Best Time To Cruise From Boston
The best time to cruise from Boston depends on your preferences.
If you plan to spend 3-4 days in Boston before getting on your cruise and sailing out of the city, we suggest the months from June to October.
During these months, the weather is nice, and there are a good number of events happening all around the city.
In Boston, there is something or the other for all kinds of travelers.
If you are planning a cruise from Boston to Bermuda, the best time to get on a cruise are the months of June, July, and August.
These are the months when Bermuda is at its best.
However, Bermuda is only 53.2 Square Kms and it can get crowded during peak times.
If you prefer a quiet Boston cruise to Bermuda we recommend the lean months of November to March.
If you are looking for affordable cruises from Boston, the best time to book the cruise deal will be the month of April or November.
Bostons cruise season begins in April and ends in November.
Cruises Out Of Boston Massachusetts
| There are 54 cruises that depart from Boston, MA in the year 2022. Four cruise lines offer cruises that leave out of Boston in 2022 – Norwegian , Holland America , Royal Caribbean and Celebrity .You can see Boston cruise schedule for 2022 in the table below. Be sure to look at the $/Day column to find cheap Boston cruise deals in 2022. |
| Departure |
Holland America Cruise Lines
The ms Maasdam, which departs from Boston on seven-, 14-, 17- and 35-day, one-way and round-trip journeys, sails to ports in Europe and the northeastern United States and Canada. One-way journeys sail to final destinations in Montreal, Quebec, and Dover, England. Cruises depart between May and October. Awarded four out of five stars in overall consumer satisfaction by Cruise Reviews Online, the nine-deck ms Maasdam has a passenger capacity of 1,266. The ship was launched in 1993 and features 24-hour room service, formal and casual dining options and the Greenhouse Spa and Salon on the ship’s Lido Deck.
Holland America Cruise Lines
hollandamerica.com
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Top Things To Do Before Your Cruise From Boston
Go to an Ivy League School
Boston is in close proximity to some top universities. Just across the Charles River in Cambridge youll find Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology . In addition to having pretty grounds and stately buildings, Harvard is home to a number of museum collections, including the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and Harvard Art Museums.
See Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
One of Bostons defining moments in history is the Boston Tea Party, and you can learn about that event in an interactive and fun way at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Youll be escorted on a 1-hour tour through the facility by a guide dressed in 18th century garb. During the tour youll get to participate in reenactments like a city hall meeting as well as tour a ship fully rebuilt to reflect the ship that was ransacked during the Boston Tea Party. Youll also get to help reenact the tea being thrown overboard while seeing the ship.
Visit the New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction in Boston that has thousands of sea creatures you can see. Its located on the Central Wharf of Boston and overlooks Bostons harbor. Popular animals to see at the aquarium include penguins, sea turtles, northern fur seals, and the giant Pacific octopus.
Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
Where can I eat near the Boston cruise port?
An Irish Pint
Quincy Hall snacking
Black Falcon Cruise Terminal
Bostons Black Falcon terminal is located in South Boston Waterfront, 2 mi / 3 km away from Boston downtown. The terminal is named after a 440-ft / 134 m long Norwegian merchant ship Black Falcon which caught fire on Nov 2, 1953. At the time, the terminal was an US Army Base. The building is large, converted to a terminal in 1986. The 2010 refurbishment doubled the terminal’s capacity by simultaneous handling embarking/disembarking passengers.
- address: “1 Black Falcon Ave, Boston, MA 02210, United States”
- location – 10 min drive distance from BOS , and 3 mi / 5 km from Bostons Back Bay shopping areas.
- GPS coordinates – 42°20’35.0″N+71°02’01.1″W
- phone number +1 617-330-1500
- Parking: indoor parking garage with 5 levels, $15.00 per day . There is no need of long-term parking advance reservations.
Statistics show that ~70% of all Canada New England cruise ship passengers leaving from Boston arrive here by air. Approximately 95% of Bermuda cruise passengers or repositioning cruise ship passengers live in or near Boston .
