New England Cruises

The islands and harbors of New England and Maine are among the most desired summer vacation retreats. From the quaint island villages of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, to the rugged beauty of the Maine coast, we have created captivating small ship New England cruise itineraries for the most discerning traveler. Enjoy an authentic Maine lobster bake, indulge in the area's rich maritime history, or be led by our local expert guides to alluring destinations such as Newport's "Avenue of the Mansions," or the scenic mountain tops of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine. New England's historic towns and rocky beaches are beautiful both in the summer and the fall. Treat yourself to a breathtaking fall foliage cruise round-trip from New York City and experience the colorful and quaint Hudson River cruise.

Clear Selections

We’re sorry, your search did not produce any results.

Portland Head Light, a white lighthouse next to a large white building with a red roof, with the pink and yellow sun set over Casco Bay in the distance. In the foreground, there is a large area filled with tall yellow flowers.

Maine Coast & Harbors Cruise

Portland, ME to Bangor, ME

9 Days / 8 Nights

From

$5,240

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

Brant Point Lighthouse, a small, white lighthouse on Nantucket Island with a large American flag on its side surrounded by rocks on the edge of the beach, along the water of Vineyard Sound. There is a ramp leading to the lighthouse from the grassy area behind the sand. People are fishing on the edge of the sand, and there are boats on the water and a large building in the middle of the island.

Grand New England Cruise

Boston, MA to Boston, MA

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,200

16 Days / 15 Nights

From

$13,940

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

An aerial view of Nantucket Island, where the sand curves out into the water creating a U-shape. Brant Point Lighthouse is on the edge of the sand, and there are several buildings along the grassy parts of the island, and many boats docked along the water.

New England Islands Cruise

Providence, RI to Providence, RI

8 Days / 7 Nights

From

$5,240

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

A tall and narrow grey house in Provincetown with four white windows, each with a flower box containing pink flowers, and a large American flag hanging on its side in the center. There is a house very close to each side, flowers and greenery alongside the houses, and a bench in front of the house.

Cape Codder Cruise

Boston, MA to Boston, MA

8 Days / 7 Nights

From

$5,750

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

American Eagle Coastal Cat small cruise ship docked along the calm waters in Plymouth, with the towns buildings and nature in the near distance.

Northeast Harbors Cruise

Boston, MA to New York, NY

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,500

9 Days / 8 Nights

From

$5,750

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

An aerial view of a long bridge across the Hudson River, and the hills covered in trees on each side of the river.

Hudson River Summer Classic Cruise

New York, NY to Albany, NY

Save up to $1,000

8 Days / 7 Nights

From

$6,710

$6,210

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

A roadside view of a line of buildings in Downtown Bar Harbor, with several cars parked alongside the sidewalk. One of the buildings is pink, one is yellow, and the others are a mixture of blue and tan.

New England Explorer Cruise

Boston, MA to Boston, MA

12 Days / 11 Nights

From

$10,170

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

A small boat docked beside a long bridge on the Maine coast, with views of the autumn leaves on the full trees. There is a house on the shore that also has a long bridge leading out to the water.

New England Fall Foliage Cruise

Portland, ME to New York, NY

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $2,000

16 Days / 15 Nights

From

$11,030

$10,530

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

An aerial view of a long bridge across the Hudson River, and the hills covered in trees with vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves on each side of the river during prime fall foliage season.

Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

New York, NY to Albany, NY

Free Airfare* Plus Save up to $1,500

8 Days / 7 Nights

From

$6,185

$5,785

Reserve Now View Cruise Details

*Offer Valid Only on New Bookings on Select Dates

Featured Ports

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

With its scenic harbors, pristine beaches, and elegant clapboard cottages, Martha’s Vineyard is New England’s quintessential island escape. Edgartown’s historic whaling captains’ homes hint at its maritime past, while Oak Bluffs’ whimsical gingerbread cottages make it feel like you’re stepping into a fairytale. Whether you’re exploring the windswept bluffs or enjoying fresh lobster, the island feels like a breath of fresh salt air.

Bar Harbor ME

Located on the edge of Frenchman Bay, Bar Harbor has long been a destination for those drawn to the wild beauty of Maine’s coast. In the 1800s, it was a playground for the nation’s wealthiest families and their lavish summer estates. Today, it’s a lively seaside town and the gateway to Acadia National Park, where you can walk to hidden lakes, watch the sunrise over Cadillac Mountain, and spot seals along the shore.

