The Cape Codder Cruise

The Hammond Castle, constructed between 1926 and 1929, is a true European castle located on the New England Shoreline. The home, which sits on a rocky cliff overlooking picturesque Gloucester Harbor, was the residence and laboratory of inventor John Hays Hammond, Jr. who was pioneered the study of remote control and held over four hundred patents. Led by our expert guide, explore this medieval castle, which incorporated elements from several architectural periods and styles. View the most famous feature in the home, a gigantic pipe organ, an instrument designed and built by a collection of world-famous organ builders over a period of ten years.

Maritime Gloucester is a multifaceted campus experience, connecting visitors to an authentic working waterfront and the marine life and science of the harbor. On the pier, discover America’s oldest marine railway and working sheds that served the fishing fleet, as well as the Schooner Ardelle and Schooner Adventure – significant vessels representing the evolution of the schooner. Inside Exhibit Hall, explore the Gorton’s Seafood Schooner Gallery and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Exhibit. Complete your excursion at the Sea Pocket Aquarium and Wet Lab, where visitors can see and touch local marine species and learn the science behind their habitats. After visiting the Maritime Gloucester, enjoy a narrated exploration of Gloucester and Rocky Neck. Highlights include Stacy Boulevard, where passengers can view the famous statue, “Man at the Wheel,” Downtown Gloucester, and East Gloucester, also referred to as Rocky Neck.

Sail on board the Schooner Lannon (65-foot boat) and get a taste for what it was like to sail on a fishing schooner 100 years ago. Along your journey, sit back and take in the sights and sounds of Gloucester's coastline. Breathe the refreshing air and feel the wind on your face as you witness lighthouses, castles, scenic beaches, and magnificent waterfront homes.

Located at the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown is a popular summer vacation destination known for its beaches, harbors, and local art community. Affectionately referred to as “P-Town,” learn all about the area’s rich history and culture. Experience Commerce Street and enjoy the diverse shops and restaurants, before heading to Race Point Beach for a visit to the Race Point Lighthouse. A trip to Provincetown would not be complete without visiting the Provincetown Library, whose unique interior features an actual sailing ship, Rose Dorothea.

Led by our expert guide, visit the campus of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Surrounded by the picturesque waters of Buzzards Bay, this renowned marine college is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to train the next generation of industry leaders and maritime professionals. Explore the impressive grounds, learn about life at the academy, a view the USTS Kennedy, a former commercial freighter and a current training vessel of the United States Maritime Service which is located at the academy.

Enjoy a visit to John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, a multimedia experience, featuring videos and photographs of JFK and the time he spent on Cape Cod from 1934 to 1963. Explore the many engaging exhibits which are arranged in thematic groupings to reflect the man, his family, his friends, and his experiences on the Cape, relaxing with family and sailing on the ocean to which he was constantly drawn. Watch a special video, narrated by Walter Cronkite, which depicts the president's experiences on the Cape.

Explore the charming historic downtown of Hyannis, a small fishing village that grew into a prosperous seaport in the nineteenth century. Today, it is a vibrant place with a variety of museums, galleries, unique locally-owned shops, and restaurants. Discover the rich maritime history of Hyannis, reflected in historic storefronts, the Colonial and Greek Revival homes of sea captains, and the working harbor waterfront. Walk the Kennedy Legacy Trail with many fascinating stops, including the Kennedy family church and the location of his presidential election acceptance speech.

Enjoy a narrated tour of the island, including historic Edgartown which maintains its Greek Revival architecture, Oak Bluffs with its quaint gingerbread cottages, the scenic harbor of Vineyard Haven, and West Tisbury reminiscent of a Currier & Ives print. Stroll through the quaint village of Edgartown where you will have time to shop and explore.

Travel back in time to the epicenter of 19th-century opulence as a knowledgeable guide takes you down one of the most architecturally impressive avenues in the world. Learn about the owners of the homes and their monetary successes as you travel along the spectacular Ocean View Drive and Bellevue Avenue, stopping at the “grande dame” of them all, The Breakers Mansion.

A portrayal of the social and financial prominence of the Vanderbilt family at the turn of the century, the architecture of this seventy-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo is remarkable. Take a leisurely audio tour of the home and learn about the Vanderbilt family and the inspiration for their building this impressive summer “cottage.” At the conclusion, take time to explore the bustling Newport waterfront at your leisure.

Newport boasts one of the finest natural harbors in the world. The night before your arrival, engage in an enlightening lecture of how Newport’s earliest settlers protected the harbor from intruders and also used it to achieve monetary successes. The intimate size of our ship allows us to dock right at Fort Adams, the well-known fort used to protect the harbor, and puts us just a short ride away from Newport’s bustling riverfront.

Our onboard lecturer will walk you over to the fort and answer any questions you may have before leading you to a knowledgeable park ranger who will delve deeper into the history of the fort and the military and naval strategies implemented there.