Independent Shore Excursions in Canada/New England

[SailBadtheSinner]

The center of Newport is easily walkable but if you’re not in condition to do so, I would suggest an excursion from the cruise ship, such as a mansion excursion, preferrably to the Breakers including Ocean Drive and Bellevue Ave or a habor tour or similar. Not too far from the tender dock are Bowens Wharf http://www.bowenswharf.com/ and Bannisters Wharf http://www.bannisterswharf.net/ for shopping and good restaurants.

 

 

SBtS

 

[138east]

In Boston the Old Town "hoho" trolley picks up near the pier. You can ride around and see the city and get off and on if you like.

[TrojanJulez]

Thank you all again for all of the help! It definitely seems like we can do without all of the ship's shore excursions! Now that we only have 105 days until we sail, I've been really starting to research, and your tips have steered me in the right direction for sure! Thanks again!

[Colorado_Cruising]

From Colorado and not familiar with the East Coast. On our HAL crusie in September we are tendering into Gloucester. Is the same as Boston? Any recommendations as what to do there?

[138east]

Gloucester is about 40 miles from downtown Boston and at least an hour's drive depending on traffic. Not really something you can easily do on your own.

 

What are you interested in? Downtown Rockport is a quaint artsy seaside town that has interesting shops. If you rent a car you can go to Rockport, the Crane Estate in Ipswich, Woodman's for a real "clam shack" experience, Hammond Castle in Gloucester or just drive the coast road around Cape Ann.

 

Do some research and come back with questions. What are the excursions being offered by the ship?

[Ann262]

Wow, lots of good information here. Thank you all!

[Seabreeze8]

Halifax - Bruce's tours - Peggy's Cove & Lunenburg, a wonderful day. Lunenburg is a UNESCO heritage site fishing village with beautiful wooden historical houses. The school looks like a wedding cake. We arrived at Peggy's Cove later in the day, after the mobs of people.

 

Loved the Lighthouse Boat ride in Bar Harbor. We have done whale watches, nature cruises from this company in the past. This was a new cruise for us. I loved it! We saw not 5 but 6 lighthouses.

 

Can you provide the website or e-mail address for Bruce's tours? Who was your guide? Thank you very much!

[vickila]

We went with Jonathan to Lunenburg -- yourcabco.ca Wonderful day. Vicki:)

[countrygal125]

During our day in Boston, we are hoping to get to Quincey to the Adams National Park. Is this possible? Are there tours that go out to there? The ship does not have one. Is there public transportation that we could take?

[138east]

If you get off early you can easily do this. Here are the directions from their web site.

 

Public Transportation To the Visitor Center via the MBTA "T" Subway System: From Boston: Take the Red Line train to the Quincy Center Station. Turn right upon exiting the train and at the top of the stairs, turn left and exit the station to Hancock Street. Walk across Hancock Street to 1250 Hancock Street. The National Park Service Visitor Center is located in the Galleria at President's place.

 

To get to the Red Line you would take the Silver Line bus from Black Falcon to South Station. At South Station you follow the signs to the Red Line direction Braintree/Mattapan and take a Braintree train to Quincy Center.

 

Coming back you take any inbound train to South Station and follow the signs to the Silver Line (do no go through any exit). Take the SL2 bus back to Black Falcon.

 

Allow an hour for the trip, but it should take about 45 minutes.

[atruetexan]

Just read all the post. Thanks for the good advice. Traveling Sept 5 on Glory to St John and Halifax.

[Traveling Library]

To get to the Red Line you would take the Silver Line bus from Black Falcon to South Station. At South Station you follow the signs to the Red Line direction Braintree/Mattapan and take a Braintree train to Quincy Center.

 

The Red Line splits at the JFK Stop. Make sure you take the Braintree line not the Ashmont line.

 

The Red Line cars are very well marked. You'll see the destination on the front of the T and the sides.