Cruises from Boston

How to find best cruises, fares, travel agents, & more

What do Bostonians do for a total change of scenery?   That's easy - go on cruises from Boston to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the New England coast and Canada, and even all the way to Europe.

Cruises give you breath-taking views from a special perspective while you travel in comfort.  But unless you go on cruises all the time, finding the best cruises, the cheapest cruise prices, the best cruise travel agents, and knowing what to expect and even what to pack present some unique challenges. 

Cruise vacations can be among the cheapest ways to travel.  Think about it . . . cruise ships deliver a luxury travel experience, yet you'd probably pay much more on a per-day basis for a room and meals in a luxury hotel.  Plus, cruises provide the extra benefit of visiting interesting places where you can sample the local culture, sightsee, and join interesting shore excursions.

I've put together information and tips about cruises from Boston to help you sort through the choices and ports of call, find the best resources and special deals, and know what to expect at Port of Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.  You'll even find information about nearby Boston hotels and local attractions for you to visit while you're here.

Where can you go on cruises from Boston?

Bermuda - Pink sand, gorgeous beaches, blue skies, and plenty of fun things to do make Bermuda the most popular destination of cruises departing from Boston, with 20+ departure dates.  Tips about what to do, what to pack, best times to go.

Caribbean - Cruises from Boston to Caribbean destinations are 1-way "repositioning" cruises, meaning that you'll stop at lots of interesting ports and have the opportunity to spend extra days at the end in the final port.  Tips about ports you'll visit, what to see, and land tours to consider.

New England and Canada - You'll have lots of choices about ports, cruise length, and dates on these cruises from Boston to Canada along the New England coast.  You'll enjoy gorgeous scenery, quaint towns, and cosmopolitan cities.  Tips for picking the right cruise and best shore excursions.

Fall Foliage Cruises - On these special September and October cruises departing from Boston to New England and Canadian coastal ports, you'll see spectacular fall foliage colors.  Tips about what each cruise line offers, what you'll see, and what to do.

Europe - This special cruise takes you along the path the Vikings might have explored 1,200 years ago.  Find out what's special about each port of call, which shore excursions you should consider, and what to pack.

Cruise to Nowhere - That's right, all this cruise does is go out to sea in the evening - and then come right back to Boston in the morning.  But don't laugh . . . there are a lot of good reasons to consider this adventure.

Other planning tips about cruises from Boston

What cruise lines have departures from Boston?

I've put together this overview of cruise companies with cruises departing from Boston, how they rate, and what you can expect.

How can I find the best cruise fare and discounts?

Because of how the cruise industry works, you'll often get the very best cruise fares and discounts only from travel agents, especially those who specialize in cruises.  You should always check with several to make sure you find the best deal, because they may have different deals or discounts from the cruise lines, and prices can vary by hundreds of dollars. 

A good place to start is CruiseCompete.com, a new free web site that helps you find the cruise you want (they list them all).  Pick your cruise and date, and they'll get you competing quotes from multiple independent travel agents.  It's fast, easy, and free - 1-stop shopping!

You decide which travel agent you want to contact, based on the bids you get.  The travel agent can also book anything else you need, such as land packages.  If you need a flight to a departure or arrival port, or even a hotel if you want to add a day or two to your trip, the cruise travel agent can usually get you a good deal on that also. 

Cheapest cruise tip:   You'll normally find the really cheap cruise prices 4 - 6 months before departure . . . or at the last minute, right before the cruise departs.  Also look for cabin upgrades and other "extras" or "cruise specials."

What should I pack for my cruise?

The answer to this question depends somewhat on your ports of call.  I include specific tips for each of the basic itineraries for cruises from Boston to Bermuda, Caribbean destinations, New England and Canada, fall foliage cruises, Europe, and the cruise to Nowhere. 

If you need a detailed cruise packing list, here are some super tips about how to pack for a cruise.

Where is Boston's cruise port located?

Boston's port - called the "Port of Boston" - is located on the South Boston Waterfront, almost directly south of Boston Logan Airport and just 10 minutes from downtown Boston.  All Boston cruises use the Port of Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, nicknamed "Boston CruisePort." 

What hotels are near Boston's cruise port?

Should I book a shore excursion for Boston?

If you're spending a day or two in Boston before or after your cruise, or if you're on a cruise with Boston as a port of call, your cruise company will offer land excursions.  However, you can easily explore on your own.  Here are my top 5 suggestions about what to do in Boston if you're here for a cruise - or if your cruise ship stops here for a day.

Do I need special travel insurance for my cruise?

Travel insurance covers general risks, such as missing your cruise due to illness, as well as specialized risks related to cruises, such as hurricane delays.  The best policies let you tailor the insurance to cover the risks that might affect you.   Travel insurance policy rates are surprisingly reasonable. 

What are my cruise options beyond Boston departures?

Maybe you want to go on a cruise during the winter, when none depart from Boston.  Or you long for a destination not on the itinerary of cruises from Boston.  What are your best options?  Where will you find the best deals?