Boston, one of the birthplaces of the American Revolution and the unofficial capital of New England, is one of the largest metropolitan cities in America. As well as being one of the oldest cities in the country, Boston is also a center for higher education, medicine and American history. Historical events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill have not only shaped this city, but America.

Cruises out of Boston primarily visit Bermuda, New England and Canada. Currently Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America and Royal Caribbean are the only major cruise lines with ships departing Boston from Spring through the Fall. And beginning in April 2012 Azamara Cruise’s Journey will be operating an 11-night Transatlantic Cruise to Paris while Crystal Cruise’s Symphony will offer a 7-night Canada & New England cruise to Montreal starting in October 2012.

Facts

Where is the cruise port?

Cruise ships dock at Cruiseport Boston’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal located on Boston's east coast at One Black Falcon Avenue. (see map).

What language is spoken in Boston? Do they speak English?

English is the official language.

What is the time zone in Boston?

Boston is on Eastern Standard Time (-5 GMT).

Current Time - Boston, MA, USA

Money & Currency

What is the national currency?

The US Dollar (USD).

Where can I get or exchange money close to the cruise port in Boston?

If you are exchanging international currency, such as Euros or Canadian Dollars, Logan International Airport (BOS), located 4 miles northeast of the cruise terminal see map), and some downtown hotels are the most accessible locations to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. Currency Exchange International, located 3 miles west of the cruise terminal (see map), also buys and sells currency from over 80 different countries.

• Banks closest to Cruise Port in Boston: 

  There are many banks within a couple of miles of Cruiseport Boston, below are a few:

  • Bank of America, located at 100 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02210, is little over a mile and a half northwest of the cruise terminal (see map).
  • The Bank of America Pavilion, located at 290 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210, is about half a mile north of the cruise terminal (see map).
  • First Trade Union Bank, located at 1 Harbor St # 201, Boston, MA 02210, is about half a mile north of the cruise terminal (see map.)
  • Hanscom Federal Credit Union, located at 495 Summer St # 115, Boston, MA 02210, is about half a mile west of the cruise terminal (see map.)
• ATMs closest to Cruise Port: 

  There are many ATMs located throughout the city, at the banks mentioned above and in the cruise terminal.

Stay in Touch

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates. Also, public phones are available throughout the city. If US is not home, you can purchase calling cards at most any gas station or convenience store to make international calls affordably.

Where are the Internet cafes?

Free WiFi is available at all Starbucks and most McDonald’s locations in the area. There are also several hotels in Boston that offer a small business center or couple of computers with Internet access for hotel guests in case you did not bring your own computer.

What are the cell phone rates?

Most cell phone plans in the US now offer free nationwide roaming. Contact your cell phone provider for information regarding roaming rates.

Weather in Boston

Boston has a humid continental climate with warm rainy summers while winters are typically cold, windy and snowy and spring and fall conditions are usually fairly mild.

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in Boston

Getting Around Boston

Walking

It’s not known as "the walking city" for nothing. The city of Boston continuously works to improve its crosswalks and makes regular safety checks of traffic lights and pedestrian push buttons. Most tourist attractions are easily accessible from the subway followed by a short walk.

Taxis

Taxis are available throughout the city and will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Taxis also serve Cruiseport Boston during ship calls.

Public Transportation

Boston's bus and subway system, the MBTA, serves over 300,000 people in and around the city and is the fourth largest public transportation system in the country. The Subway - also know as the "T" - is composed of four color-coded rail lines that will take you just about anywhere. Both the subway and light rail service does not run between 1AM - 5AM, so make sure you make if to the station by midnight to catch the last train. The cost of each ride is $1.70. Unlimited day and week passes are available for $9 and $15.

Buses are slower, but can still get you to many if not most tourist attractions. CharlieCard users pay $125/per ride and get free transfers. The inner Express ($2.80) and outer Express buses ($4) will get you to your destination a little faster. Cash or Charlie Ticket riders pay $1.50 for regular bus, $3.50 for Inner Express, and $5 for Outer Express - no free transfers are included.

