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Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard

New England Explorer

Boston Roundtrip - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard American Patriot
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Cruise round-trip from Boston on a 12-day coastal voyage aboard American Patriot. Discover iconic New England destinations, including Portland, Rockland, Bar Harbor, Boothbay Harbor, Bath, Gloucester, Newport, and Martha’s Vineyard. Walk cobblestone streets, visit lighthouses, explore maritime museums, and enjoy local flavors like lobster and clam chowder. Highlights include a lobsterbake, Fort Adams, Portland Head Light, and the Farnsworth Art Museum. Participate in complimentary excursions and onboard enrichment programs while enjoying scenic cruising along the coast. This cruise offers an in-depth look at New England’s historic ports, charming harbors, and maritime heritage, with a relaxed pace and accessible activities.
Colorful sunrise at Portland Head Lighthouse in MaineEastern Point Lighthouse, Gloucester, MassachusettsVisit Boston's many parksDrone Shot of Harbor in Rockland, MainAdmire the charming houses of Martha's VineyardEdgartown on Martha's Vineyard
Highlights
  • Explore Portland’s Old Port and iconic Head Lighthouse tour
  • Visit the Abbe Museum to learn about Wabanaki culture
  • Discover Bath’s Maine Maritime Museum and shipbuilding heritage
  • Explore Martha’s Vineyard towns with flexible island bus access
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Boston, Massachusetts

Check into your hotel and get settled. Step outside to experience a city known for its colonial history, top universities, and lively neighborhoods. Follow the Freedom Trail to see key sites from the American Revolution, or walk along the Charles River for scenic views. Explore a mix of historic streets and modern innovation. Visit world-class museums or sample fresh seafood at Quincy Market for a true taste of Boston.

Day 2: Day of Cruising | Embark

Board your ship from the heart of the city, where cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings frame the harbor. Step onto a modern vessel ready to take you on a New England journey. Raise a glass with the crew and fellow travelers as you set the tone for the days ahead.

Welcome Aboard
Begin your voyage with a reception featuring cocktails, appetizers, and live entertainment. Meet the crew, onboard specialists, and other guests. Get an overview of the trip and what to expect during your upcoming adventure.

Day 3: Portland, Maine

Perched beside the serene waters of Casco Bay, Maine's oldest seaport boasts a captivating 360-year history awaiting exploration. Experience the unique fusion of big-city energy and small-town charm, where bustling fishing vessels mingle with Victorian-era architecture adorning cobblestone streets. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the blend of tradition and modernity that defines this coastal gem. With excursions ranging from a beer-tasting walking tour to a lighthouse-spotting boat tour to making the city your own, there’s so much to do in this stunning port. 

Portland City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Portland is Maine’s largest city by the sea. The Old Port waterfront features working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and shops. The Western Promenade is a public park atop a bluff, offering river and mountain views. Its surrounding district, the West End, is full of Victorian-era homes
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

Day 4: Rockland, Maine

Brimming with energy and classic schooners, this enchanting village proudly stands as the "Tall Ship Capital of Maine". Bask in the glorious summer sunshine and invigorating sea breezes. Witness the graceful ships as they glide into the harbor, or peek into the quaint shops and vibrant art galleries. 

Sail, Power, & Steam Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Just 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 sail maker’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 steam boats of the Penobscot.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Rockland City Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the museums of Rockland with visits to Owls Head Transportation Museum and Farnsworth Museum. The Owls Head Transportation Museum has one of the finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles in the world. More than 100 historic aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, carriages, and engines are on permanent display. Enjoy the museum’s outstanding collection, view late 19th-century automobiles, or even ride in a Model T.

The Farnsworth Museum features the permanent collection, “Maine in America,” which 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

Day 5: Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a symphony of natural wonders, where ocean cliffs meet glacier-carved lakes and valleys, mountains rise boldly, and thick pine forests guard the shores. This breathtaking panorama has inspired legends like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, capturing the essence of its beauty in their timeless masterpieces.

