New England Explorer Cruise

Experience the essence of Boston with our optional hotel upgrade, offering a seamless transition into the heart of the city. Located downtown, your hotel provides easy access to all that Boston has to offer before your voyage begins.

Enjoy a narrated exploration of Boston on your way to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Explore this fascinating destination, dedicated to preserving and providing access to the legacy of the 35th President of the United States.

As the day unfolds, bid farewell to the city streets and step aboard your awaiting vessel. Let American Cruise Lines handle every detail, from transporting your luggage to ensuring a smooth transition onto the ship. Cruise out of Boston Harbor in the afternoon, surrounded by the tranquility of the sea and the promise of adventure on the horizon.

Hotel upgrades must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.

As you board the ship, be welcomed by the crew who will ensure that every detail of your journey is seamless. Take the time to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of small-ship cruising.

From panoramic deck views to thoughtfully designed lounges, every corner of the ship offers a chance to relax, socialize, and prepare for the memorable adventures that await.

Drink through Portland beer history on this leisurely walking excursion. Visit and learn about notable Portland landmarks, including numerous former brewery sites, the U.S. Custom House, the Workingmen’s Club, the Mariners’ Church, the Seamen’s Club, and the working waterfront that was essential for importing many goods and the exporting of alcohol, during times of prohibition. As part of this historical journey, we will stop at three legendary Portland breweries for a sample of craft beer, including Shipyard Brewing Company, Sebago Brewing Company, and Gritty McDuff’s.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial

Board the Elizabeth Grace for a cruise around scenic Portland Harbor and out into Casco Bay. While sipping local craft beer, keep your eyes open for potential seal sightings, as well as the multiple lighthouses, islands, and forts. Light refreshments, including non-alcoholic beverages, are available throughout.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Portland is Maine’s largest city-by-the-sea. The Old Port waterfront features working fishing wharves and converted warehouses with restaurants and shops. The Western Promenade is a public park atop a bluff, offering river and mountain views. Its surrounding district, the West End, is full of Victorian-era homes

Meet your local guide for a narrated exploration. View Longfellow’s boyhood home, sea captains’ houses and the elegant Victorian Mansion. Travel through historic neighborhoods overlooking the islands of Casco Bay in Portland Harbor. Stop at Portland Head Light in Fort Williams Park, a historic landmark and the most photographed lighthouse in America.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Board the Elizabeth Grace for this exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience. The stone fortresses built in the early 19th century in Portland Harbor are imposing reminders of days in the not so distant past when the defense of our coastline required their presence. Despite their prominence, the forts are not easy to access for a variety of reasons, and most locals and visitors have never been to Fort Scammel, the only fort in the Portland Harbor to see active combat. On your way to the fort, enjoy some other great sights of the bay, including iconic lighthouses. Upon arrival, explore the grounds of this impressive historic structure. 

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 460-4518 for information.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No

See Portland from a local’s perspective on a relaxed electric bicycle ride around the city’s downtown peninsula. Pedal at an easy pace through the working waterfront, vibrant districts, and quiet residential streets that reveal the city’s authentic character. During your ride, your guide will share stories of Portland’s maritime heritage and evolving identity. Sights along the way may include the brick sidewalks of the Old Port, tree-lined promenades overlooking Casco Bay, charming historic homes, and bustling harbor scenes, all offering a closer look at the city beyond its scenic views.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information. 

Take a guided walk through Portland’s Old Burying Ground, preserving centuries of the city’s past and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore the cemetery’s underground tombs, see the oldest grave marker dating to 1717, and visit the final resting place of the captains from the 1813 battle between the Boxer and the Enterprise. Admire the carvings of Portland’s first stonecutter, Bartlett Adams, and learn about early gravestone art, notable local figures, and key moments in the city’s history.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

Known as the Jewel of the Maine Coast, Camden is nestled between the Penobscot Bay and the rugged Mount Battie. Enjoy a narrated journey through Camden Hills State Park and a stop at the top of the mountain for stunning panoramic views of shining lakes, the busy harbor, and the islands of the Penobscot Bay. The exploration continues through the villages of Camden and Rockport, as well as the notable Rockport Belted Galloways. Next, stop at Rockport Harbor's Marine Park, featuring historic lime kilns, lobster boats, and the statue of Rockport's famous seal Andre.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Just before enjoying the Lobsterbake Luncheon at Sharp’s Point South, visit the Sail Power & Steam Museum, a working “hands on” museum with sail making and rigging rooms. Enjoy “make ‘n break” gas stationery and steam engines, old ship building tools, hand tools, and architectural builder’s half models.