Boston, MA

Home to the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s midnight ride, and the fiery speeches of Faneuil Hall, Boston is where history meets modern vibrancy. Catch a game at Fenway Park, the oldest Major League Baseball stadium , or follow the Freedom Trail past landmarks like the Old North Church. Today, the city blends colonial charm and modern innovation.

Portland, ME

Portland combines historic New England charm with a thriving arts and culinary scene. Once a major port and shipping hub, its historic Old Port district is now lined with brick buildings housing craft breweries, artisanal shops, and waterfront restaurants serving up some classic Maine lobster rolls. Don’t miss the Portland Head Light, a nearby striking lighthouse that defines Maine’s coast.

America’s Most Awarded U.S. Small Ship Cruise Line

Our New England Fleet

American Patriot

American Liberty

American Glory

American Independence

American Legend

New England Cruises FAQs

What do I wear on a New England cruise?

The best strategy for packing for your New England cruise is layers. Heavier layers are needed for spring and fall cruises which are generally in the mid-60s throughout the day and can be quite chilly in the early morning and into the evening, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. For cruises between late June and early September, temperatures are generally in the 70s and 80s, varying slightly depending on where you are along the coast. In the summer, you can pack lighter clothing but don’t forget at least one pair of long pants and a jacket or sweater to be prepared for cooler weather.

Learn More About What to Wear on a New England Cruise

When is the best time for a New England coastal cruise?

The best time of year to cruise to New England depends on whether you prefer warmer weather or more colorful landscapes. Perhaps one of the most popular times for cruising New England is in September and October, when the fiery hues of fall foliage are in full display.

Spring is a pleasant season for walking tours and visiting attractions without getting overheated. Nature lovers will love viewing the wildflowers that burst to life across the region, ideal for exploring the area’s many gardens and national parks.

Mid-June through August is warmer with sunny weather perfect for relaxing on the sun deck or partaking in a lobsterbake. Outdoor activities are in full swing with a variety of enjoyable excursions available, such as kayaking, chartering a fishing boat, or exploring the sand dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

What Sets Us Apart

Hundreds of small American flags are placed in rows along the grass in front of a statue of George Washington in Boston's Public Garden. There are several large city buildings and small trees in the distance.

Celebration of America

The All-American experience we provide is an ode to the historic destinations we visit in New England, the birthplace of our nation. From our American-made ships and all-American crew to the raising of the American flag aboard each vessel, every detail reflects our deep pride in our American heritage. Explore iconic ports like Boston, where the American Revolution took shape, New Bedford, the historic whaling capital, and Gloucester, one of the oldest fishing communities in the country.

The Victory Belles performing on board for American Cruise Lines passengers. One woman is wearing a red dress with a red flower in her hair, and the other is wearing a white dress with a white flower in her hair.

Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment

Learn about maritime history through captivating stories and songs, view intricate hand-drawn maps and illustrations that depict the unique geology of New England's coastlines, and gain insight into the region's diverse coastal wildlife. In the evening tap your toes to lively tunes played on the piano and guitar. There is something for everyone to enjoy and discover on board, whether you're drawn to music, history, or nature.

New England hot lobster roll with lemon being squeezed over the top of it, served on American Cruise Lines.

Culinary Traditions of the Region

Be treated to a feast of fresh, locally sourced dishes, from clam chowder brimming with tender clams to succulent scallops and flaky Atlantic cod. A highlight of our New England itineraries is a lobsterbake, a tradition pre-dates America itself, beginning thousands of years ago with the Native Americans. Our version of this long held New England summer tradition is very much the same, featuring fresh lobsters, steamed clams and mussels, warm corn on the cob, and baked rolls.

On an American Cruise Lines Coastal Cat private balcony, two blue and yellow striped chairs surround a round, white table with a two plates of food and yellow drinks, binoculars, and a pot with blue flowers. Outside the glass railing is the Intracoastal Waterway.

Stunning Stateroom Balcony Views

Unwind in the comfort of your spacious stateroom, featuring a private balcony that provides a front row seat to the picturesque landscapes that make New England iconic. As you sail through tranquil harbors and past charming seaside villages, catch a glimpse of colonial-era architecture, historic lighthouses, and fishing boats bobbing gently in the water. Whether it’s the serene calm of a morning fog hovering over the water or the vibrant hues of a sunset, the views from your private balcony are nothing short of breathtaking.

Sign Upto receive special offers, cruise news, and more.