, and so much more, all rolled into one exciting destination. Learn about Gloucester's rich maritime heritage and its unique marine environment through interactive exhibits, the visitor center, and more. The museum is a nonprofit educational organization built within a collection of historic buildings and on America's oldest marine railway. Galleries, exhibits, a wooden pier with unique views of Gloucester's harbor, and the home of two local working schooners are complimented by a sea pocket aquarium and science education center that includes touch tanks and interactive experiences. You can have the opportunity to enjoy a presentation inside the upper gallery and a guided walk around the docks outdoors. Before returning to ship, there will be time to self-explore the aquarium and gift shop. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Originally founded as an artists' haven, Provincetown is a premier summer destination on Cape Cod, celebrated for its kaleidoscope of vivid architecture, unique shops, and stretching shorelines. Landmarks such as the Pilgrim Monument highlight the town's history, which marks the Mayflower Pilgrims' first landing in 1620. Provincetown's streets are lined with diverse art galleries and performance spaces that only bolster its creative origins. The culinary scene delights with fresh, local seafood and various international flavors, enhancing the town's appeal as a vibrant seaside retreat. With its picturesque settings and welcoming community, Provincetown remains a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary flair, offering a unique coastal experience long after summer fades.

Located in Narragansett Bay, Newport is recognized globally as the yachting capital, where New England elegance meets rich historical intrigue. The city invites visitors to stroll along its beautiful beaches, through neighborhoods teeming with history, along lively wharves, and by the unobstructed waterfront. Newport's prestigious past is showcased on the "Avenue of the Mansions," featuring opulent estates that symbolize their era's wealth and social prestige.

The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, representing the height of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence. Nearby, Marble House, another Vanderbilt home, this time for William K. Vanderbilt, stands as a testament to Beaux-Arts architecture, adorned with 500,000 cubic feet of marble. These homes were not just residences but extravagant venues for some of the most lavish social gatherings of the Gilded Age, reflecting an era when Newport was the playground of America's wealthiest families.

Visit the cannons still standing at Fort Adams, named for President John Adams, who has been a part of American history from the War of 1812 through World War II. Built to protect Newport Harbor, this fortification is now a state park known for its panoramic views and as a venue for major events.

Fort Adams Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Visit Fort Adams, the well-known Fort used to protect the harbor and put you 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 past and future 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.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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!

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

Newport Local Loop - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a complimentary shuttle into the town center to enjoy stops in Newport at your leisure. Stops include:

International Tennis Hall of Fame - Set in The Newport Casino, a National Historic Landmark, first opened on July 26, 1880, as a social club for Newport's turn of the century summer elite. Its mission is to preserve and promote the history of tennis and celebrate its champions.
 
Audrain Auto Museum - Founded in 2014 in Newport, Rhode Island, with a mission of "Preserving, Celebrating & Sharing Automotive History," the Audrain Automobile Museum and historic Audrain Building was transformed into a captivating exhibition space, fit specifically for your cultural needs. The museum welcomes visitors with access to collections containing over 400 cars and motorcycles ranging from brass era Veteran cars to Supercars of today.
 
The Red Parrot Restaurant - In the heart of downtown Newport, where streets lined with shopping boutiques, visitor information, local favorites, and gift shops await.
 
The Sailing Museum – This museum features the National Sailing Hall of Fame and America's Cup Hall of Fame exhibits. In the space once used as the Press Room for the America's Cup, the heritage of sailing is celebrated, the sport's legends are honored, and new sailors and innovators are inspired. Interactive educational exhibits provide real-world applications of STEAM concepts that come alive through sailing, and visitors of all ages, non-sailors and sailors alike, experience the magic that happens when wind and water meet.
 
Transit Station - Access hub for the Newport City public transportation system with buses and trolleys taking visitors to all the highlight areas of interest, such as the Cliff Walk and Bellevue Mansions.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Located off the Massachusetts coast, this island is celebrated for its historical significance and distinctive landscapes. This island features stretches of clean sandy beaches contrasted by the dramatic clay cliffs of Aquinnah, offering stunning ocean views. In Oak Bluffs, the whimsically styled gingerbread cottages display intricate trim and bright palettes, standing as relics of the Camp Meeting revivalist movement of the 19th century. Edgartown, with its stately Greek Revival homes once owned by whaling captains, reflects the island's prosperous whaling era, while its historic lighthouses, like Edgartown Harbor Light, have safely guided sea vessels since the early 1800s.