Anchored in tradition, Bar Harbor thrives on lobstering—a centuries-old industry that continues to flourish alongside boat building, the cornerstone of its robust economy. Yet, beyond the wild, untamed outdoors, Bar Harbor reveals a cultured soul with its cozy museums, cultural gems, and landmarks steeped in history, offering a mosaic of experiences.

Abbe Museum – Complimentary Excursion
Explore the Abbe Museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Maine's Native American tribes. Established in 1928, the museum offers exhibits that highlight the rich heritage and traditions of the Wabanaki people, including their art and history. Through rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives. Visitors can engage with traditional and contemporary Wabanaki artwork, archaeological artifacts, and oral histories that bring the past and present to life.  

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Partial

Day 6: Boothbay Harbor, Maine

This charming, historic gem sparkles with a vibrant array of shops, boutiques, and idyllic harbors teeming with lobster boats, pleasure crafts, and windjammers. Boothbay reigns as the largest boating harbor north of Boston, proudly wearing the title of "Boating Capital of New England." It's a picturesque haven where the seafaring heart and the spirit of adventure come alive.

Day 7: Bath, Maine

Bath, affectionately hailed as the "City of Ships," is a testament to its storied past where shipbuilding isn't just an industry, but the heartbeat of the community. Each corner of the city, from its unique buildings to the lively corridors of its urban core, Bath's soul is etched with the marks of its maritime history. As you meander through the city's streets, you're greeted by avenues that feel like a walk through time—lined with architectural masterpieces showcasing the evolution of American design, from elegant Victorian homes to sturdy, industrial-era edifices.

Then there's the Maine Maritime Museum, a beacon for nautical aficionados. Far from your typical museum, it's a sprawling campus that invites you to step directly into Maine's maritime saga through immersive exhibits, from life-size ship replicas to interactive displays that recount the perilous adventures at sea and the meticulous art of ship crafting. This institution doesn't just tell a story; it plunges you into the depths of Maine's connection with the ocean, offering a glimpse into the lives shaped by the sea.

Day 8: Gloucester, Massachusetts

Just a stone's throw from Boston, Gloucester boasts America's first seaport and the most venerable art colony on the continent. For more than four centuries, its scenic harbors have attracted fishermen, artists, and wanderers alike, creating a dynamic community brimming with creativity. Gloucester's natural beauty stretches over 60 miles of pristine coastline, offering breathtaking views. As you explore, don't miss the Hammond Castle, which showcases medieval-inspired architecture and fascinating exhibits, or the Cape Ann Museum, where you can immerse yourself in local art and maritime history. The sea offers up its bounty, with fresh seafood a staple of the local fare, inviting you to relish the flavors that reflect the town's rich past.

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 the rich maritime heritage of Gloucester along with 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 complemented by a seapocket aquarium and science education center that includes touch tanks and interactive experiences. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a presentation inside the upper gallery and a guided walk around the docks outdoors. There will be time to self-explore the aquarium and gift shop before returning to the ship. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 9: Newport, Rhode Island

Tucked away in Narragansett Bay lies Newport, a crown jewel known globally as the “yachting capital”. Here, as you meander along its stunning beaches, amidst the lively hum of its wharves, and beside the tranquil beauty of its waterfront, you'll discover that Newport is a mosaic of experiences waiting to be explored. Stroll down the "Avenue of the Mansions," where the grand seaside estates offer a window into the utmost luxury of the Gilded Age. 

Fort Adams Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Visit Fort Adams, the well-known fort used to protect the harbor, and puts 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 center of town to enjoy stops in Newport at your leisure. Stops include:

International Tennis Hall of Fame - Set in The Newport Casino, it’s a National Historic Landmark that was 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 were 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 are 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 legends of the sport honored, and new sailors and innovators 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.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Day 10: Day of Cruising

As you make your way from the shores of Gloucester towards the elegant vistas of Newport, allow the sweeping New England panoramas to unfold around you. Embrace a day drenched in serenity, whether you're relaxing on your personal balcony with the horizon stretched wide or soaking up the sun on the deck, the waves become your soundtrack to relaxation. Join presentations from the onboard specialists, who bring the history of this water to life. This journey is not just a passage through water, but an opportunity to continue exploring New England.