Boston's public transportation system serves the Boston Cruiseport area. The SL2 Route on MBTA's Silver Line Rapid Transit services Black Falcon Avenue at the Design Center Place stop. South Station and the Red Line subway is a mile away.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are available, but not necessary if you’re willing to use public transportation. However, if you do choose to drive try avoiding the morning and evening rush hour in the downtown area.

Boston Cruise Port to Airport

What is the best way to travel between the Boston cruise port and the airport?

Logan International Airport (BOS) is 4 miles north of the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in Cruiseport Boston (see map.) A taxi will get you to the cruise terminal from the airport and back in about 30-45 minutes and cost roughly $15 for two passengers. For more information on Airport Taxi services call (617)850-0500.

Hotels

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the Boston cruise port?

There are several hotels in the Downtown Boston, Logan International Airport and near Cruiseport Boston that are more than adequate for one, two or several nights stay before and/or after your cruise. Below are a few different options depending on your needs:

• If you are driving from out of town to Boston for your cruise:

  Best Western - Adams Inn, located 6 miles south of the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal (see map), offers free parking for up to 14 days (which can save you the cost of parking at the port) for cruise passengers that reserve the Cruise Package. Contact the reservations desk at (617)328-1500 for more details regarding parking for cruise guests.

  Free shuttle service is offered to and from the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal with a one night stay. Airport shuttles are also available from this hotel. Complimentary breakfast, high-speed Internet, as well as a business center with a complimentary computer in the lobby for guest use, is available at this hotel.

• If you are flying to Boston for your cruise:

  Holiday Inn Express Boston is 6 miles southwest of Logan International Airport and 2 miles southwest of the cruise termnial (see map). The Holiday Inn Express Boston offers shuttle service to and from the hotel and Logan International Airport for $5 per person. Shuttle service to the cruise terminal to and from the hotel is also offered at $5 per person. Contact the reservations desk at (800)467-1538 for more details regarding shuttle service for cruise guests.

• For a hotel close to Boston attractions:

  The Omni Parker House is a great option for those spending a couple of days in Boston before or after the cruise. Located at 60 School St., Boston, Massachusetts 02108, Omni Parker House is just 2 miles northwest of the cruise terminal (see map.) This historic hotel in the heart of Downtown Boston and near many area attractions, is the oldest continuously-operating hotel in the country.

Food & Drink

What are the best eats in Boston?

Boston Clam Chowder, also known as New England Clam Chowder, is a Boston staple. This chowder is milk or cream based, with potatoes, onions, bacon and clams among the ingredients. For the best clam chowder in the city try either Legal Sea Foods or Union Oyster House.

For dessert, a slice of Boston Cream Pie is a must. Yellow cake with custard or cream in the middle, topped with a chocolate glaze or ganache The Oak Room and Parker's Restaurant at the Omni Parker House (the birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie) in Downtown Boston are two of the best in town.

What are the must-drinks in Boston?

Irish Coffee, made with Irish whiskey, coffee and heavy cream, wasn't invented in Boston, but it definitely lives on in "Beantown". Cruising out of Boston in early spring or late fall can get chilly, but an Irish Coffee will warm you right up. Mr. Dooley's Boston Tavern, located in Boston's financial district, is famous for its Irish Coffee.

Souvenirs

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in Boston? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

A Boston Red Sox cap to wear or burn in effigy (I'm talking to you Yankee fan) makes a great souvenir of you trip to Boston. Afterall, what is more "Boston" than the Sox?

$25-$75

If you were a fan of the hit TV series Cheers you know that it was set in Boston. The little bar where everyone knows your name has a real life (sort of) version you can visit while in Boston (see map). Take a little bit of the Cheers magic with you with the Woody's Bar Pack. The kit includes 2 hurricane glasses, 1 shot glass, pub towel, napkins and a liter of the famous Cheers Bloody Mary Mix.

