Brilliance of the Seas
Calling all backroads ramblers and culture cruisers— your ship's come in. Whether you're catching a movie poolside or enjoying Tuscan dishes at Giovanni's Table, you're in for the ultimate adventure in between shores.
Roundtrip From:Boston, Massachusetts
Visiting:
Departs at 5:00 PM
Toting over 400 years of history, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. Boston cruises allow you to see Revolution-era relics standing tall amid modern cityscapes, and homes where legendary patriots, politicians and poets once lived. Discover cobblestone charm in Beacon Hill and Paul Revere’s midnight route through the North End. Breathe in salty air along the Harborwalk and ride in a swan boat around Boston Public Garden. Whether it’s walking the Freedom Trail, kayaking on the Charles River, or living time-honored baseball traditions at Fenway Park, you’ll come to find Boston is the birthplace of New England adventure.
Walk the 2.5-mile, red-lined Freedom Trail past 16 historical sites. See the grave of John Hancock, old meetinghouses, famous churches, the home of Paul Revere, the site of the Boston Massacre, Quincy Market and the USS Constitution— Old Ironsides— the world’s oldest commissioned warship still floating today.
Step aboard a full-scale restored 18th-century boat and explore American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums during your Boston cruise. Let historical interpreters, artifacts, and an award-winning film engage you in the story of the Sons of Liberty, whose infamous political protest helped ignite the American Revolution.
Newbury Street offers a mix of upscale retailers and art galleries. Converse shoes were born here — design your own pair at the flagship store. Cruise to Boston and brattle Book Shop sells rare first editions in a hidden alleyway. Or stop by Faneuil Hall for handbags, scrimshaw items and jewelry hand-made by local artisans.
See Boston from the water while on a scenic sightseeing harbor cruise. Check out the city’s historic skyline, bridges spanning the Charles River, and Boston’s harbor islands. You can sail by wooden schooner, take a climate-controlled boat ride, or enjoy a fully narrated Duck Tour in a WWII-style amphibious landing craft.
Nothing beats eating a New England lobster roll by the harbor. And don’t miss Union Oyster House, one of America’s oldest restaurants, for Island Creek oysters and their famous clam chowder. Try Boston baked beans and scrod fish fillets. Parker House rolls and Boston cream pie were both conceived here too— and head to the North End for Italian-American fare, especially sweet cannoli.
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Once you set foot on the historic cobblestone streets of Portland, Maine, you'll know what keeps visitors flocking to these shores from around the world. Located in the heart of Casco Bay, Portland is home to a mix of activities, from outdoor adventures to artfully curated excursions and food experiences that will leave your taste buds wanting more during your cruise to Portland. Create an adventure in this sophisticated seaside city that perfectly matches your taste: Hike Casco Bay out to the lighthouse, peruse through the shops of Congress Street and the Old Port, or taste your way through the many highly regarded breweries inside the city limits and just beyond.
Situated on the ocean, in the heart of Casco Bay, the Portland area is home to six lighthouses, all within 20 minutes of the city center. The Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park is the most iconic. Walk the paved oceanside trail afterward for views of the ocean.
Insider tip
If you're heading to the Holy Donut, be sure to get there early — they only remain open as supplies last.
Pedal along the ocean as you sip local brews and learn all about the city's rich history — and its equally rich beer culture during your cruise to Portland. With over 25 microbreweries in Portland, there are beers here for every palette.
Insider tip
Walking shoes are a must, as many of the sidewalks are cobblestone or brick.
No matter what trinket you want to bring back from Maine, you can find it in downtown Portland during your cruise. Local and national stores alike line the cobblestone streets of Portland. The Old Port is where you'll find the most distinctive shops; head there for boutique and high-end fashions, home goods and souvenirs.
Portland put Maine on the culinary map. The food scene is full of creativity and flavor, with dishes can be as local or as international as you'd like. Enjoy the catch of the day at Portland Lobster Company. If it's sweets you're craving, head to The Holy Donut. For a twist on New England cuisine, check out EVO Kitchen + Bar. Finish with a nightcap at Blyth and Burrows.
Insider tip
Blake Orchard on Exchange St. is a hidden gem for healthy bites.
In just the last five years, the food scene in Portland has blossomed into one of the country's best. From historic pubs to nationally recognized restaurants, the food and drink here doesn't disappoint. Many of the best eateries are just outside the Old Port on Middle Street: Head there for oysters at Eventide (get there early on the weekends) or Belgian fries and paninis at Duckfat.
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Whether it's a game of one-on-one or an all-out tournament to fuel your competitive fire, our Sports Court is just the spot for basketball and volleyball action.
“Are we there yet?” is a thing of the past. We keep every kid entertained with games, events, age-appropriate activities and more in our award-winning youth program.
It’s easy to let every thought melt away while relaxing in a whirlpool, especially when you’re soaking up ocean views, too.
