Rates & Dates
Days/Nights: 8 days / 7 nights
Prices: From $3,395 pp
Sale: Early Bird Specials on 2010 Cruises
$500 off per cabin on all cruises before 07/31/10!
2010 Departures:
May 30Jun 5, 6, 20, 26
Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Aug 7, 14, 21, 28
Sep 4, 11, 18, 25
New England Islands
This small-ship harbor-hopping cruise includes Providence, New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, and much more in 8 scenic days
Begin your Harbor Hopping adventure in Providence, RI, a thriving city that has been lovingly preserved, while enthusiastically embracing the 21st-century. As your ship cruises down Narragansett Bay you'll visit New Bedford, still proud of its seafaring past and now home to a contemporary working waterfront, where much of the downtown is a National Historic Park. Spend an afternoon at the Whaling Museum viewing the world's largest American whaling and maritime history collections, or visit Seaman's Bethel, the chapel described by Herman Melville in the opening chapters of Moby Dick.
Continue with stops at the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, summer resorts that have always welcomed visitors to their white sand beaches, flower-strewn meadows and meandering trails first forged by generations of Native Americans. Delight in the whimsical gingerbread cottages and exquisitely tended country gardens of the Vineyard, or gaze out toward the Atlantic from the heights of Gay Head Cliffs. Nantucket offers a cobblestoned town center filled with galleries, shops, and buildings from traditional clapboard houses to solid Quaker brick mansions. You'll be charmed by Block Island: its 10 square miles of paradise, designated by The Nature Conservancy as one of the `Last Great Places on Earth.' Back in Narragansett Bay is Bristol, RI, famous for the America's Cup Hall of Fame which celebrates the yachts that for decades dominated the world's most exclusive sporting event. You'll see even more boating history in Newport, RI one of the prettiest ports in New England. Take in the city's rich heritage with a tour of the `summer cottages' of Vanderbilts and Astors which ushered in the lavish Gilded Age; seek out the classic colonial homes, the nation's first church steeple or oldest synagogue, library or tavern-all to be found in the City by the Sea.
With all there is to see and do on this itinerary, it's certain that your appreciation of our Harbor Hopping cruise will be enhanced by the on board experience. Be sure to feast on local lobsters and seafood, to chat with our knowledgeable, entertaining guest speakers and to cherish the invaluable opportunity you've had to spend a week on a small ship exploring America's maritime heritage.
l 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 and celebrated in Providence from Benefit Street’s “Mile of History” to immaculate examples of Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture. There are plenty of historic landmarks to discover, such as the Rhode Island State House, the John Brown House and the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church in America, or explore this glorious New England harbor at your leisure.
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l Day 2 - New Bedford, MA
In the mid-nineteenth century, New Bedford was the whaling capital of the world, and became the inspiration behind Herman Melville's classic American novel Moby Dick in 1841. Today New Bedford is still known as "The Whaling City", with an authentic seaport village, large fishing fleet and working waterfront. The New Bedford Whaling Museum houses the world's largest collection of whaling artifacts, including a ship model so large, you can climb aboard! The County Street historic area features dozens of whaling era mansions worthy of admiring. An interesting self-guided walking tour of the waterfront begins just a few steps from the ship!
l Day 3 - Nantucket Island, MA
Be transported back to the 18th century as you step off your ship onto the timeworn cobblestone streets of Nantucket. Discover how this delightful island evolved from a small farming community to be the center of the American whaling industry to a popular resort community. Although just a short cruise from the mainland, Nantucket is a world unto itself, with towering church steeples and old-world architecture. Take a tour that offers glimpses of the island's historical landmarks, modern art galleries and its famous whaling museum. Or stroll down streets lined with charming shops, ice cream parlors, and rose-covered cottages, before watching the sunset from Nantucket's pristine beaches.
l Day 4 - Martha’s Vineyard, MA
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Martha's Vineyard was a hub for whaling fleets and merchant ships, with exotic cargo from 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 Chillmark and Vineyard Haven. The most genteel town on the island is historic Edgartown, all prim and proper with its freshly painted, white clapboard colonial homes and manicured gardens. Oak Bluffs offers visitors an array of wooden gingerbread cottages and inviting shops and eateries in which to browse. Martha's Vineyard is also home to the picturesque Gay Head Cliffs, renowned for the multicolored earth that was once the main source of paint for the island's houses.
l Day 5 - Bristol, RI / Fall River, MA
A stop at Fall River is not complete without a visit to Battleship Cove - a unique "floating" museum recognized as the world's largest collection of 20th century U.S. naval fighting vessels. Relive your childhood memories on the magnificent, fully restored carousel at Battleship Cove - the oldest functioning carousel in America. You may also wish to explore a collection of intricate model ships and other nautical keepsakes from the golden days of great sail ships and luxury steamships at Fall River's Marine Museum. The museum also hosts the largest exhibit of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia in the United States.
l Day 6 - Newport, RI
Nestled within Narragansett Bay is Rhode Island's famous Newport - the Yachting Capital of the World! As you stroll the beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods, bustling wharves and scenic waterfront, you'll find that Newport has a distinct nautical flavor and offers something for everyone. Visit the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame. Or explore Newport's fabled past with glimpses of opulent seaside estates along the "Avenue of the Mansions", renowned museums, art galleries and historic landmarks.
l Day 7 - Block Island, RI
Stroll along Mohegan Bluffs and admire the Southeast Lighthouse, located along the scenic southern shore of the island. The bluffs rise sharply 200 feet above the ocean and stretch 3 miles along the shoreline. This small, pristine island off the coast of Rhode Island has quickly become a favorite summertime destination, adored for its "laid back" attitude, splendid nature trails and breathtaking bluffs.
l Day 8 - Providence, RI
Itinerary Subject to Change
