Yankee Seaports

Arrive to Boston the night before your cruise and stay at the highly acclaimed Four Seasons Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of downtown. The morning of embarkation enjoy concierge luggage service, a full breakfast, and take part in a narrated city excursion which visits sites such as Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, concluding at the ship for seamless embarkation where your luggage will be waiting for you in your stateroom.

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

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.

During this privileged excursion, explore the impressive campus and immerse yourself in its state-of-the-art, 360-degree full bridge simulator, view the Emergency Response Operations Training Center, and learn about the Academy's green technologies while standing at the base of its massive 280-foot wind turbine.

Enjoy a presentation by The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center which celebrates the rich history of 20th Century maritime radio and explores the advances in science and technology that continue to transform our lives. 

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

During this carefully curated excursion, explore the charming village of Hyannis with stops at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Veterans Memorial Park, Cape Cod Maritime Museum, and St. Francis Xavier Church. Take time to stroll down picturesque Main Street and peruse some of the many locally-owned shops. Lunch is included. 

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

 A walking tour presented by Plimoth Patuxet Museums has been customized to connect your Plymouth experience to America's Founding Story. Visit Plymouth Rock, Cole's Hill and Massasoit's Statue; Leyden Street (original street of Plymouth Colony), Governor Bradford's statue, Brewster Gardens and Town Brook (water supply for the Pilgrims) and Town Square and Burial Hill (location of the Fort/Meeting House).

Step aboard the historic Mayflower II. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Mayflower II is a full-scale replica of the 17th-century merchant ship that brought the Pilgrims in 1620.  Also, see and learn how corn was stone-ground in 1636 at the Plimoth Grist Mill. Then, enjoy taking home a piece of history with freshly made cornmeal available for purchase at one of the 3 retails stores along the waterfront. Stop at the mill to purchase Plimoth artisan products.  

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial 

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

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

Travel by motorcoach to see the main highlights of this charming port city. Drive through Main Street viewing New London’s top sights, iconic landmarks, and unique neighborhoods. Stop by Fort Trumbull, built to protect the New London Harbor from British attack, later serving as part of the country’s coastal defense system. Venture to The United States Coast Guard Academy for a walking tour with a local guide.

Visit one of the nation’s leading aquariums. Learn about our ocean planet, while exploring the many indoor and outdoor exhibits. Feed a ray, see the only spotted seals in the continental United States, experience a California sea lion show, visit African penguin chicks, and more.

Visit Mystic Seaport Museum, the nation's leading maritime museum, with 19 acres situated along the Mystic River. Step aboard the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, a designated National Historic Landmark and the last wooden whaleship in the world. Explore a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, where you can meet blacksmiths, coopers, printers, and carvers hard at work. Discover world-class exhibitions of history, art, and more in one of the onsite galleries.

Visit the home of Florence Griswold, where the Old Lyme Art Colony flourished in the early 1900s. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, the museum brings to life the work of American Impressionist artists in the place where they once lived and painted. Explore this remarkable campus which encompasses 12-acres of historic buildings, grounds, gardens, and walking trails.

Travel to The Valley Railroad, a heritage railroad founded in 1868. Get onboard a vintage coach as a steam locomotive pulls you through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. Next, board the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a cruise along the scenic Connecticut River. Travel by the historic Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Upon Becky‘s return to Deep River Landing, the steam train will welcome you back on board for the return trip to Essex Station.

Sag Harbor was once the 6th largest whaling fleet in the nation, and the largest in New York State. Discover this small, engaging museum, which features artifacts from the whaling days of Sag Harbor, including navigational tools, scrimshaw, model ships, and changing exhibits throughout the year.

Sag Harbor is truly one of Long Island’s hidden gems. Stroll down Main Street and discover the many unique boutiques and mouthwatering restaurants. Art enthusiasts will enjoy perusing the variety of galleries around the village. Wine connoisseurs can sip away happily at one of the local wine bars.

Enjoy an evening cruise on the New York Harbor. Along the way cruise close to the iconic Statute of Liberty, lit up against the starry night sky. View the beautiful sparkling New York City Skyline and iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Freedom Towers, Ellis Island, and more.

Port Jefferson was first settled in the 17th century and remained a rural community until its development as an active shipbuilding center in the mid-19th century. Explore the Mather House Museum Complex, which features the home of the Mather family, prominent 19th-century Port Jefferson shipbuilders, a Marine Barn & Sail Loft, the Thomas Jefferson Perennial Garden, and more.

Enjoy Port Jefferson's only hops brewery, located in the heart of the village, directly across from a bustling ferry landing. Sample their wide variety of beers in the nautical-themed tasting room which offers 12 taps pouring from a handsomely handcrafted wooden-boat bar.

Board a motorcoach bound for some of the most interesting and important places in the founding of NYC, including views of the United Nations, Manhattan Municipal Building, Washington Square Park, and famous neighborhoods like The Village to name a few. Led by a native New Yorker, enjoy a one hour walking exploration of the World Trade Center Memorial to explore the Reflective Pools honoring the lives lost and the sacrifices made by the citizens of New York City.

Note: This excursion will be offered on embarkation day for cruises on American Star and American Independence. This excursion will be offered the day before disembarkation for cruises on American Constitution.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes

Join a local New Yorker for a food and crime tour of one of New York’s most famously nefarious neighborhoods, Little Italy, and get a behind the scenes look at its dark underbelly. Begin with a brief ride up to Little Italy, followed by a walking and eating tour, including at least four dedicated food stops to sample cannolis and true New York pizza, among other delicious dishes. Along the way, explore sites and figures related to La Cosa Nostra. 

Note: This excursion will be offered on embarkation day for cruises on American Star and American Independence. This excursion will be offered the day before disembarkation for cruises on American Constitution.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: Yes

Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.