Fourth of July Getaway - 5 nights, July 2013

Setting off from the port, your Old Town Trolley will take you on a ride through Boston. Your driver-guide will bring Boston’s history to life, weaving together colourful anecdotes, humorous stories, and historical information.

During your trolley ride, you will pass by the site of the famous Boston Tea Party, often described as the spark that ‘ignited the American Revolution’. Continue through the city and view some of the highlights including, the Old State House, Boston Common, Trinity Church, the well known Cheers Bar, and Fenway Park. Head to the Historic North End, home to the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House and cross the harbour to Charlestown, where you’ll see the beautiful Bunker Hill Monument and view the celebrated war ship, the USS Constitution.

At the end of the tour, you will be given the option to disembark your trolley at Quincy Market area for some free time. For those guests who choose this option, complimentary transport will be provided for your return to the ship.

This excursion will operate by trolley. This tour involves limited walking however passengers must be able to negotiate four steps onto and off the trolley. There are no stops during the tour.

Begin your fun tour of the town by land aboard a double-decker bus to see the highlights of Halifax and its historical sites. Let your guide provide you with interesting information as you enjoy the scenery.

After touring the city by land, it is then time to see Halifax from its best vantage point – the water. Board an amphibious vehicle and let your captain plunge the vessel into the world’s second largest natural harbour for an exciting cruise along the Halifax waterfront. Sail past the dockyards and continue along the beautiful Halifax waterfront, taking in the incredible perspective of the city’s modern skyline.

At the end of your tour, you may remain in the downtown area to visit the sights at your own pace. Hop aboard any double-decker bus throughout the day to return to the ship at your leisure.

This excursion will operate by double-decker bus and amphibious vehicle. In the event of small craft warnings, the cruise portion of the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a 25% refund. The Harbour Hopper is partially covered, therefore, it is recommended to carry a raincoat in case of inclement weather. There is no walking during this tour, but guests must be able to negotiate 8 –10 steps onto the amphibious vehicle. Please note the ride may be bumpy. The advertised itinerary may operate in reverse.

Cruising on a Cunard Line ship would not be complete without a close look at Samuel Cunard’s Halifax connection. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the son of a master carpenter and timber merchant, Samuel Cunard became the world's foremost shipping magnate in the nineteenth century.

His company created and operated the finest passenger liners and transformed navigation of the world's oceans. During your tour you will learn of Samuel Cunard’s transatlantic steamship service, which was inspired by his ferry system in Halifax. The focus of this tour is also on the city’s compassionate relief efforts and recovery operations after the Titanic tragedy. You will visit the renowned Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses a combination of fascinating Cunard and Titanic exhibits.

Your journey will take you past the property where Samuel Cunard’s childhood home once stood, and St Paul’s Church, the oldest Protestant church in Canada and where Samuel Cunard was baptized.

A visit will also be made to the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the largest resting place of the Titanic victims, and a drive will be made by the beautiful home of George Wright - the only Haligonian to perish on the Titanic.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

Travel through the streets of Boston on board your trolley and learn tales of ghosts and ghouls. Prepare for some fun, scares and ghost stories with your costumed guide.

You will visit the street where the 'Boston Strangler' once prowled and hear local tales of murder and mayhem. A stop will be made at Copp’s Hill, and either Kings Chapel or the Granary, Boston’s oldest graveyards ……… and you never know what kind of ghoulish creatures you’ll encounter as you explore the grave sites of John Hancock, Paul Revere and others!

At the end of the tour, you will be given the option to disembark your trolley at Quincy Market area for some free time. For those passengers who choose this option, complimentary transport will be provided for your return to the ship.

This excursion will operate by trolley and on foot. Children under the age of seven may not participate. This tour involves walking over varying terrain which includes rough and uneven ground, cobblestones and steps. Flat, comfortable non slip shoes are recommended.

From the harbour you’ll head towards Copley Square, one of the city’s most attractive spots. The Square is surrounded by some of Boston’s most striking buildings, including the stunning Romanesque Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library, known for its magnificent Italian Renaissance-style exterior.

Along Newbury Street, you will see the elegant Victorian mansions, which have been converted into chic restaurants and boutiques. Enjoy the sights of the beautiful formal flowerbeds of the Public Garden and century-old swan boats, as you make your way past Boston Common to the heart of the old city.

You will see the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House perched atop Beacon Hill, whose cornerstone was laid in 1795 by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Following along the ‘Freedom Trail’, you will view the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was read on 18th July 1776, as well as the site of the Boston Massacre. You will also see the famous Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Bustling Fanueil Hall is now popular with tourists and locals alike, but was once a key meeting point for Boston’s revolutionaries. At the end of your tour, you may remain at Faneuil Hall Marketplace and return to the ship independently if you are on a morning departure only.

This excursion will operate by coach. This tour may occasionally pass through tunnels to avoid traffic and, depending on traffic conditions, it may not always be possible to make stops for photographs.

Stand at the base of ‘Lady Liberty’ and delve into the history of this iconic statue, and visit Ellis Island Museum to catch the spirit of the important role this island played in American history.