The museum has a complete boat shop with caulking tools, a working sail maker’s bench, and a navigation room with two working radars. Also in the museum is a shipwreck room featuring wrecks of 1898, a real working lime kiln, and an extensive model display of schooners and steam boats of the Penobscot.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Explore the museums of Rockland with visits to Owls Head Transportation Museum and Farnsworth Museum. The Owls Head Transportation Museum has one of the finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles in the world. More than 100 historic aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, carriages, and engines are on permanent display. Enjoy the museum’s outstanding collection, view late 19th-century automobiles, or even ride in a Model T.

The Farnsworth Museum features the permanent collection, “Maine in America,” which focuses on Maine artists and The Wyeth Center. The Farnsworth Art Museum is one of only two centers in the country dedicated to the three generations of Wyeths: N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Take to the skies on a flightseeing adventure and experience the beauty of Maine’s coast. As you soar above the islands and shoreline, your guide will share stories of island life, lobsterman rivalries, and the close-knit communities that have flourished here for generations. 

Take in breathtaking views of iconic lighthouses, including Marshall Point, Tenants Harbor, and Owls Head, as well as the charming towns of Camden, Rockport, and Port Clyde. Marvel at landmarks such as Mount Battie in Camden, Rockport’s historic mansions, and Rockland’s waterfront. Glide over Spruce Head’s harbors, the Muscle Ridge Islands, and the quarries of Tenants Harbor. Keep watch for lobster boats, ferries, seals, and even bald eagles that frequent this remarkable coastline.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information. 

Set sail on a relaxing cruise aboard the Schooner Heron, a beautifully crafted 65-foot John Alden–designed vessel, departing from Rockport Harbor. Glide across the waters of Penobscot Bay, taking in sweeping views of the rugged Camden Hills, pine-covered islands, and Maine’s pristine, unspoiled coastline. Your experienced crew, Captains Nigel “Twig” and Bonnie, will share engaging stories of the region’s rich maritime heritage as you watch for harbor seals, porpoises, and seabirds along the way. Uncover picturesque islands, scenic coves, and notable coastal landmarks, all while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of a classic Maine schooner sail.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

Acadia National Park encompasses 47,633 acres of granite-domed mountains and ocean shoreline. Enjoy an excursion that features two stops inside the Park: The top of Cadillac Mountain (highest point on the eastern seaboard at 1500+ ft.) and Thunder Hole with a spectacular ocean view. This excursion will take you to the must see places of Acadia, all the while providing you with the stories behind the sights. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Come aboard the Miss Samantha, a 56’ vessel with ample bench seating, a touch tank for ocean critters, and an open bow for photography and viewing opportunities. Watch experienced fisherman haul in lobster traps from the ocean floor as a professional naturalist describes everything and answers all your questions about lobster fishing and marine wildlife. Once the traps are hauled in, you can touch lobsters, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea stars, and anything else comes up from the sea floor. About half way through the cruise, you will head off to a small island to view seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby water. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Experience a full day in Bar Harbor. Start the day with a guided driving exploration of Acadia National Park, which encompasses 47,633 acres of granite-domed mountains and ocean shoreline. This excursion will take you to the must-see places of Acadia, all while providing you with the stories behind the sights, including two stops inside the park: The top of Cadillac Mountain (highest point on the eastern seaboard at 1500+ ft.) and Thunder Hole with a spectacular ocean view. 

