New England Fall Foliage Cruise

Start your journey with a 1-night stay in Portland, where history meets modernity in a perfect blend of the old and the new. Your New England Fall Foliage cruise includes a Hotel Stay, ensuring a smooth transition to boarding the ship and providing time to explore the surrounding locale. At your leisure, discover the charm of working fishing wharves intertwined with converted warehouses that now house the city’s best eclectic restaurants and shops. This area is one of the most well-preserved Victorian-era urban areas in the United States.

Step aboard your ship and set sail into a captivating experience. Begin with a warm Welcome Reception. Be treated to cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and lively entertainment. This is the perfect time to meet your attentive crew, onboard experts, and fellow guests. Head up to the sun deck, watch the waves crest beneath you and see if you can spot any of Maine’s active marine life. As you set sail, be welcomed by Cape Elizabeth, which diligently guards the entrance to Portland Harbor with its stoic lighthouses and cascading cliffs.

As we make our way around Maine, we’ll stop in a city that stands as a testament to seafaring grace and architectural dignity, framed by the sprawling waters of the Kennebec River. The city’s streets, lined with stately homes and historic buildings, invite leisurely exploration, hinting at its storied past as a shipbuilding hub. High above the riverbanks, the Maine Maritime Museum offers a gateway to the maritime traditions that have shaped this community, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that weave a narrative of oceanic adventures. In the city center, local cafes, and shops bustle with activity, providing a warm welcome to visitors and residents alike. As the day wanes, the river reflects the sunset hues, casting Bath in a soft, enchanting light, marking the end of another day on this dynamic itinerary.

Portsmouth shares its autumn glory as historic Market Square becomes a canvas of fiery maple and oak leaves. Along the scenic Prescott Park, views of the Piscataqua River are framed by golden foliage, providing a picturesque setting for afternoon walks. The city’s maritime history is proudly displayed at the bustling seaport, where tugboats and fishing vessels remind visitors of Portsmouth’s deep roots in New England’s fishing industry. During the fall, the town’s numerous cafes spill onto sidewalks beneath awnings, inviting you to enjoy a warm drink surrounded by the vibrant palette of New England’s autumn.

One day is not enough in this historic coastal town, where 18th-century brick buildings stand as a testament to its role in the American Revolution and early shipbuilding industry. Stroll through Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor living history museum where centuries-old buildings and costumed interpreters tell the town’s colonial story. With its well-preserved colonial homes and historic sites like the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the town offers a deep connection to America’s early history while embracing modern-day culture.

Gloucester, Massachusetts, stands as a proud testament to maritime history on the North Shore, where art and historical narratives blend seamlessly against the Atlantic’s expanse. The town’s streets are lined with galleries and seafood restaurants that reflect the ongoing vitality of its fishing community. As autumn arrives, the landscape subtly shifts; the ocean’s perpetual breeze carries a slightly sharper, cooler whisper, harmonizing with the soft rustle of changing leaves. Trails through Ravenswood Park become corridors of muted yellows and deep reds, offering peaceful walks under a seasonal canopy. Whether strolling along its historic harbor or exploring cultural sites, Gloucester merges natural beauty with its deep-rooted seafaring legacy.

Deeply woven into the fabric of American history, this major city hosts iconic sites pivotal to the nation’s early challenges and triumphs. The Freedom Trail links critical landmarks such as the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s House, places central to the American Revolution. As autumn unfolds, Boston’s public spaces, like the Boston Common and the Public Garden, don an array of amber and crimson leaves, presenting a contrast between historic sites and contemporary architecture. Pathways along the Charles River invite peaceful strolls to watch the leaves fall gently, offering striking views that marry the city’s natural beauty with its urban energy. Boston continuously celebrates its historical significance through its monuments and museums while engaging in a vibrant cultural dialogue, maintaining a dynamic balance between honoring its past and embracing its future.

With the summer crowds thinning, now is the perfect time to visit this island off the coast of Cape Cod, MA. Made up of only six towns and no bridges connecting to the mainland, Martha’s Vineyard is a secluded paradise. The once thriving whaling industry can be seen in the still standing historic buildings and array of captain’s mansions. Known for its famous Gingerbread Cottages, get ready for a true rainbow of color as the leaves turn bright against the ornate details of these Victorian-style homes. While the waters seem to go on forever as you stand on the sandy shores, know you’re standing on cinema history as the 1975 masterpiece Jaws was filmed right here.

