On a cruise from Boston, you'll discover why so many people flock to one of the oldest cities in America. Central to the places you want to visit, like the quaint coasts of the Northeast and Canada or the exotic islands of Bermuda, Barbados and Aruba, Boston is not only a doorway to the past, it's also a doorway to the future. Before embarking on your next vacation, enjoy some of the top places to visit in Boston from the sprawling greenery of Boston Common Park to the Public Garden. Walk along the iconic cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, or follow the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail that will lead you past 16 historical sites including the grave of John Hancock and the home of Paul Revere. Boston offers countless things to discover, from colonial history to cutting edge innovation.
THE CITY OF FIRSTS
For history buffs, Boston is paradise. It's home to the first public park, first public school and first subway system in the nation, known locally as "the T." It was also home to the Big Dig, which was a massive urban planning project — one of the most expensive of all time in the U.S.
Bound out of Boston on Brilliance of the Seas®. Climb to new heights on a 40-foot-tall Rock Climbing Wall or test your sleuthing skills during an evening of whodunit at the Mystery Dinner Theater. Max out thrills or relax the day away onboard.
Head out from Boston to explore Canada’s charming eastern coast. Savor scenic drives and local lobster on Prince Edward Island — then soak up city vibes in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Journey into the Great White North on your next vacation.
USS Constitution with Downtown Skyline, Boston, Massachusetts
Walk the 2.5-mile, red-lined Freedom Trail past 16 historical sites. See the grave of John Hancock, old meetinghouses, famous churches, the home of Paul Revere, the site of the Boston Massacre, Quincy Market and the USS Constitution— Old Ironsides— the world’s oldest commissioned warship still floating today.
Gloucester Lighthouse Harbor, Boston, Massachusetts
See Boston from the water while on a scenic sightseeing harbor cruise. Check out the city’s historic skyline, bridges spanning the Charles River, and Boston’s harbor islands. You can sail by wooden schooner, take a climate-controlled boat ride, or enjoy a fully narrated Duck Tour in a WWII-style amphibious landing craft.
Step aboard a full-scale restored 18th-century boat and explore American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums during your Boston cruise. Let historical interpreters, artifacts, and an award-winning film engage you in the story of the Sons of Liberty, whose infamous political protest helped ignite the American Revolution.
Nothing beats eating a New England lobster roll by the harbor. And don’t miss Union Oyster House, one of America’s oldest restaurants, for Island Creek oysters and their famous clam chowder. Try Boston baked beans and scrod fish fillets. Parker House rolls and Boston cream pie were both conceived here too— and head to the North End for Italian-American fare, especially sweet cannoli.
Newbury Street offers a mix of upscale retailers and art galleries. Converse shoes were born here — design your own pair at the flagship store. Cruise to Boston and brattle Book Shop sells rare first editions in a hidden alleyway. Or stop by Faneuil Hall for handbags, scrimshaw items and jewelry hand-made by local artisans.