Following your exploration of Acadia, enjoy an included lunch on shore in Bar Harbor. After this dining experience, you will be escorted to your Bar Harbor Nature Cruise, one of the most beautiful ways to experience Frenchman Bay and Acadia National Park. Begin your nature cruise, following the East Coast of Mount Desert Island with opportunities to see the most stunning shoreline of Acadia National Park. Look for bald eagles, peregrine falcons, harbor porpoise, seals, and other wildlife. Along the way, listen to a professional naturalist who is excited to share interesting stories of natural and human history, provide a running narrative, and answer your questions.

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Partial

Explore the Abbe Museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Maine's Native American tribes. Established in 1928, the museum offers exhibits that highlight the rich heritage and traditions of the Wabanaki people, including their art and history. Through rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives. Visitors can engage with traditional and contemporary Wabanaki artwork, archaeological artifacts, and oral histories that bring the past and present to life.  

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Hidden on the Boothbay peninsula is New England's most extensive botanical garden. Immerse yourself in more than 300 acres of stunning gardens, walking trails, and educational resources. From the Native Butterfly and Moth House to the Rhododendron and Perennial Garden, there is something for everyone.  

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Travel back in time on a scenic stroll through the heart of Boothbay Harbor. Your local guide will share tales of the village’s hidden history, from the ancient Red Paint People of Maine to the historic homes of sea captains and the legendary harbor islands where America’s early beginnings unfolded. On your journey, you will pass the Tugboat Inn, visit the Boothbay Shipyard where tall ships have been built since 1869, and cross the iconic 1901 Footbridge. Keep your eyes open, as you may even uncover clues to a 95-year-old local mystery.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial

Savor the flavors of Boothbay Harbor on a leisurely stroll through this charming coastal village. Led by your friendly guide, discover the stories behind beloved, locally owned restaurants and specialty shops while sampling the tastes that define life here, including rich lobster chowder, fresh local cheeses, award-winning seafood bites, gourmet popcorn, and decadent pastries. Along the way, enjoy the sights of the harbor, shop for unique treats, and let this delicious exploration serve as your lunch for the day.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information. 

Explore the natural beauty and artistic heritage of Boothbay Harbor on a guided e-bike excursion. Your local guide will share the stories and sights that make this coastal town so captivating. Visit Villard Studios, where an artist demonstrates the rare technique of American White Line Print, now part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Along the way, pedal past a rustic 1920s log cabin village, follow a historic Indian trail near Lobster Cove, and soak in breathtaking views of harbor islands and iconic lighthouses.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information. 

Discover the scenic beauty of Boothbay Harbor on a guided kayaking adventure. Your guide will introduce you to the harbor’s working waterfront, historic shipwrecks, and quaint coastal inns as you navigate past tall ships and active lobster boats. Take in views of pine-studded islands, rugged shorelines, and picturesque vistas of the outer harbor. This experience offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of Maine’s coastal life.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

Explore Bath, the fourth largest seaport in the U.S. in the mid-1800s. Led by a local guide, enjoy an immersive, personalized, and fun walk along the quaint, yet vibrant, streets of this picturesque downtown. As you view the places where history unfolded, hear stories about the prominent people and events of this 19th-century center of shipbuilding worldwide. Learn about Maine’s geologic features and natural resources, native peoples, European settlement, role in the Civil War and World Wars, as well as the post-war preservation efforts that made Bath what it is today. You will walk away with an understanding of Bath and Maine's roles in American history. 

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Partial

Explore the Maine Maritime Museum at your leisure and experience Maine’s rich seafaring history on the banks of the Kennebec River. From historic watercraft restoration to blacksmithing, lighthouses to lobstering, a Victorian home to contemporary interpretations of “maritime,” discover a connection to the past, present, and future of Maine’s waterways, and along the way discover the real Maine.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Take this convenient shuttle to The Freeport Outlets, home to L.L. Bean Factory Store. Explore this laid-back shopping destination, featuring a variety of name-brand outlet stores, craft boutiques, and eateries.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Long known as the “City of Ships,” Bath’s shipyards line its river’s edge and Bath-built vessels sail the seas of the world. Hop aboard the Bath Town Shuttle, which picks up at the Maine Maritime Museum, and enjoy a ride around town with stops at the General Store, Visitor Center, and Downtown area. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Hop aboard the Rockin' Spartan Too for a private photography and sightseeing exploration by boat around the scenic Mid-coast Maine area captained by USCG Captain Dave Cleaveland, a longtime professional photographer in Maine. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to see eagles, osprey, seals and other wildlife, up to 10 lighthouses, several different rivers, working lobster boats, a Civil War fort, fishing villages, and Boothbay Harbor. Need a little help with your photography? Captain Dave will get you in the right spot for the best light for your photos and will help you with your photography skills.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