There is a lot of opportunities to reach the Boston cruise port terminal from the airport. You can use subway, taxi, bus or even ferry if you want. If you prefer walking, you will need half an hour via Northern Avenue, new Harborwalk and the Northern Avenue bridge for pedestrians.
From the cruise terminal you can take a taxi, a bus or use the cruise line’s shuttle bus service.
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How Do I Spend A Day In Boston
How to best spend 24 hours in Boston
Cruise Ship: Norwegian Gem
Currently, the Norwegian Gem is the only major cruise ship that sails from Boston to Bermuda. Recently refurbished , this huge ship has all modern conveniences, amenities and services youve come to expect from a 21st-century cruise ship.
The ship has a plethora of dining options as well as Freestyle Cruising, while accommodations range from affordable yet spacious staterooms to ultra-luxurious romantic and multi-room suites. Theres something on board for everyone, in other words. The ships total guest capacity is no less than 2,394 and there are more than 1,000 crew members on board, too.
These are some of the many highlights of the Norwegian Gem:
- Mandara Spa and Body Waves Fitness Center with Thermal Suite and Vitality Pool
- Bliss Ultra Lounge & Night Club
- Specialty dining at venues such as Cagneys Steakhouse, Le Bistro, La Cucina and Moderna Churrascaria
- Art Gallery
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Port Of Departure Boston Massachusetts
Boston, Birthplace of the American RevolutionCruise Ship TerminalParkingCruises From BostonThings To Do Near Boston Cruise PortFreedom TrailBoston Public GardenPaul Reveres HouseMuseum of Fine Arts, BostonUSS ConstitutionTraveling To The Cruise PortFrom the AirportCruise Port MapCruise Port LocationBlack Falcon Cruise TerminalPort AuthorityCurrent Marine TrafficBoston Marine TrafficCurrency
Cheap Cruises From Boston Massachusetts
The summer and fall is your prime time to book cheap cruises from Boston MA. Adventuring out to Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, even the Arctic is all possible when priced affordably. That’s why at CruiseCheap.com, we strive to find cheap cruises from Boston MA and other port locations – so you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams, without worrying about money every step of the way.
We have 17 day voyages that can take you to Nova Scotia, Canada, Greenland, Iceland and more, all in one trip. Or if you’re just looking to travel for 7 nights, we have shorter cruises to amazing destinations available too. Cheap cruises from Boston MA are all right here, so start planning your vacation today.
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Boston To Bermuda Cruises: Ideal Voyages In Northeastern America
A very popular journey are Boston to Bermuda cruises. As mentioned earlier, the island lies closer to Massachusetts than to Florida, making Boston arguably the best port for cruises to Bermuda. This alone makes it ideal to hop on a ship in Boston.
Its the favorite holiday destination among New Englanders, who take advantage of the offerings by Norwegian Cruise Line to enjoy Bermudas pink sand beaches, vibrant town life, and wonderful nature.
From the history-lined Freedom Trail in Boston, to the cobblestones of Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, these cruises are totally recommended if you have a week or so to spare. Besides wonderful nature and beaches, Bermuda has more than its fair share of history. As a former British colony and current Overseas Territory, the island is filled with colonial architecture and historic sites.
A major highlight is St. George, which transports you 400 years back in time, to the early days of British colonization in North America. However, unlike Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, two of the youngest British settlements in America, St. George wasnt reconstructed.
Instead, St. George is pretty much original. You can see many authentic brick buildings and charming streets that date from the 1600s and 1700s. This historic town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Related Boston Cruise & Sightseeing Articles
- Use this map to get an overview of the city – See the South Boston Waterfront location where the Cruise Terminal is located
- Boston Shore Tours – Fun sightseeing tours of Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, & Concord
- Hotels near Cruise Port – Where to stay in the South Boston Waterfront near Cruise Port
- Boston Water Taxis – The fastest way to get from the Cruise Terminal to Downtown Boston
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Boston Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
- The State House: the red-bricked house designed by the first professional architect in America, Charles Bulfinch.