After a brief drive to Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, you will board the ferry and take in the sites of New York Harbour including beautiful views of the city including Brooklyn and its famous bridge, Staten Island, New Jersey and the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

Upon reaching Liberty Island, enjoy some time to walk around the base of this magnificent statue. There will also be a short time to visit the gift shop and enjoy some of the exterior exhibits. Your guide will provide detailed information about ‘Lady Liberty’, its completion in 1886 and her unique history.

Re-boarding the ferry, you will continue on to Ellis Island, another National Historic Landmark. Ellis Island was the main immigration centre for the United States from 1892 until World War II. More than 12 million immigrants were processed at the island, and today over 40% of Americans can trace some part of their ancestry back to Ellis Island. You will have approximately 1½ hour to explore the museum on your own.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by bus, ferry and on foot.The ferry is not exclusive to Cunard and can become busy. Guests will be required to pass through an airline-style security check before boarding the ferry. Some queuing may be experienced due to the popularity of both attractions. Food and beverages are available for purchase at both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

In the mid-19th century, Salem evolved into an important manufacturing and retail centre, however in 1914 a great fire swept through the city leaving thousands of families homeless. Today Salem has developed into a colourful coastal city with one of the highest concentrations of historic sites and museums as well as wonderful shopping opportunities. Most notably, Salem is famous for its witch trials and you will see reference to this throughout the city.

Step back in time to 1692, when witchcraft hysteria overwhelmed superstitious Salem Village, when young women fell ill and innocent townspeople were accused of sorcery. The Witch Museum offers a theatre with stage settings, a narrator and the voices of actors and actresses who, accurately and dramatically, present the truth of the hangings in the dark period of the Witchcraft Trials.

Salem’s Derby Wharf dates back to the fabled China Trade period after the Revolution, when Salem’s Yankee Clipper ships sailed around the globe to Canton and the South Seas. In this period, Salem was the wealthiest city in the United States. You will have time to independently explore the historic buildings along the waterfront and browse the unique shops on the wharf.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests with walking difficulties may opt to remain on the coach during the stops. There will be approximately 40 minutes of walking and standing involved at the Witch Museum.

Set off from the quayside by bus with your kilted guide for a short drive to the heart of Halifax. Discover the downtown area the way it is seen best - on foot.

Take a leisurely walk through the beautiful Public Gardens, encompassing 17 acres of Victorian paths, lush flowerbeds and sparkling fountains. Founded in 1866, these are the oldest Victorian gardens in North America.

Enjoy the bustle of Spring Garden Road, lined with boutiques and cafés and walk past elegant Georgian and Victorian arches, which help the city retain its historic charm. Stroll through the lovely Grand Parade Square and see the oldest Anglican church in Canada. Learn of the history of Province House and City Hall, overlooked by the picture-perfect Town Clock, perched on Citadel Hill.

At the end of your walking tour, you will have time to browse the quaint shops and heritage buildings of the Historic Properties, located on the Halifax waterfront.

After your guided tour, you may wish to remain in the city and return to the ship at your leisure or walk with your guide back to the ship.


Note: Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for this tour.

Passing by Boston’s busy waterfront, you’ll soon arrive at Long Wharf to embark on a 45-minute harbour cruise. As your captain expertly navigates the historic waterfront, your guide will point out the many landmarks of the Boston skyline and the surrounding harbour. You’ll also get an up-close-and-personal view of ‘Old Ironsides’ at her home in the Charlestown Navy Yard with the Bunker Hill Monument in the background.

Afterwards, you will re-board your coach for a tour by land to one of the city’s most attractive spots, Copley Square, bordered by the architectural wonders of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Continuing through the upscale residential area of Back Bay, you’ll pass a number of quaint boutiques and trendy cafés en route to the Public Garden. In the heart of the city overlooking the Boston Common, lies one of the most elegant and wealthiest neighbourhoods of the city, Beacon Hill.

During your scenic drive, you’ll pass by the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House,

This excursion will operate by coach and motor vessel. Please note that the tour itinerary may vary in sequence. Although there is very little walking, passengers must be able to negotiate the steps onto the boat and coach.

A relaxing, enjoyable and interesting tour starting with a brief stop at Central Park and a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums.

You will head off to the ‘Upper West Side’, where you will see many homes of celebrities as well as the Lincoln Center featuring the Metropolitan Opera House. A brief stop will be made at the famous Dakota building, where John Lennon lived, followed by a short walk to Strawberry Fields, the area of Central Park devoted to him. Central Park is over 150 years old, has over 25 million visitors each year and more than 200 movies have been filmed within the Park. Continue by bus along the world famous Fifth Avenue, famous for all its designer shops and department stores.

Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most visited museums in the world featuring over two million works of art. The institution’s permanent collection spans history, from a transported Egyptian temple to a large collection of 19th and 20th century European paintings. There is also the chance to see many special and temporary exhibits while visiting the Museum. Enjoy 2½ hour’s free time with an audio guide to explore the exhibits. There are several cafés in the museum where you can purchase a coffee or snack.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This tour will operate by bus and on foot. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, flat, walking shoes. Please be aware that there is approximately 2½ hours of walking and standing throughout the tour.