Over $75

If you get a chance to visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston you might want to check out the gift shop. A William Morris scarf made in Italy from silk crepe de Chine with 6” knotted fringe features bold colors and delicate florals makes an excellent gift which can add a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Attractions

What are the top attractions and must-sees in Boston? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Boston's Freedom Trail is an enjoyable walk for most any history buff. Located less than 2 miles northwest (see map) of the port this two and a half mile hike allows tourists to experience 16 of Boston's most historic landmarks, including: The Boston Common, Site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere's House, The Old North Church, the Bunker Hill Monument.

• Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is New England’s largest art museum. Located less than 3 miles from the cruise terminal (see map) the museum offers an impressive Claude Monet collection that is a must see for artists and art lovers alike.
• 

  Fenway Park is not just the home of the Boston Red Sox - to Bostonians it is a cathedral to baseball. In a place where baseball is less sport than it is religion, or so it might seem, Fenway is a true Boston landmark. Built in 1912, Feway is the oldest stadium in the major leagues. If you are lucky enough to be cruising while the Red Sox are in town, this is a must for a true baseball fan.

• The Boston Botanical Garden, located 2 miles northwest of the cruise terminal (see map), is the nation’s oldest botanical garden. Also known as the Public Gardern, tourists will enjoy the lagoon, scenic views of plants, monuments and fountains as they stroll along the garden's many paths.

Beaches

You may want to wait for the beautiful beaches of Bermuda or other island stops on your cruise to satisfy your beach fix, as the best beaches near Boston are over an hour away.

Shopping

• The Quincy Market/ Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an indoor-outdoor market, located 2 miles from the cruise terminal (see map), that offers an abundance of both dining and shopping options.
• Filene's Basement opened in 1908 and is famous for their discount bargains. Known as the "birthplace of bargain shopping", Filene's is the only store that still offers an automatic markdown pricing policy and is conveniently located less than 2 miles away from port (see map).

Golf

Boston has several good golf courses in the area, below are a few of them:

• Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course, located 13 miles west of the cruise terminal (see map), opened in 1930. This 18-hole, 6,320 yard par 72 course, which doubles as a cross country ski course in the winter, is often regarded as the best municipal course in the Boston area. Contact the course at (781)894-4903 for more details and tee times.
• The Hickory Hill Golf Course is an 18-hole 6,287 yard par 71 course designed by Manny Francis. Rates range from $18-$50 depending the time of day or day of the week, plus cart fees. Contact the course at (978) 686-0822 or by email for more details and tee times.

Cultural Events

Boston not only serves as New England's unofficial capital, but it is also its cultural center. Below are some of the best cultural events the city has to offer:

• The Boston Opera House, located 2 miles northwest of the cruise terminal (see map) opened its doors over 85 years ago. Today it is home to Broadway Across America and the Boston Ballet, featuring such shows as Mama Mia, Les Miserables, Romeo and Juliet and the Nutcracker. Purchase tickets online or contact the Boston Opera House at (617)259-3400.
• Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the most famous orchestras in America. Performing throughout the year at Boston's Symphony Hall, located 4 miles west of the cruise terminal (see map), the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs music by such classical master composers as Brahms, Ravel and Stravinsky. Purchase tickets online or contact the Boston Opera House at (617)266-1492.

Tours

• The Freedom Trail Tour is a tour of the two and a half mile red-brick walking trail that takes you by more than a dozen historic sites. This trail does not only exhibit Boston's history, but American history including the Revolutionary War. You can contact the tour operator at (617)357-8300 or online.
• The Boston Duck Tour covers the city’s major sites onboard renovated World War II vehicles. You’ll see everything from the State House, Bunker Hill and Fleet Center to the Boston Common, Copley Square, Newbury Street, Quincy Market and the Prudential Tower. And before its all over your DUCK will take you right on the Charles River where you’ll enjoy beautiful skyline views. Contact Boston Duck Tours at (617)267-DUCK(3825) for more information.