A stroll along Boston’s historic waterfront and urban parks explains much about the nickname — “America’s Walking City”. As one of America’s oldest cities, the capital of Massachusetts is home to some of the USA’s most historical landmarks. A cruise from Boston should be on your travel bucket list if you are interested in American history.
The “Walking City” nickname came about, thanks to Boston’s variety of walking tours. The most famous one, the Freedom Trail, takes tourists around churches, parks, and museums that played a crucial role in the American Revolution. Besides iconic sights, the city offers exciting adventure sports such as rock climbing and a variety of nightlife options.
Apart from being a favourite destination, Boston is well-loved for cruising as it is the convenient starting point of journeys along the East Coast of the US, Canada, or Bermuda.
This guide will help you plan your Boston cruise holiday.
When is the best time to cruise from Boston?
The best time to cruise from Boston is Spring and Autumn. Blossoming trees or fall foliage make the months of May and September ideal for sightseeing. The mild temperatures stay between 15 and 22 °C with the occasional chance of rain.
The summer weather is pleasant with temperatures above 20°C, while the city is jam-packed with tourist-friendly activities. The months from June to October are also Boston’s peak tourist season, so late autumn or early spring cruises tend to be more affordable.
If you plan to go on a cruise from Boston to Bermuda, the best time is in March and April. Bermuda receives the most visitors in June, July, and August as its climate is at its best behaviour with plenty of heat and sunbathing opportunities.
Which cruise lines sail from Boston?
Boston cruises are exciting because they cater to a wide range of tourist needs. Cruise lines such as Holland America Line, NCL, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean have regular sailings from Boston. The services included in the cruise package usually include a full board meal basis, recreational and fitness facilities, and bespoke spa treatments.
On premium cruises, you will enjoy white-glove service and meals cooked with the finest local ingredients. Most ships have a variety of restaurants, cocktail bars, and cafes to choose from. Expect free access to facilities such as tennis courts, outdoor pools, and basketball courts. If you want to soothe those aching muscles, check if your cruise ship offers boutique massage treatments.
Overall, passengers on Boston-based cruise ships enjoy lavish cabin facilities and award-winning entertainment. You may book a short week-long cruise or go for a slightly longer adventure.
Where do cruises from Boston go to?
Cruise ships are comparable to floating resorts as they provide a wide range of recreational activities, delectable food and drink, breathtaking vistas, and the opportunity to travel to exotic cities abroad.
Tourists’ favourite cruise destinations from Boston include Canada, New England, Quebec, The Bahamas, and Bermuda. The latter is so popular, thanks to its pink sandy beaches, kiteboarding, and eco-adventures. Here you will get to tour the quaint British village of St. George’s.
Journeying north along the East Coast is great for seeing New England and Canada. If you reach Bar Harbor in Maine, be sure to venture to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain. Halifax in Nova Scotia is another favourite of history buffs. Check out its maritime history at Pier 21 museum or hike up to the historic site of the hilltop Citadel.
Some Boston cruises sail all the way north to Quebec City and Montreal. A walking tour through Old Québec will take you through narrow streets lined with bistros to the Château Frontenac hotel — the city’s most famous landmark.
Few cruises sailing from Boston’s harbour head to the Caribbean, but those that do offer the most unique itineraries. From lounging on the exquisite beaches of CocoCay to exploring Old San Juan, and Puerto Plata, a Caribbean cruise is perfect for a tropical escape.
What should you do whilst you’re in Boston?
Touring Boston means more than sightseeing and walking around historic sites — its unique setting has made it into the cultural and educational hub it is today.
The Freedom Trail is a good way to experience the main attractions in Boston in under two hours. The popular 2.5-mile path in Boston links 16 national heritage historic sites such as churches, burial yards, museums, parks, etc. Don’t miss Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where street entertainers amuse the crowds with juggling and acrobatic stunts. Although they’re not on the Freedom Trail, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum are another American Revolution must-visit spot.
Take advantage of the sunny weather during your stay in Boston and take a walk through Boston’s Public Garden and Boston Commons. There, you will find vibrant floral patterns, local and exotic plant species, and benches overlooking the lake. You may also board one of the pond’s Swan Boats, which have been operating since 1877.
Don’t miss Fenway Park, one of Boston’s oldest stadiums. The oldest ballpark in the Major League of Baseball is also home to Boston’s Red Sox team. Purchase a ticket to watch a game in the 40,000-spectator stadium or go for a guided tour of the premises.
Extend Your Stay?
Given the abundance of things to do in Boston and the cruise options available to destinations like Bermuda, New England, and Canada, you should not hesitate to extend your stay.
Another day or two in Boston will allow you to savour Boston’s food and drink scene with the help of guided brewery tours or culinary walking ones. Brewery tours will teach you about the mechanics and history of beer, while you sample ales, stouts, and pilsners. Culinary tours often take you through Boston’s Italian district, where you will find wood-fired pizza and artisanal pastries.
If you wish to explore further during your trip, board a train to New York and spend a few nights in the city that never sleeps. The journey takes between 3 to 4 hours on average, thanks to the proximity of the two cities. From Central Park, and Coney Island, to the Statue of Liberty, every spot in NYC is a symbol of America’s Big Apple.
