On its way to Bermuda, the Norwegian Dawn stopped at the Black Falcon cruise terminal in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 1. Holland America Line’s newest ship, Veendam, set sail on her maiden voyage to Bermuda the following weekend. As the first ship to arrive and the first ship to depart from the terminal, the two ships marked the opening of the 2015 cruise season in Boston, a popular embarkation point for sailings to the US Atlantic seaboard, Bermuda, and Canada.
In honor of the new cruise season, officials at the cruise port decorated Terminal 2 with island-themed paintings created by elementary school-aged children and their families during a “Family Art Day” event on May 2. A number of port and cruise line officials also attended the event.
A major American port, Boston easily holds its own against other top seaside cities like Miami, New York, and San Diego. Therefore, cruisers departing from or arriving in the city should consider spending an extra couple of days before or after their ocean vacations to experience a little of what exciting “Beantown” has to offer.
Tourists in Boston have plenty to see and do. For example, the city’s Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of the most impressive collections in the US. Cruisers looking for a traditional aquarium experience will want to visit the New England Aquarium’s serene marine life exhibits. For those who’d like to get out on the sea, the aquarium organizes whale-watching tours. Shoppers can peruse high-end boutiques on Newbury Street, antique shops on Beacon Hill, and the bustling marketplace at Faneuil Hall.
Boston is also the home of a number of professional sports teams, including baseball’s Red Sox, football’s Patriots, basketball’s Celtics, and hockey’s Bruins. Visiting fans shouldn’t miss a game while in town!
Of course, Boston is also widely recognized as the epicenter of Revolutionary War-era attractions. The city offers a well-planned 2.5 mile Freedom Trail that takes tourists on a tour of 16 important historical sites, starting in beautiful Boston Common. However, it’s an extensive walk, and real history buffs may need a few days to take it all in.
The enormous variety of activities in Boston means there is something sure to delight every cruiser fortunate enough to visit!