In 1775, the British advance travelled a route through Lexington to Concord where the opposing ranks met in battle and consequently this was designated the Battle Road. Today, Lexington remains a place that has the classical elements of a small New England town.

Visit Lexington Green, where Paul Revere rode to warn the Minutemen that the British were coming. Old North Bridge is the site in Concord where 400 Minutemen faced the British and fired the shot that started the Revolutionary War. Inside Old North Church, you will notice the unusually tall pew boxes, which kept out winter draughts and enabled worshippers to sit around communal foot-warmers.
br> Enjoy a delightful luncheon at the atmospheric Union Oyster House, America’s oldest continually operating restaurant.

The return route will take you through Cambridge and Harvard Yard, where you will have an opportunity to stroll past the hallowed halls of America’s oldest and most prestigious university. Your guide will also point out the country homes of renowned authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests with walking difficulties may opt to remain on the coach during the stops. There is approximately 2½ hours of walking included on flat pavements.

Located in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan, a little more off the beaten track, is Chelsea Market, the ultimate indoor speciality food market. Here you can gain a glimpse into the local life of Manhattan.

A guided walk around the bustling indoor market will allow you to learn the history of the 112 year old building, admire the surrounding artwork and granite sculptures as you become immersed in the atmosphere. The highlight of your visit is the opportunity to sample a selection of tasty foods ranging from sweet to savoury.

After your food sampling, work it off by walking the High line, an old elevated railway situated 30 feet above the city’s west side. Today it has been transformed into a park with street artwork and views that look down over the busy city streets and it is amongst New York’s most visited attractions.

Heading back to Chelsea Market, you will sample a selection of wine and enjoy a brief last minute wander through the Market before heading back to the pier.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion operates by minibus and on foot. This tour involves around two hours of walking and standing at Chelsea Market. The terrain is relatively flat. The walk at High Line is around 30 minutes over varying terrain. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. US Dollars are accepted for purchases.

Begin your sightseeing drive of Manhattan and view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach. You will travel through quintessential New York neighbourhoods such as trendy Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District and Fifth Avenue with its designer stores and boutiques. You will also see glimpses of Central Park, which covers some 843 acres at the core of this bustling metropolis, and provides the people of the city with a green oasis.

The highlight of your New York exploration will be a visit to St Paul’s Chapel, where President George Washington paused to pray after his inauguration. St Paul’s Chapel is currently the home to exhibits and memorabilia relating to the 9/11 attacks. A short stroll from St Paul’s Chapel will lead you to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, where you can learn about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum through models, renderings, films and genuine artefacts.

Following your stop at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, you’ll resume your travels on the pulsing streets of the city. With your hunger to discover the ‘Big Apple’ satisfied, you’ll return to your ship.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. There will be approximately 30 - 45 minutes of walking during the stop at St Paul’s Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary. The majority of this tour is spent on the coach. Tour sequence may vary. Depending on traffic or street closures, some sights may not be accessible.

Located around 1 - 1½ hours drive from New York in Central Valley is Woodbury Common, one of the most popular premium outlets with named brands offering savings of up to 25% - 65%. It is said to be one of the world’s largest collection of designer outlets.

Upon arrival, you’ll have around 3½ - 4 hours to ‘shop till you drop’. Stroll through the charming Colonial American village setting and visit more than 220 outlet stores which include names such as Diesel, Giorgio Armani, Gap, Miss Sixty, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Versace, Adidas, and many more.

During your visit, you may also choose to enjoy the outdoor areas and entertainment centres. There are numerous restaurants and eateries available in the complex for you to purchase luncheon and refreshments.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by bus. This tour is unguided but will be accompanied by a local escort. The level of walking is at guests’ discretion; however guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the bus. There are 10 steps to negotiate at the entrance of the Woodbury Common. Please remember to take US Dollars for purchases. Credit and Debit cards are also accepted for purchases.

Beginning in Midtown, you will be transferred by bus from Manhattan Cruise Terminal to Pier 84 to board a water taxi. Absorb the imposing views of Manhattan as you cruise along the Hudson River, New York Harbour and get an up close view of the Statue of Liberty.

Battery Park is located at the southern tip of Manhattan and is the starting point of your walking tour to the World Trade Center. Around every corner are famous sights and locations like Broadway, and the famous “Charging Bull” Statue which has become the unofficial symbol of Wall Street.

The newly completed 9/11 Memorial consists of two massive pools set within the original footprints of the Twin Towers with 30-foot waterfalls cascading down their sides. Take some time to reflect and pay your respects to those that lost their lives there. A short stop at the Visitors Centre will give you chance to purchase souvenirs and also view the on-going construction of the site which, when finished will be home to New York’s tallest building, One World Trade.

A final walk through the financial district will allow you to see many of the iconic places that New York is so famous for including Wall Street, The NY Stock Exchange and Trinity Church.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by water taxi, bus and on foot. All guests and baggage are subject to security screening and inspections at the Memorial. No large bags will be permitted onto the Memorial. This is mainly an outside tour so please dress appropriately. The itinerary may be adjusted to ensure that you arrive at the Memorial as scheduled.