I really like cruising, particularly how handy it may be while you journey with youngsters. However, it typically might be inconvenient, particularly when you must fly an incredible distance so as to have the ability to get in your cruise ship. If you happen to reside within the Northeast, you might take into account taking one of many many cruises from Boston Massachusetts.
Questioning the place the cruise ships dock in Boston? The Boston Cruise Terminal, which was not too long ago renamed the Flynn Cruiseport (after former Boston mayor and Ambassador Raymond Flynn), is dwelling to a number of cruises out of Boston, in addition to a port of name for different ships. The primary terminal on the Cruiseport is the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. It is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport).
Disclosure: I’ve cruised out of the Flynn Cruiseport up to now on a complimentary press journey with Carnival and I’ve additionally visited for the day with different cruise strains. All opinions are my very own. This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks and a purchase order/click on by one in every of these hyperlinks could lead to a fee paid to us for free of charge to you.
Cruises Out of the Flynn Cruiseport Boston
The Flynn Cruiseport Terminal is open seasonally annually. It’s positioned within the Seaport District of Boston at 1 Black Falcon Avenue, Boston, MA 02210. The terminal isn’t too removed from Boston’s Logan Worldwide Airport, and you may take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or MBTA (public transportation) to the cruise port.
If you happen to take the MBTA, the closest station is through the Silver Line. I used to be stunned to listen to what number of Cruiseport friends arrive within the metropolis of Boston through airplane by Boston’s Logan Worldwide Airport (I had assumed they might drive). There’s additionally an Amtrak station close by at South Station.
Parking on the Boston Cruise Terminal
If you happen to drive to the terminal, parking is offered at 93 Fargo Avenue, Boston, MA 02210. Parking needs to be bought on-line prematurely. A complimentary shuttle is offered.
They suggest that you simply arrive no less than two hours earlier than ship departure. You’ll be able to arrive on the parking space as early as 7am. Nevertheless, you will need to verify together with your cruise line to see the boarding time you have been assigned.
Boarding on the Cruise Terminal
Though you received’t must take your sneakers off, you’ll nonetheless must bear a safety screening course of just like that at an airport. Open containers and alcohol are usually not permitted previous safety. As soon as you’re by there,  you possibly can enter the road to indicate your passports and get your cruise room tickets.
That is just like the safety processes I’ve adopted at different cruise ports. Boarding is completed by zones (no less than for Carnival) so you might want to attend a bit, relying in your zone. Your cruise line could require cruise vacationers to guide a selected check-in time.
In case you are visiting Boston as a port of name, you’ll want to indicate your cruise stateroom keycard or different legitimate cruise line identification to be allowed into the terminal to return to your ship.
Keep in mind that the sooner you get to the ship, the sooner your trip begins. As well as, if you happen to arrive early, you’ll keep away from a few of the crowds on the terminal, and also you’ll get a greater parking spot. Verify together with your cruise line to see how they board. Chances are you’ll be inspired to reach later.
In case you are flying in to your cruise, I normally suggest arriving the day earlier than. That means, you received’t must be anxious about flight delays derailing your cruise. After having my baggage delayed by a day proper earlier than I boarded a cruise ship, I’ve made this a rule for my private journey.
The closest motels to the Boston Cruise Terminal are the the Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District and the Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District.
Cruises From Boston
Are you questioning what Cruises out of Boston are provided? It might probably fluctuate yearly by cruise line and itinerary. As an illustration, the Carnival Cruise Line that we took to Canada solely operated for 2 years after which went to a distinct port. Hopefully, Carnival Cruise Line will return sooner or later.
Usually, you’ll discover cruises from Boston to Jap Canada, and cruises from Boston to Bermuda (usually stopping in New York). These usually run from April to November, with the vast majority of them over the summer time.
Listed here are some examples of cruise strains and itineraries that you simply’ll discover out of Boston (word that these are simply examples and so they can fluctuate by 12 months)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (itineraries to Bermuda and Canada/New England)
- Holland America (itineraries to Canada/New England and Scandinavia)
- Royal Caribbean (itineraries embody Canada/New England)
- Movie star (itineraries to New England/Canada)
- Princess (itineraries to New England/Canada)
A couple of years in the past, I had the chance to go to the Holland America Zaandam. It is a pretty ship on the smaller aspect, with pickleball courts, a lined swimming pool, out of doors swimming pools, a library, nice eating places, and a lot extra.
Final 12 months, I visited the Emerald Princess. This lovely ship affords glorious eating places, participating youngsters’ golf equipment, gorgeous pool areas, and extra.
Boston as a Port of Name
The Boston Cruise Terminal can also be a port of name for cruise ships as a part of their itinerary. These ships don’t originate or finish in Boston however spend a day right here.
Listed here are some examples of cruise strains that cease in Boston (once more, simply examples). Please word that cruise strains continuously replace their itineraries, so this record is topic to vary.
- Phoenix Reisen
- Virgin Voyages
- Holland America
- Regent
- Silversea
- Viking
- Cunard
- MSC
- Princess Cruises
- Oceana
- Norwegian
- Seabourn
- P&O
- Carnival
- Tui
- Explora
- Crystal Cruises
- Hapag-Lloyd
Sadly, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t sail by the Black Falcon terminal on the Port of Boston (but?).
MSC Meraviglia
Two years in the past, I had the chance to tour the MSC Meraviglia throughout her keep in Boston port (from Brooklyn’s dwelling port). That is the biggest ship to dock in Boston in 2023 and is gorgeous. There are a great deal of kid-friendly actions, together with a 4D cinema, a youngsters’ membership (in partnership with LEGO), an F1 Simulator, a bowling alley, a ropes course, and a waterpark.
Visiting Boston Throughout Your Port Cease
As soon as your ship arrives on the port and you’re cleared to go away, you’ll have many choices to spend your day in downtown Boston. Your cruise line may have some excursions out there to guide, however it’s additionally fairly straightforward to get round Boston. Cabs needs to be out there close to the port.
You probably have little youngsters, you might need to go to the Boston Kids’s Museum or the New England Aquarium, which aren’t too removed from the cruise port. Quincy Market, Faneuil Corridor, Boston’s North Finish, and the Institute of Modern Artwork (within the Boston Seaport) are a fast cab trip away. In case you are excited by American Historical past, take into account strolling on the Freedom Path.
Different choices embody a tour of Fenway Park (relying on availability), a stroll by the Boston Public Backyard and Boston Widespread, the Boston Museum of Science, Harvard Sq., and the Boston Museum of Effective Artwork. In the summertime, you might take into account reserving a Boston Harbor Cruise or a whale watch.
There are some eating places positioned not too removed from the cruise terminal inside the Boston space, however I’d suggest venturing out. Town could be very accessible, and it’s straightforward to get in a cab or an Uber and discover the town for the day.
Learn extra about Flynn Cruiseport Boston right here.
