New England Explorer Cruise – American Pioneer

Maine’s most historic seaport overlooks beautiful Casco Bay. Spend your visit exploring its gallant 360-year history or check out its amazing cultural scene. Big-city excitement blends delightfully with small-town charm here as fishing vessels bustle in the harbor and Victorian-era buildings still line cobblestone streets.

Long known as the “City of Ships,” Bath finds its identity in shipbuilding. From its architecture and cultural offerings to its urban downtown, Bath’s shipbuilding roots define its character. Walk Bath’s streets and admire the seaport’s tree-lined avenues, graced with classic examples of American architecture. Or explore the nationally acclaimed Maine Maritime Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits about Maine’s nautical history.

This lovely, historic town is lined with shops, boutiques, and picture-perfect harbors dotted with lobster boats, pleasure crafts, and windjammers. Boothbay is the largest boating harbor north of Boston, earning the moniker of “Boating Capital of New England.”

The natural beauty that surrounds Bar Harbor is accented with ocean cliffs, glacier‐formed lakes and valleys, stunning mountain vistas, and pine forest. This beauty has been captured in the works of Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church, and many other great artists. Lobstering is a centuries‐old industry that continues to thrive in Bar Harbor as well as boat building, another traditional business that is an important part of the economy. Though Bar Harbor region is best known for its outdoor activities, it is also home to small museums, cultural attractions, and historically significant landmarks.

Bangor, the third-largest city in the state, is located on the western bank of the picturesque Penobscot River. The proximity of the river made Bangor the “lumber capital of the world” for much of the 19th century, earning it the title of “Queen City” of Maine. Also known as the hometown to author Stephen King, Bangor is the inspiration of his fictional town of Derry, Maine, the setting of many of his novels. During your time in Bangor, view where Stephen King lived and worked on a guided excursion. Charter a boat and enjoy a fishing adventure in pursuit of the area’s renowned smallmouth bass.

Full of classic schooners, this charming village is considered the “Tall Ship Capital of Maine.” Enjoy the summer sun and refreshing sea breezes as you watch beautiful ships sail into the harbor or browse the quaint shops and art galleries. Bring your camera to capture ocean vistas, placid coastlines, and panoramic views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands from atop Mount Battie.

Portsmouth is a city where the past and present coexist harmoniously. Admire the colorful 17th-century homes that adorn the streets, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Explore the lush gardens and picturesque walkways Prescott Park, located right along the harbor. Explore Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum where historic houses represent life in the 1600s to the 1900s. Engage with costumed roleplayers representing families from different eras in this historic waterfront neighborhood. Shop and dine Market Square, filled with great boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, as well as local wineries.

Located a few miles from Boston, Gloucester is the home to America’s original seaport and the oldest working art colony in North America. The town’s picturesque waterfront has drawn fishermen, artists, and visitors for over four hundred years. With over 60 miles of coastline, there is a wealth of stunning views to enjoy and plenty of fresh seafood to savor.

Originally settled as an artists colony, Provincetown is now one of the most popular summer destinations on Cape Cod. Known for its quaint shops, colorful architecture, and relaxing beaches, Provincetown offers guests a great opportunity to explore historic Cape Cod culture.

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. Explore Newport’s fabled past with glimpses of opulent seaside estates along the “Avenue of the Mansions.”

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Martha’s Vineyard was a hub for merchant ships carrying exotic cargo from the far corners of the world. Today, the island is one of the most popular vacation spots in New England, comprised of six distinct towns. Historic Edgartown is the most genteel town on the island, featuring freshly painted white clapboard colonial homes and manicured gardens.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Martha’s Vineyard was a hub for merchant ships carrying exotic cargo from the far corners of the world. Today, the island is one of the most popular vacation spots in New England, comprised of six distinct towns. Historic Edgartown is the most genteel town on the island, featuring freshly painted white clapboard colonial homes and manicured gardens. 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.

Plymouth is a coastal town, and the site of the first Pilgrim settlement, founded in 1620. Plymouth Rock, a boulder in Pilgrim Memorial State Park, marks the place where settlers are thought to have landed on shore. The Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims across the Atlantic, is usually anchored at the park.