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.
Portland, ME to Bangor, ME
New York, NY to New York, NY
Boston, MA to Boston, MA
Providence, RI to Providence, RI
Boston, MA to New York, NY
New York, NY to Albany, NY
“The sites of the Maine Coast were incredible and we certainly enjoyed the many walking tours and museums we visited and the people we met made the trip. Not only our fellow cruisers but the fine staff on board, primarily the cruise directors and the dining staff.”
– Frank Y. - Central Point, OR
“As a single traveler, I love the way I am treated on American Cruise Line cruises.”
– Jaclyn L. - Saint Louis, MO
“Lobsterbake was unbelievable! On board, the wait staff and all personnel did their best to enjoy our good times with us. They were engaging and very professional in their respective fields. Basically, they were fun to be with. If we needed anything, it was addressed quickly. The Grand New England cruise was all that was promised to us and so much more.”
– Edward D. - Bastrop, TX
“Good communication about the excursions and activities kept all informed, making for smooth transitions. Appreciated the effort to always be on time. LOVED the food!!! We loved the cabin - large, comfortable, and the veranda was very pleasant.”
– Frank Y. - Central Point, OR
“Loved the variety of choices from food to entertainment and excursions. The lobsterbake was great! Enjoyed the Farnsworth museum and the memory book project. Loved all the entertainment but the banjo player was our favorite.”
– Shirley M. - Orange, TX
“We will never go on a large cruise ship again! The ease of boarding and disembarking, navigating the boat easily, friendliness of the crew, wonderful food, and a great Captain are just some of the things we enjoyed. We met some wonderful people who we now consider friends.”
– Mildred M. - Milledgeville, GA
“From start to finish the friendliness of the staff and crew infected the passengers and made the week very enjoyable for us. The celebration of our honeymoon at the last dinner of our cruise was the frosting on the cake.”
– Paul K. - Durham, NH
“The cruise allowed my husband and I to do as much or as little as we liked. As I am more active, I know that he has a safe place to stay with plenty of on board activity while I explore the ports.”
– Barbara V. - Chalfont, PA
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.
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.
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 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.
The best strategy for packing for your New England cruise is layers, no matter what the season, so you can be prepared for a sudden change in weather. New England weather has a reputation for being unpredictable. There’s an old saying, "Don’t like the weather? Just wait five minutes." 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. Be sure to bring layers that you can shed as the day warms up, perhaps a few light sweaters and a waterproof windbreaker for taking in the beautiful New England coastal views from the sun deck.
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.
With all cruise seasons, choose clothing with a simple color scheme that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. Also important are comfortable walking shoes and binoculars for enjoying all that nature has to offer.
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.
Our guests enjoy their onboard and onshore experiences while cruising the most fascinating parts of the country and we take care of the rest. Enjoy our complimentary offerings, including select onshore excursions, all meals, evening cocktails, and more. All tips and gratuities are included with your cruise reservation.
We build, flag, and crew our ships right here in the United States. Our pride in the All-American experience we provide is the backdrop and an ode to the historic destinations we visit, especially in New England, with places like Boston, New Bedford, Gloucester, and so many others.
Learn about maritime history with stories and songs, view hand-drawn maps and illustrations that display the geology of the New England itineraries, understand coastal wildlife, or tap your toes to the piano and banjo. Whether musical or historical, there is something for everyone to enjoy on board.
Along with the most spacious staterooms in the industry, you will experience breathtaking views and unobstructed scenery on your private balcony. In New England, we recommend soaking up the fall foliage or summertime ocean views while enjoying your morning cup of coffee or evening cocktail.