- Park Street Church: part of the abolitionist history, built in 1810.
- Old South Meeting House: the place where Benjamin Franklin was baptized.
- Kings Chapel Burying Ground: the first cemetery of Boston, dates from 1630. Mary Chilton, John Winthrop and Hezekia Usher are buried there.
- Old Corner Bookstore: built as an apoth ecary shop in 1712. The place where Thoreau, Emerson, Hawthorne and Stowe books were printed.
- Paul Revere House: the oldest Downtown Boston house, dates from 1680. Home of Paul Revere from from 1770 to 1800.
- Old State House, Boston Massacre Site: enjoy great exhibitions of historic artifacts in those famous museums in Boston.
- Old North Church: dates from 1723, the oldest worship place in Boston.
- Old Granary Burying Ground: Paul Revere, John Hancock, James Otis and Samuel Adams are buried there.
- Boston Red Sox: the legend Boston team, founded in 1901.
- Harvard Square: a place that you have to visit on your trip to Cambridge.
- Faneuil Hall: a historic complex that comprises buildings and serves as a mall.
Port Boston cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port’s schedule lists all ships with cruises going to or leaving from Boston, Massachusetts. To see the full itineraries and their lowest rates just follow the corresponding ship-link.
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Cruise Ship Terminal Directions & Parking
Boston port also has facilities to handle cargo ships .
- UN-LOCODE – USBOS.
- opened in 1986
- supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
- deep water berths
- The cruise season runs from late April through late October/November.
- Cruise ships usually arrive in Boston in early morning and depart from Boston in late afternoon .
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Canada & New England Cruises From Boston Massachusetts
At certain times of the year, New England and eastern Canadaâs landscape transitions from the tranquil green of summer to an autumn scene of burning reds, oranges, and yellows. Leaf season further frames the local culture, influenced by the English and French, offering a glimpse into early American history, and capturing quintessential regional aspects.
Because of these factors, many travelers in the U.S. and across the globe decide to embark on a Canada and New England cruise in the spring, summer, and fall. These trips, many leaving from Boston, travel up the New England coast, stopping at a few towns and cities by the shore. Then, once in Canada, the ship sails around Nova Scotia and down the St. Lawrence River, taking you past unique Canadian landscapes, through history, and to two of the countryâs major cities.
What are your traveling options?
Bostons Cruise Ship Terminal
In 2017, Bostons Cruise Port was re-named Flynn Cruiseport Boston in memory of former Boston mayor Raymond Flynn.
It was earlier known as the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.
It is in the middle of the city, making it convenient for cruisers departing from Boston or arriving into Boston.
More than half a million cruisers pass through this terminal every year.
Within a 15 minutes walk in any direction, you will find museums, waterfront restaurants, local breweries, historical sights, art galleries, and shopping centers.
The best way to get to Flynn Cruiseport Boston is by water taxi. It is the most scenic route and takes only seven minutes.
You do have the option of taking a regular taxi, which takes about 15 minutes to reach the cruise terminal.
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Popular Cruise Destinations From Boston
The most popular cruise destinations from Boston are the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and New England.
The fall foliage cruises up the New England and Canadian coast are quite popular amongst the cruisers starting from Bostons port terminal.
If you have lots of time on your hand you can take a cruise from Boston to Europe, which lasts 18 days one way.
If you have a lot more time you have the option of booking Holland Americas Voyage of the Vikings round-trip to Europe which lasts 38 days.
About The Boston Cruise Port
Not far from the citys center and Logan International Airport, Cruise port Boston recently received an $11 million makeover. New passenger check-in features, screening, and a boarding area within the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal all improve comfort and efficiency. The area itself is the oldest continually-active port in the Western Hemisphere and, aside from cruises from Boston, encompasses cargo shipments and commercial fishing operations. More than 300,000 cruise passengers annually leave from the cruise port of Boston, and as new ships are being added, that number is likely to grow.
