Boston Excursion

[brneyegirl]

My DH and I are taking the NCL New England/Canada trip in Oct. First port is Boston, if we choose to walk to the city from the terminal, what is the best way to return to the ship from the end of the Freedom Trail (Bunker Hill)?...Bus? Taxi? By then, I don't really want to walk back.

 

Is there a really good excursion that we should be sure to do in Boston?

[npb1894]

See if there are any excursions for The Duck Tours, they are these cool amphibious vehicles that travel the streets of Boston and give you a tour and then head into the water for some fun there. www.bostonducktours.com

IF you have ever seen the parade when the Sox won the series or the Pats won the Super Bowl, these are the vehicles they use.

A great way to see Boston!!

[Cubechick]

You probably do not want to walk to the tourist areas of Boston; not that it is not possible but it is about two miles from the pier to Quincy Market/Faneuil hall. You'd be better off hoppin a cab, taking the T (Silver Line Bus) or the tourist trolleys that are in the area when a ship is town.

[goin-away]

You should also be able to book duck tour direct. Walking is possible but you'll be ready for the T (subway & Silver line bus) or a cab by the end of the day. Black Falcon Terminal is in South Boston in the working port of the harbor and there's not much to see right around it.

[Leafpeeper]

There will be Boston Trolley Tours starting from the pier.

 

Boston is a city that you can easily walk if you walk on a regular basis. If you prefer to walk, I suggest taking a cab to the Boston Harbor Hotel and then walking from there along the Boston Harbor to the North End. Just keep following the harbor around to the North End for a short walk to Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. You can print out a map off the internet or use the one the ship gives you. This is a lovely area of Boston so enjoy the beauty and history as you walk past Rose Kennedy Gardens and Christopher Columbus Park.

 

If you get tired walking, just look for the "T" (subway) signs. There are lots of tourists in Town this time of year so they are ready to help with directions on how to get around town.

 

Boston Harbor (lobsta and clam chowda) to Beacon Hill is about a 30 minute easy walk for a beer at Cheers Pub. It is also about a 30 minute walk from Beacon Hill to the historic Italian North End (enjoy some pizza and a cannoli). If you are a fast walker, you can do it in much less time.

 

However, if you want to visit Harvard College, jump on the T and take the red line train for an inexpensive ride. You can also take the T to Fenway Park for a tour if not a game.

 

If you enjoy sailing, checkout the www.cruiseliberty.com website for sailboat rides of Boston Harbor. There are also other inexpensive boat tours available next to the Boston Aquarium.

 

Boston is such a great city to visit if you like walking because there are so many great places to see within a short distance of each other. I hope you enjoy your cruise. I definetely enjoy seeing the planes landing at Boston's Logan Airport during the sailaway party. The first time you see a jet coming over the ship you feel like you could almost grab the wheels of the plane. Get your camera ready. I hope the water boats give you a nice spraying send off.

[Cruise_More_Often]

Leefpeeper, thanks so much for posting such great information. We've booked one of the NCL Spirit CA/NE cruises (Boston/Quebec/Boston) for October 2009, and we'll be spending some time in Boston after the cruise. We plan to do some of the walking and eating you suggested. Thanks again!

[cynbar]

I should add that the Old North Church and Paul Revere's House are both in the North End, Boston's Italian section. The Italian restaurants and pastry shops here are just fabulous, very authentically Italian. If you aren't there for lunch or dinner, at least stop for a cannoli or a pastry at Mike's on Hanover St, or Bova's on Salem St near the front entrance to the church. Here's a link to Bova's :http://www.northendboston.com/bovabakery/. It's a little off the main drag of Hanover St, but well worth it!

[cassrebecca]

See if there are any excursions for The Duck Tours, they are these cool amphibious vehicles that travel the streets of Boston and give you a tour and then head into the water for some fun there. www.bostonducktours.com

IF you have ever seen the parade when the Sox won the series or the Pats won the Super Bowl, these are the vehicles they use.

A great way to see Boston!!

 

The Boston Commons and the Swan Boats are something to see and do as well...they are so neat!! Faniuel Hall the Boston Aquarium.....the museum of art....there are so many things....:eek: hard to choice....have a great cruise!!!

[CruisFran]

When Boston is a port of call, there is usually a free shuttle bus to take you from the Black Falcon terminal, into Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall area. From there you can get around very well, even without a booked excursion. The North End is just down the street too. Lots to walk to, or take the subway, or even do a harbor tour.

 

Enjoy!!

[Barb Nahoumi]

How long is your port-call in Boston? If you don't leave before 6pm, take a commuter-rail trip to Rockport. These trains leave & return frequently from Boston's North Station.

 

Rockport is a quaint fishing town on the North Shore of Massachusetts, with shops & restaurants galore. There is a tourist trolley.

 

For Scheduals, go to mbta.com. Click on commuter rail Rockport Line.

 

Remember, only attempt this if there is ample time.

[Barb Nahoumi]

How long is your port-call in Boston? If you don't leave before 6pm, take a commuter-rail trip to Rockport. These trains leave & return frequently from Boston's North Station.

 

Rockport is a quaint fishing town on the North Shore of Massachusetts, with shops & restaurants galore. There is a tourist trolley.

 

For Scheduals, go to mbta.com. Click on commuter rail Rockport Line.

 

Remember, only attempt this if there is ample time.

[Gull]

brneyegirl,

Boston is a wonderful, easy port to visit. If you are visiting in October you will be in "peak" Halloween Season and the special time when all the trees are turning color.

You may want to consider Salem. It has Haunted Happenings, whereby the whole city gets into the Halloween spirit. You can get to Salem by Commuter Rail at North Station and it is a 27 minute ride.

 

Next to Salem you have Marblehead - Yaughting Capital of the world and Birthplace of the American Navy (although that has been debated with Beverly). A beautiful town to explore.

Have a wonderful cruise!

[Budget Queen]

To answer your orginal question, From Bunker Hill, go back to the Constitution. Be sure to tour this. :) THEN take the ferry back to Long Warf, right behind Quincy Market. IF you want to directly return to your cruise ship, turn right from the ferry. Fare is $1.70

 

I am just back from a week there, and go there frequently. Plenty to see and do going on your own.