Martha's Vineyard Museum – Complimentary Excursion
Explore Martha's Vineyard Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, art, and culture of Martha's Vineyard and its residents. The museum's vast collections feature artifacts, documents, photographs, and artworks that chronicle the island's diverse heritage, from its Native American roots to its maritime history and contemporary life. With a diverse array of exhibits, the museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Martha's Vineyard's past and present.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Martha's Vineyard was a hub for merchant ships, their holds brimming with exotic wares from distant lands. Today, this island remains a premier New England vacation destination, comprised of six distinctive towns. Historic Edgartown, the epitome of genteel charm, showcases rows of pristine white clapboard colonial homes. Adorned with black shutters and surrounded by lush, meticulously sculpted gardens, these structures exude an air of old-world affluence and quiet elegance.

Upon nearing the shores of Nantucket, the captain carefully anchors in the still, clear waters of the sound, presenting a spectacular seascape that blends seamlessly with the sky at sunset. Stepping onto the island, the cool sea breeze mingles with the scent of salt and old timber as you traverse the time-worn cobblestone streets. Nantucket is a visual feast of historic architecture, from the grand church steeples that rise above the rooftops to the quaint, weathered buildings that line the streets. Once a simple farming community, the island burgeoned into the epicenter of the American whaling industry, its streets, and buildings evidence of seafaring history and commerce. Today, it thrives as a sophisticated resort community for you to explore.

The Whaling Museum & Historic Buildings of Nantucket– Complimentary Excursion
Explore The Whaling Museum, which features two exhibition stories. Led museum docents, enjoy guided spotlight tours about Nantucket history and listen to live lecture presentations under a sperm whale skeleton. Visit the third-floor Roof Walk for a bird's eye view of Historic Downtown Nantucket. After, walk up Main Street to explore the imposing Hadwen House, an 1846 Whale Oil Merchant mansion.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Plymouth, a coastal town famous for its contributions to American history, marks the site of the first Pilgrim settlement founded in 1620. At the center of Plymouth's historical narrative is the iconic Plymouth Rock in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, believed to be the landing spot of the settlers. Adjacent to this historic symbol, the Mayflower II, a meticulously crafted full-scale replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic, is usually moored, offering visitors a direct link to the early settlers' maritime journey. This ship functions as a floating museum, providing a hands-on educational experience. Beyond these landmarks, visit the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where you can be a part of the living history of the Pilgrims and the Native Wampanoag people.

Plymouth Local Loop – Complimentary Excursion
This convenient option will transport you to one of these local favorites:

Shoppes on Water Street - In 1920, for the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower, Water Street was converted from rows of factories to beautiful shops across from Plymouth Harbor. Shop for custom-made jewelry, unique gifts, local wines, and more.
 
Plymouth Rock Brewster Gardens - Visit Plymouth Rock, where the Mayflower Pilgrims were said to have stepped in 1620 to land in the New World. A short walk away is Brewster Gardens, with beautiful sculptures along Town Brook, where the Pilgrims settled in what was then called Patuxet.
 
Town Square - At the top of Town Square is the Mayflower Meetinghouse. Behind is Burial Hill, and to the left is the 1649 Courthouse, a free museum filled with interesting items from Plymouth's history. It is the oldest wooden courthouse and the longest-used municipal building in America.
 
Plimoth General Store - Plimoth General Store combines the charm and character of a time gone by. Explore all its nooks and crannies, which feature dining, fine provisions, specialty gifts, unique jewelry, and home goods. To order goods and have them delivered to the ship, refer to the flyer on the port information table or speak with your Excursions Director.
 
Pilgrim Hall Museum - See actual Pilgrim possessions and learn about the Wampanoags and the Pilgrims who participated in the Mayflower story through an exhibit and unique hand-made tapestry project.
 
National Monument to the Forefathers - Thought to be the largest solid granite monument in the U.S., this 81-foot-tall statue was built to honor the passengers of the Mayflower. Designed by Boston sculptor Hammatt Billings, the monument features allegorical figures depicting the virtues of Faith, Morality, Education, Law, and Liberty.
 
The Mayflower Society House - The Mayflower Society House was originally constructed in 1754 and enlarged in the 1890's. The house has a long grand history, including being the home of the great-grandson of Mayflower passenger Edward Winslow, the wedding venue of Ralph Waldo Emerson in the 1830s, the summer home of the wealthy Willoughby family of retail fame, and was redesigned by the famed architect Joseph Everett Chandler. It is now the world headquarters of the Mayflower Society and shows off a tremendous collection of 19th-century architecture and artifacts.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Here, where it all began—in Boston. If there’s something you missed your first time, perhaps a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or a stop at the bar featured in the beloved sitcom Cheers, extend your stay. Whether you stay or head home, the team ensures a smooth disembarkation to get you where you’re headed.