Grand New England

Discover the majestic seafaring heritage of coastal towns and quaint island villages on the 10-night Grand New England Odyssey. Your elegant small ship will dock in the heart of each historic harbor, amidst working boats and luxurious private yachts. Steps away you'll find whaling and maritime museums, scenic bluffs and beaches, cobblestone streets and unique shops,

By meticulously selecting the most captivating ports of call from southern New England to Maine, we offer you this epic cruise, one that invites you to discover America's birthplace and savor the local cuisine, from the succulent lobsters of the Penobscot Bay and a warm slice of fresh blueberry pie, to the best chowders of Nantucket.

Your one-way journey begins either in Providence, RI or Bangor, ME and harbor hops along the historic coastline to such legendary destinations of Bar Harbor, Martha's Vineyard, Rockland, Nantucket and Camden, to name a few. You'll linger in these summer paradises, with plenty of opportunity to explore on your own or participate in shore excursions led by guides whose expertise is informed by generations of native lore and a passion for the past. As you cruise through the Cape Cod Canal and sail around the islets that skirt the coast of Maine you'll want to keep a lookout for the whales, seals and puffins that frequent New England's northern waters.

From beautifully preserved historic districts to the enticing delights of small shops and farm markets, to the breathtaking natural splendor of national parks, your cruise will leave you with enduring, resonant recollections of this wonderful corner of America.

Itinerary

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.

Day 2 - 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.

Day 3 - 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.

Day 4 - Portland, ME
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 blend delightfully with small-town charm here, as fishing vessels and island ferries bustle in the harbor and Victorian era buildings still line cobblestone streets.

Day 5 - Boothbay Harbor, ME
This lovely, historic town is lined with shops and boutiques, and picture perfect harbors dotted with lobster boats, pleasure craft, and windjammers. Boothbay is the largest boating harbor north of Boston and is also known as the "Boating Capital of New England."

Day 6 - Bar Harbor, ME
Nestled on the east side of Mt. Desert Island, Bar Harbor has welcomed visitors for over a hundred years. Explore Mount Desert Street, a national historic district, and be amazed by the sheer number and beauty of the homes of the once rich and famous. Join a shore excursion to surrounding Acadia National Park and witness breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife in an unspoiled habitat. Later, admire the working waterfront which marks the beginning of the Shore Path, an enticing stroll along the front lawns of some of Bar Harbor's biggest "cottages".

Day 7 - Rockland, ME
Before arriving in Rockland, you'll have the pleasure of experiencing Maine's most beautiful cruising areas. Your ship will pass through the gorgeous 6-mile passage lined with beautiful evergreens known as Merchants Row. On to Eggemoggin Reach, view majestic stone cliffs lining the shore with playful wildlife frolicking about. In Rockland, passengers can follow the Rockland Harbor Walk, visit the Shore Village Museum or take an interesting narrated tour of the area. The town's Maine Street Historic District is especially fascinating and has been recorded in the National Register of Historic Places for its many fine examples of Italianate, Mansard, Greek Revival and Colonial Revival architecture.

Day 8 - Camden, ME
Full of classic schooners, this charming village is considered the "tall ship capital of Maine," and is admired for scenic beauty and a host of historic and cultural attractions. Enjoy the warm summer sunshine and refreshing sea breezes as you relax on a park bench and watch beautiful ships sail into the harbor, or browse the shops and interesting galleries. Bring your camera to capture sweeping ocean vistas, placid coastlines and panoramic views of Camden, Penobscot Bay and surrounding islands from atop Mount Battie.

Day 9 - Belfast, ME
The 1800's were a time of great prosperity in Belfast with shipbuilders and merchants building beautiful Greek Revival mansions and adorning them with treasures carried home from the China Trade. Spend the day exploring historic Belfast with some of the best examples of nineteenth-century architecture in Maine. Shore excursions offer glimpses of stunning military architecture and master granite craftsmanship in Fort Knox State Park, and seafaring legacies at Penobscot Marine Museum.

Day 10 - Bangor, ME
From shipbuilding to steamships and lumberyards, this picturesque port has proven its resiliency and flourished in the last century into a city once described by Henry David Thoreau as a "shining light on the edge of wilderness." Today Bangor proudly displays a touch of modern culture with museums and revival architecture forever encapsulating a fascinating history. Begin your cruise on one of Maine's most cherished and beautiful rivers - the Penobscot. Winding its way to the Bay, you'll discover Maine's unparalleled scenery of towering mountains rolling down to the river's edge.

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.