But why start your trip once you get on the water? With its history and world-class attractions, Boston is the perfect pre- or post-cruise excursion. The city â not too large to be overwhelming â presents travelers with many respected restaurants and hotels, arts and entertainment, and sports teams. Cruise port Boston, as well, is less than five miles from historical landmarks or popular spots, including Faneuil Hall, the Freedom Trail, and the Back Bay area. Even after the ship departs, passengers can still take in New Englands glory. En route to Canada, cruise liners travel alongside the coast, offering a breathtaking view of the areas well-known autumn foliage.
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Royal Caribbean’s Serenade Of The Seas
Serenade of the Seas is the largest of the cruise ships departing from Boston.
You’ll love the 9-deck high atrium and glass-sided elevators with ocean views, 3 pools, 3 jacuzzis, 2-deck gym, miniature golf and a putting green, rock climbing, a jogging track, a basketball court, and tons of evening entertainment options, including a casino, theater, and many bars, clubs, and lounges.
Serenade of the Seas spends September and October based in Boston, offering fall foliage cruises departing from Boston to New England and Canadian ports.
In late October, Serenade departs on an exciting repositioning cruise to the Caribbean, and then heads up to Florida for the winter. You’ll visit Ports of Call such as St. Thomas and Willemstad. and can extend your stay in Florida if you’d like before flying back to Boston.
Best of all, the affordable rates for this Caribbean cruise may surprise you!
American Cruises From Boston
American Cruise Lines is cruising out of Boston. Throughout the summer, their small ships visit beautiful small New England ports that the larger ships cannot. See the full list of ports of call and departures below.
American Cruise Lines ships are made in America and have an all-American crew. The staterooms are spacious with hotel-size private bathrooms, and some have balconies. The dining room accommodates all guests at once. Enjoy afternoon tea, complimentary cocktail hour, and evening entertainment.
Meals on board feature local specialties such as lobster, blueberry pie and chowder.
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How To Find Deals & Discounts On Cruises From Boston
Cruises already give you a great deal – the cost per day is usually MUCH less than you’d spend on a hotel . . . plus you get meals, entertainment, spectacular scenery, and the chance to visit lots of interesting places.
But cruise deals and discounts make this picture even more interesting! You’ll get the best cheap cruise deals if you book early or late – or if you find a cruise special.
The best place to check for cruise deals, discounts, and specials is on Expedia’s Top Deals page . They show you the best savings on each Cruise Line.
Cruise Lines Departing From Boston
Cruises sailing from Boston are a nice mix that caters to all kinds of travelers.
The cruise lines which have their ships departing from Boston are Norwegian Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line and Seabourn cruise line.
Each of these cruise lines have their own definition of a fulfilling cruise holiday, so make your choice accordingly.
If you add the cruise lines which pass through Boston port, the number swells to 20.
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Cruise Itineraries To And From Boston Ma
Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Boston:
- 7-day Boston to Canada cruises are one-way itineraries visiting ports in both Canada and USA’s New England. The list of visited USA and Canadian ports includes Maine , Nova Scotia , New Brunswick , Prince Edward Island , Quebec .
- 7-day Bermuda cruises from Boston visit Kings Wharf exclusively, with 2 overnight stays in port.
- Ships repositioning to Caribbean depart from Boston and dock in turnaround USA ports in Florida or Louisiana .
- Repositioning – Transatlantic crossings between USA and Europe often visit ports in the UK , Iceland, Greenland and Canada New England, or Bermuda combined with ports in southern Europe .
Today, more than 100 cruises start here each year. The most popular destinations are Europe, Bermuda, throughout the USA Easct Coast . Boston port’s cruise terminals welcome more than 250,000 tourists per year.