Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Canada &
New England: the Northeast Passage
Sights to see & things to do
Boston, Massachusetts
Steeped in American history and culture, modern Boston combines a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city with the old world charm of early-Americana. It’s no more difficult to picture our heroic ancestors striding the Boston Common than it is to imagine a young John F. Kennedy campaigning there for his first political office.
When facing a large city and a vast number of interesting sights, cruise passengers with limited time really need to do their homework and determine what they want to see.
Diversions
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get more than a taste of Boston during a day in port. Shore excursions are recommended for exploring more distant areas such as Cape Cod, Plymouth, Salem, Lexington, and Concord. Guided tours through Boston’s historic districts are offered on authentically styled trolleys. Making a continuous loop through Boston and Cambridge, Old Town Trolley Tours allow you to get off at convenient stops to explore at your leisure and then re-board later to complete the tour.
From the pier, going it on your own in downtown Boston is a simple matter of a cab or bus ride to the Boston Commons or Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace—many cruise lines have prearranged shuttles for their passengers. Wear your comfortable shoes and take a three-mile walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail. Clearly marked with a red line painted on the sidewalks, this self-guided tour passes historic sites such as Faneuil Hall (the “Cradle of Liberty,” where the American Revolution was born), the Boston Massacre site, Granary Burying Ground, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, Old North Church, the Paul Revere House, the Old State House, and the golden-domed New State House atop Beacon Hill. Across the bridge in Charlestown are the Bunker Hill Monument and “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat.
If you simply can’t leave Boston without raising a pint at “Cheers,” the inspiration for the television show’s setting, The Bull & Finch Pub, is located at 84 Beacon Street, across from the Public Garden (near the Boston Commons). A carbon copy of the television series set is located at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Boston has thirty world-class museums, but none are more imposing than the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum at Columbia Point. Plan to spend several hours there viewing the exhibits and video presentations.
Shopping
Head to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace to browse gift, clothing, and gourmet shops in the three restored 19th century warehouse buildings. Seasonal flowers and street entertainers provide a colorful and lively atmosphere and merchants’ stalls line the open areas. Stop for a snack of international delicacies or fast food.
Beacon Hill’s Charles Street is noteworthy for its antique shops. You’ll find the world famous Filene’s Basement at Downtown Crossing, an outdoor brick and cobblestone walking mall.
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