New England Islands Cruise

Pre-Cruise

Our Providence Pre-Cruise Package provides you with a seamless way to experience area and easily board the ship. Arrive the day before your cruise and American Cruise Lines will handle the rest. The package includes a premium 4-star hotel stay in downtown Providence, a complete city tour on the morning of your cruise, and transportation to the ship. 

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

Excursions & Entertainment

• Providence Pre-Cruise Package
  Providence Pre-Cruise Package

  Experience all that Providence has to offer with our Pre-Cruise Package, including a one-night stay at a premium downtown hotel, conveniently located onto near to the dock. On the day of embarkation enjoy a full breakfast and a narrated exploration visiting highlights of the city, concluding at the ship for a seamless boarding process.

  Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call a Cruise Specialist at (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.

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Day 1 - Providence, RI

The state capitol of Rhode Island is known as the “Renaissance City," with a host of attractions for visitors to enjoy including acclaimed theaters, fine arts and Philharmonic performances. Over three centuries of fascinating history are preserved in Providence from Benefit Street’s “Mile of History” to the immaculate examples of Colonial and Victorian architecture.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Welcome Aboard
  Welcome Aboard

  As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

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Day 2 - New Bedford, MA

In the mid 19th-century, New Bedford was the whaling capital of the world and became the inspiration behind Herman Melville's classic American novel, Moby Dick, published in 1841.

Today, New Bedford is still known as "The Whaling City," with an authentic seaport village, large fishing fleet, and working waterfront.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Acushnet Harbor Cruise
  Acushnet Harbor Cruise

  After a hearty New England-inspired breakfast, the harbor cruise captain will greet you at the ship and take you on relaxing cruise around the historic New Bedford / Fairhaven Harbor. Admire the popular Palmer’s Island Lighthouse, a working fishing fleet, and Fort Phoenix, which dates back to the Revolutionary War. Your captain will also share insights into the local fishing industry and plenty of whaling history. After you arrive back on the ship, enjoy a seafood dinner made from the locally sourced scallops and fish. 

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

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• Fishing Heritage Museum & Working Waterfront Walking Excursion
  Fishing Heritage Museum & Working Waterfront Walking Excursion

  Once the whaling capital of the world, today, New Bedford is the nation’s most valuable fishing port. Take a shuttle to the Fishing Heritage Center, where you can learn the story of this fishing community. Watch a short orientation film, explore the Center's interactive exhibits, and browse the gift shop.  Next enjoy a guided walking exploration of New Bedford’s working waterfront where you can learn about different types of fishing vessels, shoreside businesses, the old auction, and local fishing families. 

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• New Bedford Whaling Museum - Complimentary Excursion
  New Bedford Whaling Museum - Complimentary Excursion

  In this famous whaling city, be sure to stop at the New Bedford Visitors Center and Whaling Museum, just a 10-minute walk from the ship or a short ride on the shuttle. The museum is the largest of its kind, devoted to the history of North American whaling.  At the Center, enjoy a short introductory film in the theater and time to explore, before taking a short walk across the street to visit the Whaling Museum. Explore the many engaging exhibits to gain an understanding of the industry that shaped the town of New Bedford.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• New Bedford Whaling Historical Park Walk – Complimentary Excursion
  New Bedford Whaling Historical Park Walk – Complimentary Excursion

  New Bedford was the mid-19th century’s preeminent whaling port and for a time “the richest city in the world.” Enjoy a leisure walk with a Park Ranger from the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the world’s largest whaling museum. Stroll down cobblestone streets, led by your guide, who will take you into the heart of the park and speak on the whaling history within New Bedford. Explore a whaling merchant’s home and whaleman's chapel, and walk a 19th century schooner’s decks. Walk in the footsteps of Herman Melville and Frederick Douglass and learn about a remarkable era.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial 

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Day 3 - Nantucket Island, MA

As we approach the tranquil shores of Nantucket, our captain will set anchor in the calm sound for a breathtaking view. Upon arriving ashore, be transported back to the 18th century as you step onto the timeworn cobblestone streets. Nantucket is a world unto itself, with towering church steeples and old-world architecture. Discover how this delightful island has evolved from a small farming community to becoming the center of the American whaling industry and later a popular resort community.

Excursions & Entertainment

• The Whaling Museum & Historic Buildings of Nantucket
  The Whaling Museum & Historic Buildings of Nantucket

  Featuring permanent and rotating exhibitions in 9 premium galleries, The Whaling Museum has over a thousand works of art, artifacts, and treasures on display, chronicling the Island’s fascinating history over 4 centuries. View a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton and a massive Fresnel lens. Explore a restored 1847 candle factory and as well as a fully accessible rooftop deck, offering stunning views of Nantucket harbor. At you leisure, visit the onsite historic buildings, including a Quaker Meeting House, the oldest functioning mill in the country, and the oldest residence on Nantucket still on its original site.

  Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

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• Discover Nantucket Island
  Discover Nantucket Island

  Be enchanted as you explore this quiet 19th-century island which still retains the character of the whaling era. This narrated exploration of the entire island will include its early history, including whaling stories of this popular spot, as well as a ride through the beautiful village of Siasconset known for its rose-covered cottages. 

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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Day 4 - Martha's Vineyard, MA

Martha's Vineyard was once a hub for whaling fleets and merchant ships, with exotic cargo from the far corners of the world arriving on her shores. Today, the island is one of the most popular vacation spots in New England, comprised of six distinct towns, including Chilmark and Vineyard Haven. The most genteel town on the island is historic Edgartown, prim and proper with its freshly painted Colonial homes and manicured gardens.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Views of the Vineyard with Gingerbread Cottages Exploration
  Views of the Vineyard with Gingerbread Cottages Exploration

  Enjoy a narrated tour of the island, including historic Edgartown which maintains its Greek revival architecture, 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. Later, visit the historic gingerbread cottages known for their bright colors, storybook charm, and Victorian architecture.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

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Day 5 - Block Island, RI

Block Island is a pristine island 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island. Its unspoiled beauty is maintained thanks in large part to efforts of the Nature Conservancy who have preserved over 40% of the island from overdevelopment. This small island has become a popular summertime destination, adored for its easy-going attitude, splendid nature trails, and breathtaking views.

Excursions & Entertainment

• New Harbor Walking Exploration
  New Harbor Walking Exploration

  Bandits, pirates, and armies have all visited the Island over the years. Though they physically left long ago, recent evidence, uncovered by the Block Island Ghost Tours Team, suggests that a group of real-life vampires may have used the island as a meeting place. Learn about this and much more on our brand new walking exploration through the New Harbor area. At the end of the excursion, receive a free flashlight and an “I Survived” sticker.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

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• Scenic Bluffs and Preserves Exploration
  Scenic Bluffs and Preserves Exploration

  Enjoy a narrated ride on a school bus (the only one allowed on the island) conducted by a spirited Block Island native guide. Travel along the Mohegan Bluffs, 200 feet above sea level and stretching nearly three miles, creating spectacular views of the ocean, the Southeast Lighthouse, and Old Harbor.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

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Day 6 - Newport, RI

Nestled within Narragansett Bay is Newport, the yachting capital of the world. As you stroll along the beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods, bustling wharves, and scenic waterfront, you will find Newport offers something for everyone. Visit the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame. Explore Newport's fabled past with glimpses of opulent seaside estates along the "Avenue of the Mansions."

Excursions & Entertainment

• Fort Adams Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
  Fort Adams Exploration - Complimentary Excursion

  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 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

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• Avenue of the Mansions
  Avenue of the Mansions

  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 of the tour, you will have time to explore the bustling Newport waterfront at your leisure.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

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Day 7 - Bristol, RI

Visit Battleship Cove, a unique "floating" museum recognized as the world's largest collection of 20th-century U.S. naval fighting ships. Relive childhood memories on the magnificent, fully-restored carousel at Battleship Cove, the oldest functioning carousel in America. Explore the collection of intricate model ships and other nautical keepsakes at Fall River's Marine Museum.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Lobsterbake Luncheon - Complimentary Excursion
  Lobsterbake Luncheon - Complimentary Excursion

  One of the highlights of our New England itineraries is the traditional Lobsterbake. This 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, prepared on a fire along the beach. In addition to the finest seafood in the area, we also feature live music presented by talented local musicians.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Blithewold Mansion
  Blithewold Mansion

  Blithewold is a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay. This mansion has historical significance as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place era, and for its value in representing the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. The property features a 45-room mansion filled with family heirlooms and is framed by a series of lovely gardens that range in character from historic to contemporary. Unique to Blithewold is an exceptional collection of rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, an accessible greenhouse, and whimsical stonework throughout the grounds.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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• Herreshoff Marine Museum & America's Cup Hall of Fame - Complimentary Excursion
  Herreshoff Marine Museum & America's Cup Hall of Fame - Complimentary Excursion

  Located directly across the street from where the ship docks, this museum is considered a maritime historic site and was the place where the world’s finest yachts were built during “The Golden Age of Yachting.” The America’s Cup Hall of Fame is a feature of the museum, honoring participating individuals of this 150-year old competition and most distinguished of all international sporting trophies.

  Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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Day 8 - Providence, RI

Welcome back to Providence, offering the perfect blend of small town friendliness and big city culture and sophistication. With its thriving arts community, many vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, amazing hotels, and renowned restaurant scene, you may want to stay an extra day or two longer.

Excursions & Entertainment

• Explore More in Providence
  Explore More in Providence

  Stay an extra day or even a few nights to enjoy all that Providence has to offer. Take a walk through Waterplace Park, the backdrop for the famous WaterFire art installation that lights up the surrounding tidal basin most nights in the summer. Ask your onboard Hotel Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.

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