Visit the Gaffney family farm, Eros Oyster, a working oyster farm on Robinhood Cove, Georgetown Island. Be greeted by one of the farmers who will introduce you to the business, its history, and the technology used to grow oysters. 

Take a short walk to the waterfront to see the operation up-close. View the nursery where oyster babies are fed 24/7 in giant test tubes, as well as the shaker table and tumbler where the farmers shape and sort the oysters at every stage of growth. See the culling tables where market-ready oysters are selected for delivery or shipment overnight to customers around the country.  

At a scenic site overlooking the Cove, learn how to shuck (and eat) oysters on the half shell. Enjoy some just-harvested chilled oysters, which you can shuck yourself or with the help of a farmer. As you savor this delectable treat, you will have a chance to ask questions as well as purchase merchandise as well as additional oysters to bring back to the ship.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

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.  

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

Maritime Gloucester is a working waterfront, maritime museum, sea pocket aquarium, and so much more all rolled into one exciting destination. Learn about the rich maritime heritage of Gloucester along with its unique marine environment through interactive exhibits, the visitor center and more. The museum is a nonprofit educational organization built within a collection of historic buildings and on America's oldest marine railway. Galleries, exhibits, a wooden pier with unique views of Gloucester's harbor, and the home of two local working schooners are complemented by a seapocket aquarium and science education center that includes touch tanks and interactive experiences. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a presentation inside the upper gallery and a guided walk around the docks outdoors. There will be time to self-explore the aquarium and gift shop before returning to ship. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Visit Salem, where centuries of rich history and maritime heritage come vividly to life. Step inside The House of the Seven Gables, a beautifully preserved 17th-century seaside mansion that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel.

As you explore the home, your guide will bring its storied past to life with engaging tales of the families who lived there and the era it represents. Wander through rooms filled with authentic period furnishings, discover hidden passageways and winding staircases, and take in views of the surrounding waterfront grounds, each element offering a glimpse into Salem’s layered legacy and enduring charm.

Activity Level: Moderate - High | ADA Accessible: No

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information. 

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails), Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

Visit Fort Adams, the well-known fort used to protect the harbor, and puts us just a short ride away from Newport’s bustling riverfront. View the “Officer’s Quarters” and ascend to the scenic overlook for a breathtaking view of Newport Harbor. Learn about past and future plans for the restoration of the Fort and enter the restored casemates to visit the latest historical exhibit. The listening tunnels beneath the walls of the Fort are a marvel of architecture and engineering and represent 180 years of American military history and culture.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Visit The Breakers, an iconic 70-room mansion that reflects the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial prominence at the turn of the century, with remarkable architecture inspired by an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. 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 of the tour, you will have time to explore the bustling Newport waterfront at your leisure.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Watch the unveiling of a traditional, old-fashioned lobsterbake, followed by a delicious lunch. Be treated to fresh lobster, steamed clams and mussels, warm corn on the cob, and baked rolls – a true New England experience.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy a complimentary shuttle into the center of town to enjoy stops in Newport at your leisure. Stops include:

• International Tennis Hall of Fame - Set in The Newport Casino, it’s a National Historic Landmark that was first opened on July 26, 1880, as a social club for Newport’s turn of the century summer elite. Its mission is to preserve and promote the history of tennis and celebrate its champions.
   