Day 11: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

As you wander the serene paths of Martha's Vineyard, you might stumble upon the enchanting sight of wild roses and hydrangeas framing the iconic Gay Head Lighthouse. In the quaint village of Edgartown, you can indulge in the culinary delight of a freshly caught lobster roll, its meat spilling out of a buttery, toasted bun, a true taste of the island's bountiful waters. 

Venturing further, the vibrant Farmers Market in West Tisbury offers a feast for the senses with its array of heirloom tomatoes, crisp apples, and homemade pies bursting with local berries. As the day wanes, find yourself sipping on a chilled glass of blackberry sangria at a cozy vineyard, the perfect end to a day spent exploring this New England paradise.

Martha’s Vineyard Museum – Complimentary Excursion
Explore Martha's Vineyard Museum, 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

Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority - Complimentary Excursion
Take this convenient island transportation around Martha’s Vineyard at your leisure. You can explore Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, or any other towns of interest. Step on and off the Vineyard Transit Bus as many times as you would like throughout the day as you stroll the cute shops and restaurants on the island. Maps, schedules and tips for riding the local bus are available on the ship’s port information table and online. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Day 12: Boston, Massachusetts | Disembark

Welcome back to the storied streets of Boston, a city where history breathes life into its modern hustle. Renowned for its signature hearty clam chowder, the legendary Fenway Park, the inspiring Boston Marathon, and the iconic bar that inspired Cheers, Boston is a hub of cultural richness and spirited tradition. Whether you're plotting the next leg of your journey or opting to delve deeper into the heart of this vibrant city, we're here to guide you through its winding streets, historic landmarks, and hidden gems.

Ship/Hotel

American Patriot

American Patriot Grand Suite
American Patriot Restaurant
American Patriot Ship

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Special Offers 23942
Promotional rates are available on select departures for a limited time. These offers cannot be combined with other discounts and are only valid on new bookings.  Please discuss with your trip planner about applicable dates and cabin types.
Applies to select departures

Per person starting at
$10,170 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Single Balcony
A rarity in river cruising, our dedicated single staterooms are 280-square-foot enclaves for the solo traveler. Each room includes a small wardrobe, drawer storage, under-bed suitcase storage, a 54-inch LED TV, a writing desk, a safe, and complimentary WiFi.
American Patriot Stateroom
Premium Balcony
310 square feet of space and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors for sweeping views. Each room has an interior seating area and a private balcony with a table and chairs.
American Patriot Vista
Vista Balcony
310-square-foot. Each room is available in king or two twin-size bed configurations. Vista rooms have a large bathroom, wardrobe, ample drawer storage, under-bed suitcase storage, 54-inch LED TV, writing desk, safe, and complimentary WiFi.
American Patriot Stateroom
Veranda Suite
Located on the 4th deck with a generous 405 sq. ft. of relaxing space, each Veranda Suite provides the perfect balance of comfort and luxury.
American Patriot Sky Suite
Sky Suite
These exceptionally large 470-square-foot rooms include a spacious private balcony with a table and chairs and plenty of interior space to make yourself at home. Each suite has a seating area facing a 54-inch LED TV, a counter space with replenished treats, and a stocked refrigerator.
American Patriot Grand Suite
Grand Suite
620-square-feet. Each suite has a living room, bedroom, interior and exterior dining areas, and a spacious master bathroom.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snacks
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Onboard gratuities
  • Port charges and fees
  • Complimentary cocktail parties
  • Dining service
  • WiFi provided by Starlink
  • Wine and beer service each afternoon and evening
  • Resident historians and experts who lead discussions and enlighten as you sail
  • Personalized experiences with a dedicated guest programs staff
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Premium and Signature shore excursions

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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