Nantucket Island, a jewel off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, enchants visitors with its pristine beaches and a historic charm that feels timeless. Spanning a modest 105 square miles, the island’s flat terrain is adorned with expansive heathlands and golden sandy stretches that invite leisurely strolls. Once the heart of a bustling 19th-century whaling industry, Nantucket’s downtown area is a living museum, with beautifully preserved buildings whispering tales of yesteryear. Wander through the captivating Whaling Museum, marvel at the iconic Brant Point Light standing as a sentinel since 1746, and embark on a guided tour of the island, choosing from either half-day or full-day adventures. Every summer, Nantucket transforms as the population soars to nearly 50,000, drawing visitors eager to explore its serene shores and enchanting, cobblestoned streets, where every corner holds a piece of history and beauty.

Within Narragansett Bay lies Newport, Rhode Island, renowned as the yachting capital of the world. As you stroll along the shores of its beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods like The Point and Historic Hill offer a glimpse into Newport’s storied past with their cobblestone streets and preserved Colonial-era architecture.

Visit one of America’s oldest fortifications at Fort Adams, a now state park, that was active from the War of 1812 through World War II. Constructed between 1824 and 1857, it’s one of the largest coastal fortifications in the United States, designed to house over 2,400 troops and equipped with powerful defensive features for coastal defense. Today, Fort Adams is a public historic site, hosting various events including the famous Newport Jazz Festival and offering guided tours that showcase its extensive military history and architectural significance.

Spend a second day in this city known for its Gilded Age mansions that once served as summer “cottages” for America’s wealthiest families. Explore Newport’s fabled history with a visit to the iconic “Avenue of the Mansions,” where extravagant seaside estates like The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff allow you to relive the lives of the elite of the Gilded Age.

Sag Harbor holds a vibrant maritime history as a bustling whaling port in the 18th and 19th centuries, with its harbor once filled with ships hunting whales in the Atlantic. Historic landmarks like the Old Whalers’ Church and the Custom House stand as testaments to its past, now housing museums that preserve and share Sag Harbor’s history. Literary luminaries like John Steinbeck found inspiration in its quaint streets, penning masterpieces like “The Winter of Our Discontent” amidst its coastal charm. Sag Harbor’s picturesque landscapes, with sprawling harbor views and historic architecture among tree-lined streets, evoke a timeless appeal that continues to captivate no matter the season.

New London, CT boasts a significant naval presence with the United States Coast Guard Academy training future officers and the Naval Submarine Base New London serving as a key East Coast submarine base. The city’s maritime roots run deep, once thriving as a whaling port during the 19th century, contributing to its economic prosperity. Its vibrant arts and cultural scene enrich the community year-round.

In contrast, Mystic, CT, offers a tranquil escape with its renowned maritime attractions, including the Mystic Seaport Museum, an outdoor museum providing insight into the growth of this small town. The village exudes charm with its quaint downtown area featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and unique shops and famous eateries. Don’t miss a chance to stop in for a slice at the famed Mystic Pizza from the titular movie that gave America’s sweetheart, Julia Roberts, her start in 1988. Together, these coastal towns showcase Connecticut’s eclectic and profound influence on maritime history and offer diverse experiences.

Fall is the best time to visit this iconic port. In the heart of Westchester County, New York, lies Sleepy Hollow, a village shrouded in American folklore. Immortalized by Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” this historic hamlet beckons visitors to explore its haunted past. Wander through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where the graves of Washington Irving and other notable figures share their secrets. Against the backdrop of the Old Dutch Church, where the Headless Horseman is said to roam, Sleepy Hollow invites intrepid travelers to uncover its secrets and embrace the enduring legacy of Irving’s timeless tale. Some say you can still hear the hooves of the Headless Horseman echoing through the misty night.

The city that never sleeps. The Big Apple. The Concrete Jungle. While New York City goes by many names, this is a place that needs no introduction. As we approach and the iconic skyline comes into view you can trace the outline of the art deco inspired Chrysler Building and the Empire State building. Let Lady Liberty welcome you with her ever-burning torch. Explore on your own or let us take you through the grid system on a guided excursion filled with fun and history at every cross street.

Have one last breakfast on board and begin to say goodbye to this fall foliage adventure. As you make your way home—or extend your stay here in NYC—American Cruise Lines thanks you for choosing us to see the nation with.