• Audrain Auto Museum - Founded in 2014 in Newport, Rhode Island with a mission of "Preserving, Celebrating & Sharing Automotive History," the Audrain Automobile Museum and historic Audrain Building was transformed into a captivating exhibition space, fit specifically for our cultural needs. The museum welcomes visitors with access to collections containing over 400 cars and motorcycles ranging from brass era Veteran cars to Supercars of today.
   
• The Red Parrot Restaurant - In the heart of downtown Newport where streets lined with shopping boutiques, visitor information, local favorites, and gift shops await.
   
• The Sailing Museum – This museum features National Sailing Hall of Fame and America’s Cup Hall of Fame exhibits. In the space once used as the Press Room for the America’s Cup the heritage of sailing is celebrated, the legends of the sport honored, and new sailors and innovators inspired. Interactive educational exhibits provide real-world applications of STEAM concepts that come alive through sailing; and visitors of all ages, non-sailors, and sailors alike, experience the magic that happens when wind and water meet.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Take a narrated exploration of historic and famous Newport. With the brilliant Atlantic Ocean on one side and some of the country’s most impressive properties on the other, this celebrated trail is an unforgettable one. Drive along the 10-mile, spectacular Ocean View Drive and Bellevue Ave— “Avenue of the Mansions.” The highlight of the excursion is a stop at the Breakers, a seventy-room mansion and National Historic Landmark built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1895. A short stop will be made for picture opportunities at a beautiful waterfront lookout at Brenton Point State Park.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy a narrated exploration of Martha’s Vineyard. Begin with the busy harbor town of Vineyard Haven, a year-round port which has been the entry port to the island since the mid-1600s. Travel to the scenic up-island countryside, passing through the historic farming towns of West Tisbury, and enjoying the scenic panoramic vistas of Chilmark. Prepare to be captivated by Aquinnah's stunning multi-colored clay cliffs, punctuated with the impressive Gay Head Lighthouse. Here, you will have time to capture the beauty in photographs and stretch your legs. Continue to Edgartown, viewing the Greek Revival Architecture of sea captain’s homes along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore and shop, before returning to the ship.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

Led by an island native and author, learn about the past, present, and future of Martha’s Vineyard, from its role in the American Revolution to its transportation and commerce history. Pass by and get the inside story on popular local establishments, including the Martha’s Vineyard Times building, the Black Dog, Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant, and the Mansion House Hotel. Hear about the celebrities who have lived on the island, from Mike Wallace to Carly Simon, and discover the movies that have been filmed here, including the iconic movie Jaws.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes
 

Explore Martha's Vineyard Museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, art, and culture of Martha's Vineyard and its residents. The museum's vast collections feature artifacts, documents, photographs, and artworks that chronicle the island's diverse heritage, from its Native American roots to its maritime history and contemporary life. With a diverse array of exhibits, the museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Martha's Vineyard's past and present.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Take this convenient island transportation around Martha’s Vineyard at your leisure. You can explore Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, or any other towns of interest. Step on and off the Vineyard Transit Bus as many times as you would like throughout the day as you stroll the cute shops and restaurants on the island. Maps, schedules, and tips for riding the local bus are available on the ship’s port information table and online. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Have you ever wanted to meet an alpaca, face-to-face? On this delightful excursion, Island Alpaca Co. will introduce you to the wonderful world of alpacas. Over 70 alpacas live on this 19-acre farm and enjoy grazing, hanging out in a 200-year-old barn, and meeting people. Explore the farm, pet alpacas, and learn about alpaca farming. After, visit the onsite store which offers all things alpaca, from sweaters, hats, scarves, and mittens to summer-weight garments, alpaca toys, décor, and more. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Take a convenient afternoon shuttle to Oak Bluffs, where you can explore everything from gingerbread cottages to Ocean Park at your leisure. During your self-guided exploration, visit Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest continuously operating carousel in the United States. Spend time strolling through the shops and enjoying the numerous restaurants, cafés, and ice cream shops. 
    
Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial

Why not stay a day or two more to visit Boston’s many fine museums, as well as the New England Aquarium? You may also choose to walk the popular Freedom Trail which includes historic landmarks such as the Bunker Hill Monument, the Old North Church, and Paul Revere’s house.