New England Islands Cruise

Spend one night in Providence, the state capital of Rhode Island. Explore the city at your leisure, with its arts and theater scene, varied neighborhoods, restaurants, and museums. Stroll along the RiverWalk and visit institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design Museum.

Board the ship and prepare to depart on your New England Islands cruise. Head to the sun deck to meet fellow travelers and the crew.

As the city skyline fades, cruise through Narragansett Bay and take in the coastline and maritime surroundings.

Martha’s Vineyard is made up of six towns, each with its own character and allure. Enjoy a narrated exploration of this iconic Massachusetts island, beginning in the lively harbor town of Vineyard Haven, a year-round port that has welcomed visitors since the mid-1600s. Travel through the island’s idyllic countryside, passing the farming community of West Tisbury and taking in the panoramic views of Chilmark. 

Be captivated by the striking, multi-colored clay cliffs of Aquinnah, crowned by the Gay Head Lighthouse. Take time here to stretch your legs and capture the scenery in photographs. Continue on to Edgartown, where elegant Greek Revival homes of sea captains line the streets.

Later, take a convenient afternoon shuttle to Oak Bluffs and explore at your own pace, from the colorful gingerbread cottages to scenic Ocean Park. Ride the Flying Horses Carousel, the nation’s oldest continuously operating carousel, and take time to browse local shops or relax at one of the many restaurants, cafés, or ice cream parlors.

Round out your excursion with a visit to a 19-acre alpaca farm, home to 70 of these gentle creatures. Tour the grounds, meet the animals, and learn about alpaca farming.

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

Embark on a ferry ride from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket Island, a historic island off the Massachusetts coast, once a modest farming community that blossomed into the heart of America’s whaling industry. Step back in time as you stroll along its cobblestone streets, steeped in 18th-century charm.

Take a narrated, island-wide tour that highlights Nantucket’s maritime history and stunning coastal landscapes, including a stop in the village of Siasconset, famed for its rose-covered cottages. 

Later, explore the island at your own pace. Admire the island’s quaint homes, graceful churches, and manicured gardens. Browse elegant boutiques and inviting local eateries and stop in at the Whaling Museum, which vividly tells the story of Nantucket’s legendary seafaring past.

Ferry Transportation to Nantucket – Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Martha's Vineyard to Nantucket. Upon arrival, travel back to the 18th century as you step onto its timeworn cobblestone streets. Spend a half or full day exploring this charming island at your leisure. Admire the delightful rose-covered cottages, steeped churches, and manicured gardens. Peruse the many high-end boutiques and local restaurants. Stop in at the Whaling Museum, which recounts the island’s role as a whaling hub.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

As you make your way from Nantucket Island to Block Island, allow the sweeping 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.

Block Island, located 13 miles off the Rhode Island Coast, retains its unspoiled beauty thanks in large part to the Nature Conservancy, which has preserved more than 40% of the island from overdevelopment.

Begin your visit with a narrated exploration led by a spirited local guide. Ride along the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island, rising 200 feet above sea level and stretching nearly three miles. Take in beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Southeast Lighthouse, and Old Harbor.

Or explore Block Island’s natural treasures by kayak along the calm waters of the Great Salt Pond. Accompanied by a naturalist, paddle past wading birds and graceful ospreys while learning about the pond’s rich ecology and diverse uses.

End your day with a visit to Old Town, where you can browse unique shops, enjoy local restaurants, and take in stunning island views.

Transfer to Old Harbor – Complimentary Excursion
Take a ride over to Old Town to explore the picturesque area on your own. Peruse the area’s unique shops and restaurants. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

Newport's prestigious past is showcased on the "Avenue of the Mansions," featuring opulent estates that symbolize the wealth and social prestige of their era. Explore The Breakers mansion, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a portrayal of the financial prominence of the Vanderbilt family at the turn of the century.

Discover the city’s many museums, including the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a National Historic Landmark that was first opened on July 26, 1880, as a social club for Newport’s summer elite.  

View the cannons still standing at Fort Adams State Park. Named for President John Adams, it has been a part of the American story from the War of 1812 through World War II. Built to protect Newport Harbor, the fort is now a state park. View the “Officer’s Quarters” and ascend to the overlook to enjoy the view. 

Fort Adams Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Visit Fort Adams, the well-known fort used to protect the harbor, which 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 lobsterbake, followed by a delicious lunch. 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 City Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Take a narrated exploration of historic and famous Newport. With the brilliant Atlantic Ocean on one side and some of the country’s most impressive properties on the other, this celebrated trail is an unforgettable one. Drive along the 10-mile, spectacular Ocean View Drive and Bellevue Ave— “Avenue of the Mansions.” The highlight of the excursion is a stop at the Breakers, a seventy-room mansion and National Historic Landmark built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1895. A short stop is made for picture opportunities at a beautiful waterfront lookout at Brenton Point State Park.
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 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 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

Known for hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the U.S., Bristol's enchanting downtown features classic New England architecture and streets lined with unique boutiques, historic pubs, and waterfront eateries.

Visit the Herreshoff Marine Museum, the place where the world’s finest yachts were built during “The Golden Age of Yachting.” View beautifully restored classic yachts, vintage boat designs, and exhibits highlighting over a century of maritime innovation. Within the museum, explore The America’s Cup Hall of Fame, honoring the visionaries behind this 150-year-old, world-renowned competition.

For nature enthusiasts, the Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium excursion features a guided hike through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge led by a naturalist. Walk along a scenic trail that winds through fields, woodlands, and a boardwalk overlooking Narragansett Bay. After the hike, be treated to an exclusive presentation featuring live raptors, including a majestic owl and a striking hawk.

Bristol Shuttle – Complimentary Excursion
Explore historic downtown Bristol on your own, home of the oldest 4th of July parade in the country. Take time for shopping, enjoying local cafes, and strolling through this quaint town at your leisure. Discover charming boutiques, artisan shops, and friendly locals eager to share stories about the town’s rich heritage. Be sure to visit the waterfront for scenic views and a peaceful place to relax before continuing your adventure.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes 

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 the place where the world’s finest yachts were built during “The Golden Age of Yachting.” The America’s Cup Hall of Fame is a feature of the museum, honoring participating individuals of this 150-year old competition and most distinguished of all international sporting trophies.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Linden Place - Bristol's Front Porch – Complimentary Excursion
Visit Linden Place, a beautifully preserved Federal-style mansion built in 1810, complete with elegant gardens, period furnishings, and a rich collection of art and antiques that tell the story of its past. Your guide reveals the fascinating history of the DeWolf family, from their prominence during the Industrial Age to connections with Presidents, ties to a world-famous theatrical dynasty, and the remarkable treasures they collected, many of which are still on display today. As you explore the mansion and its grounds, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural life of Bristol’s most influential families.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

After your New England Islands journey, return to Providence to begin your travels home. Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing with complimentary transportation to the nearest major airport.