Boston???

hazelson · January 14, 2008

When in Boston what are the "must sees?"

We plan on doing the "Duck Tour" for an overview but what do we want to see close up ? - maybe within walking distance of the ship?

Joanandjoe · January 14, 2008

Boston is a wonderful place to visit. The three times that we were there on cruise ships, we took the shuttle into town, and then did things we never managed to do in the three years we lived there (the Constitution, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum, the ferry from the Constitution to the City, and the Science Museum) and things that were favorites (Back Bay, the Public Garden, the Museum of Fine Arts, Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, etc.). We know the city, so we didn't need a ship's tour.

We understand that the Duck trip is a good way to see the city as first timers. If the tour leaves from the ship, that's probably all you can do, since there is very little to do near the ship terminal, and the terminal is distant from downtown. If the Duck loads, and then lets you off at the end, near the shuttle stop, and you know where it is, do some exploring near the shuttle. Perhaps shopping at Qunicy Market, walking part of the Freedom Trail, or walking to Boston Common and the Public Garden.

On our three cruises, the shuttle stopped near Quincy market, but the stop was a bit hard to find.

JohnG · January 14, 2008

You can take the el/subway from the stop at the airport to a stop near Faneuil Hall and enjoy the downtown, the festival marketplace etc. http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/tour.html Than you can take the metro/el/subway back. That is what we did.

hazelson · January 14, 2008

There is so much history - it's going to be hard to choose. But I love gardens and the market sounds interesting.

Thanks for the input.

Joanandjoe · January 15, 2008

Joan and I made opposite assumptions. I assumed you were in port for the day, while John assumed that your cruise was beginning or ending in Boston, and that you had some time in the city. Which is it? That makes a difference in what we recommend.

hazelson · January 15, 2008

We sail out of New York - Boston is a port day. :thumbup:

Joanandjoe · January 15, 2008

Then I'll stick to my suggestions. Based on my look at the Duck web site, the tour usuallystarts at either the Prudentrial Center or the Science Museum, and costs $29 ($24 if you're over 62). The ship's tour may start at the ship. If it takes you back to the ship, you'd need a shuttle to go back into town, mostly to see sights that you pass on the duck.

When will you be in NYC?

hazelson · January 17, 2008

We will be coming to New York on September 22ned then plan on spending a couple of days in Atlantic City then back to the city - we sail on the 27th.

The shuttle you refer to - is that a ship's shuttle or public transport and what is the cost?

Thanks for the answers :biggrin:

Joanandjoe · January 17, 2008

The shuttle you refer to - is that a ship's shuttle or public transport and what is the cost?

We've been in Boston on cruises three times, on three very different cruise lines: Regal (Regal Empress), HAL (Rotterdam), and Regent (7 Seas Navigator). In each case, the line provided a free shuttle back and forth between the ship and downtown. If the ship doesn't provide a shuttle, I have no idea how much it would cost to get to central Boston.