An important factor in selecting a cruise ship itinerary is the interesting shore excursions offered at the ship’s ports of call. The diversity and number of Boston’s shore excursions make it a popular port of call on Canada/New England cruises.
There is something for every interest. See the wonderfully restored collection of colonial-era historic sites that played a role in the lead up to the America’s independence. Walk across the Boston Common, America’s oldest public park, established in 1634. Glide around Frog Pond in a Swan Boat. Browse bookstores and eclectic shops around Harvard Square. Tour venerable Fenway Park. Experience fine art at the Museum of Fine Art or the Isabella Stewart Gardner. Browse the antiques on Charles Street. Walk through ancient King’s Chapel Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground. Sidle up to the bar at CHEERS; shop high end boutiques lining charming Newbury Street; savor clam chowder or a lobster roll at Legal Seafood; discover souvenirs at Faneuil Hall Marketplace/Quincy Market.
There’s a scenic photo op around every corner in Boston. It’s a city of contrasts, one in which iconic historic sites, quaint cobblestone streets, ancient burying grounds and picturesque brownstones coexist with steel and glass skyscrapers, dramatic contemporary museums and broad avenues lined with glossy boutiques and trendy restaurants.
While we all hope to have a rain-free vacation, there’s no reason to worry about finding a wide range of rainy day activities in Boston. Getting around in the rain is easy too. Between the MBTA’s system of subways and buses, which fan out from the center of the city to just about anywhere, and the Old Town Trolley Tour which gets you around historic Downtown, North End, Back Bay, Chinatown, Theater District, Cambridge and Seaport District, with 19 stops close to must-see places, where you can hop off for a short walk to visit a favorite place, then hop back when you’re ready to continue the loop tour until you want to hop again for the next rainy activity on your list. Grab an umbrella, put on comfortable water-tolerant shoes to visit these:
BOSTON
The best way to travel the just over 200 miles between NYC and Boston for a weekend getaway is by Amtrak train. It takes less time and has far less hassles than driving or flying.
Rich in well-preserved colonial-era historic sites, wonderful world-class museums, interesting attractions, an active harbor front and distinct neighborhoods, Boston is a seamless blend of colonial and contemporary. Here’s a recommended schedule to get the most out of a 2-day trip: