Northeast Harbors Cruise (New York to Boston)

Prepare for the spectacle of NYC’s famed skyline: the Empire State Building pierces the sky, the Chrysler Building flashes its Art Deco brilliance, and the new One World Trade Center stands as a beacon of resilience and renewal. Once your ship docks in the energetic heart of Manhattan, you're perfectly positioned to step into city life. American Cruise Lines offers a curated selection of shore excursions—whether you’re keen to meander through the sprawling greenery of Central Park, take in a Broadway show, or explore the historic streets of Greenwich Village. Let us welcome you aboard with a toast as you meet your dedicated crew and fellow cruisers

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

Set sail for Sag Harbor, a historic port on the shores of Eastern Long Island. Established as a bustling whaling port, this village retains its 19th-century charm, with narrow lanes and whaler’s cottages that tell tales of the sea. Meander through the streets lined with art galleries and antique shops, each a treasure trove of artistic expression and bygone artifacts. Visit the Whaling Museum to trace the bold journeys of maritime adventurers and stand by the old windmill, a sentinel of the past. Experience Sag Harbor's unique blend of nautical history and cultural sophistication, where every corner reveals a story, and every sunset paints the harbor in pink and orange hues.

Journey to Old Saybrook, where the Connecticut River greets Long Island Sound. As one of Connecticut's earliest settlements, founded in 1635, Old Saybrook boasts a legacy as the cherished home of silver screen icon Katharine Hepburn. Venture a short distance to the enchanting town of Essex, where you can wander along a waterfront framed by time-honored colonial and federal architectures that stand as elegant custodians of history along its idyllic streets. Uncover the maritime chronicles of the area at the Connecticut River Museum, a repository of seafaring lore and legends.

The perfect duo: New London and Mystic. Mystic is a charming maritime village known for its scenic New England beauty, featuring a harbor filled with historic tall ships and an eclectic waterfront area. The town has a rich art scene. Stop into the gallery of Russ Kramer, known for his realistic maritime paintings. This port gained additional fame from the 1988 film Mystic Pizza but pushes culinary boundaries at local restaurants and bakeries like the famous “Sift” with the best, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies. Nearby New London is a historic seaport city where the Thames River meets the Long Island Sound, characterized by its eclectic art scene, including the renowned Lyman Allyn Art Museum and frequent cultural festivals. The city's landscape features a mix of urban and coastal elements, with notable landmarks like the United States Coast Guard Academy and a vibrant waterfront district that offers sweeping views and a variety of dining experiences.

Uncover the enchantment of Newport, Rhode Island, where cascading cliffs meet the sparkling waters of the Atlantic. Take a leisurely stroll along the famous Cliff Walk, a picturesque pathway winding amidst grand Gilded Age mansions and wild coastline, offering breathtaking views of the rocky shore. Explore the historic downtown area of Newport, where colonial-era architecture blends seamlessly with bustling shops and waterfront cafes, reflecting the town's rich maritime history. Don't miss a visit to the renowned Newport Mansions, such as The Breakers and Marble House, once the extravagant playgrounds of America's elite, adorned with ornate ballrooms, gilded ceilings, and manicured gardens, for a step back in time to an era of pure luxury and indulgence.

Established in 1639 by a small band of religious dissenters led by William Coddington and Nicholas Easton, the city by the sea became a haven for those who believed in religious freedom. Newport’s deepwater harbor at the mouth of Narragansett Bay ensured its success as a leading Colonial port, and a building boom produced hundreds of houses and many landmarks that still survive today. These include the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House and the White Horse Tavern, both built during the 17th century, plus Trinity Church, Touro Synagogue, the Colony House, and the Redwood Library, all built in the 18th century.British troops occupied Newport from 1776–1779, causing half the city’s population to flee and ending a golden age of prosperity. The economic downturn that followed may not have been so great for its citizens but it certainly was for preserving Newport’s architectural heritage, as few had the capital to raze buildings and replace them with bigger and better ones. By the mid-19th century the city had gained a reputation as the summer playground for the very wealthy, who built enormous mansions overlooking the Atlantic. These so-called "summer cottages," occupied for only six to eight weeks a year by the Vanderbilts, Berwinds, Astors, and Belmonts, helped establish the best young American architects. The presence of these wealthy families also brought the New York Yacht Club, which made Newport the venue for the America’s Cup races beginning in 1930 until the 1983 loss to the Australians.The Gilded Age mansions of Bellevue Avenue are what many people associate most with Newport. These late-19th-century homes are almost obscenely grand, laden with ornate rococo detail and designed with a determined one-upmanship.Pedestrian-friendly Newport has so much else to offer in a relatively small geographical area— beaches, seafood restaurants, galleries, shopping, and cultural life. Summer can be crowded, but fall and spring are increasingly popular times of the year to visit.

Discover the coastal beauty of Plymouth, Massachusetts, where sandy shores meet the gentle waves of Cape Cod Bay. Stroll along the historic shores, where weathered fishing boats bob in the harbor, reminiscent of Plymouth's seafaring past. Explore the charming streets of downtown Plymouth, lined with quaint shops and colonial-era architecture, providing a glimpse into the town's storied history. Visit Pilgrim Memorial State Park, home to the iconic Plymouth Rock, a symbol of the Mayflower Pilgrims' arrival in the New World and live the tales of America's early settlers.

Disembark in historic Boston and enjoy one last breakfast onboard. Explore charming downtown Boston, where red-brick buildings line cobblestone pathways filled with centuries of history. Visit iconic sites like Boston Harbor or the Freedom Trail. If you're heading home, we hope to see you on the waters again soon.

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.