Cruises from Boston

Where can you cruise to on ships departing from Boston?

Cruises from Boston to Bermuda, the Caribbean, New England and Canadian coastal points, and even Europe depart from the conveniently located Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.  You can even take an overnight mini cruise from Boston.

Bermuda and Caribbean cruises leaving Boston depart April through late September, whereas the special European cruises and mini cruises from Boston happen only a few times each year.  Trips along the New England and Canadian coasts, including foliage cruises, take place throughout the summer and into early November.

Unless you go on coastal and ocean cruises all the time, understanding cruise lines specialties, finding the cheapest travel insurances, and knowing what to expect and even what to pack present some unique challenges. 

I've put together information and tips about cruises from Boston to help you sort through the choices, find the best resources and special deals, and know what to expect at Port of Boston's Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.  This page is packed with information - so scroll down to see everything - or click on these links to go straight to what you're interested in:

• Where can you go on cruises from Boston?
• Cruises ships departing from Boston - what they're like and how they rank
• How to find best fares and discounts
• What to pack for your cruise from Boston
• Boston's "CruisePort" - Black Falcon Cruise Terminal
• Hotels near the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal

If you don't find what you're looking for here, you'll find some questions and answers at the bottom of the page.  Check out the questions and answers - or ask your own question.

Cruise vacations deliver terrific value.  Think about it . . . cruise ships provide a luxury travel experience and mouth-watering dining for much less than you'd pay in a luxury hotel and restaurants.   Plus, you visit interesting places, relax as waves lap against the ship, and see spectacular scenery along the way.

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.  More about Bermuda cruises from Boston

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 Cruise

On these special September and October cruises departing from Boston to New England and Canadian coastal ports, you'll see spectacular fall foliage colors.  And the ports of call are especially spectacular during autumn.  Tips about what each cruise line offers, what you'll see, and what to do.

More about fall foliage cruises from Boston

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.  More about cruises to Europe

Mini Cruises - the " Cruise to Nowhere"

That's right, all this mini cruise does is go out to sea in the evening - and then come right back to Boston in the morning - in fact, it's called a "turnaround" cruise.  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 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 get good deals on and book anything else you need, such as land packages and flights.

Cheapest cruise tips:   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 check with your travel agent about cabin upgrades and other "extras" or "cruise specials," as agents often have "insider" deals to pass on.

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 Black Falcon Cruise Terminal - nicknamed "Boston CruisePort but sometimes called the "Port of Boston" - is located on the South Boston Waterfront.

If you arrive at Logan Airport, you take a Boston water taxi straight to the cruise terminal, which is almost directly across Boston Harbor from the airport.

Land taxis are another option, but not quite as fun or fast as the water taxis. 

If you can manage your own luggage, the Silver Line bus (part of the Boston subway) is the least expensive option.

In addition to its convenient location, the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal offers ample parking facilities where you can leave your car while you're cruising.

What hotels are near Boston's cruise port?

The South Boston waterfront near the Port of Boston has undergone extensive redevelopment during the past couple of decades. 

As a result of the dazzling new Boston Convention and Expo Center, the new Institute for Contemporary Art, and lots of new shops and restaurants, several high-end hotels have opened nearby. 

If you decide to spend a night or two in Boston before or after your cruise, you'll find attractive and convenient hotel options.

More about South Boston Waterfront hotels near the 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.  Coming soon!

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.   Coming soon!

Any questions about Boston's Cruise Port?

First, take a look at all the questions (and answers) below in case your question has already been answered.

If it hasn't, then please ask, and I'll do my best to answer.

Or, if you'd like to share photos or a story about your cruise from Boston, you can do that here as well.

- Susan

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