From 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
In Saint John, New Brunswick, you'll discover a perfect mixture of natural and urban adventures. Canada's oldest incorporated city, Saint John is also the country's third-largest port and the only city located on the Bay of Fundy, home to the world's highest tides. Cruise to New Brunswick and stretch your legs while you catch a view of the bay on the Skywalk. Then, discover the local bounty at Saint John City Market, North America's oldest continuing farmers market, and check out its rafters that resemble a ship's inverted hull. Later, head out to explore Irving Nature Park's trails and Rockwood Park, a Stonehammer Geopark site.
Rockwood Park is one of Canada's largest urban parks and a year-round adventure destination. It encompasses forest, freshwater lakes, over 50 kilometers (31 miles) of trails, a golf course and the zoo. It's also a Stonehammer Geopark site. Its ancient history is visible in the rock formations and caves ready to be explored.
Insider tip
Rockwood Park is great to visit in both winter and summer.
Saint John is where the Bay of Fundy meets the Saint John River. See the natural tug-of-war of the Reversing Rapids from Fallsview or Wolastoq Parks, or hop in a kayak and ride them yourself. In nearby St. Martins, you can walk along the ocean floor at low tide during your cruise to Saint John.
The store at New Brunswick Museum is known for its gift selection. Alternatively, stop by The Butcher's Daughter Gift Shoppe in Saint John City Market. It stocks many handmade products from local and national artists, including pottery, jewelry, hancrafted knitwear and original artwork.
Head to Saint John's New Brunswick Museum, Canada's oldest continuing museum, to see Canadian and international art, the Hall of Great Whales and New Brunswick exhibitions. Don't miss Saint John's National Historic Sites: Loyalist House and Carleton Martello Tower. The latter was pivotal in conflicts from 1812 until World War II.
Insider tip
A 15 to 20 percent tip in restaurants and bars is expected in Canada and New Brunswick.
Saint John City Market is the town's culinary heartbeat. Start your day with a brew from Java Moose Coffee and a treat from The Baking Stone. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Steamers Lobster Company. Top choices include the lobster rolls and bacon-wrapped scallops.
From 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Halifax was founded as a naval base in 1749 — but you'd never know it from the vibe of this bustling urban capital today. Peer a little closer and you'll see the Citadel, the star-shaped fortress that still stands guard from its hilltop perch. Discover historic architecture, restaurants, museums and boutique shops on the restored waterfront. Hop a ferry to Dartmouth or visit Peggy's Cove. Jump onboard a Nova Scotia cruise and spend your day whale-watching, or sailing, and celebrate the day with some of the best beer and lobster the Maritimes have to offer.
Hop aboard a boat tour of the harbor — from the observation deck, you can spy marine wildlife, including the majestic whales that inhabit Nova Scotia's waters. On some tours, the crew will even help you pull in a lobster trap.
Insider tip
Go sightseeing at your own pace with an all-day hop-on, hop-off bus pass.
What does the sinking of the Titanic have to do with Halifax? A lot, it turns out. Take the Halifax Connection tour to visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, where you'll see a collection of Titanic artifacts and hear stories about the iconic event of 1912.
Retail therapy in Halifax includes both world-class shopping and carefully curated boutiques. Try the Historic Properties for sweaters, the Hydrostone Market for art or Bishop's Landing for jewelry and unique cosmetics. Want a locally crafted keepsake? Head to the Seaport Farmers Market or Made in the Maritimes Artisan Boutique. Cruise to Halifax and be on the lookout for maple syrup — Nova Scotia produces some of the world's best.
Nova Scotia is home to 160 lighthouses, and you can get to many of them easily from Halifax. Visit the most photographed lighthouse in the world at Peggy's Cove, just a one-hour drive from the city, where you'll find some of the best panoramic views around.
Insider tip
Dining out? The typical tip is 10 to 15 percent of the pretax total.
Halifax is a seafood feast. There are plenty of upscale eateries along the downtown waterfront area serving full lobster dinners. Try the classic Nova Scotia seafood chowder, which brings together the best of the local seafood — mussels, haddock and scallops are commonly in the mix — in a creamy broth flavored with bacon. Or opt for one of the less pricey spots, where you can order some of the freshest fish and chips you've ever had.
From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The sight of the world's largest fiddle welcomes you to Sydney, Nova Scotia. In this enclave on Cape Breton Island, metropolitan charm meets down-home hospitality. Originally founded by Loyalists spooked by the American Revolution, Sydney remains a haven — but today, it's one replete with golf courses, a hearty music scene and the world-famous Cabot Trail. Step back into the 18th century while you walk among the town's classically inspired buildings and dramatically steepled churches. Cruise to Nova Scotia and stroll the boardwalk, indulge your inner lover of learning at the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science, and end your day toe-tapping to Celtic beats.
Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, which overlooks the inventor's summer home in Baddeck. Learn how Bell achieved invented only the telephone but also the world's fastest boat, Canada's first powered airplane flight and advanced recording technology. Marvel at his artifacts, films and family photographs.
Insider tip
The town center and Charlotte Street are only a five-minute walk from port.
Gaelic may not be your first language, but it's worth the trip to Highland Village in the Bras d'Or Lakes region to hear the melodic sounds of Celtic culture. Traditional music, stunning vistas and friendly farm animals backdrop 11 period buildings, a general store and a one-room schoolhouse.
It's an artisan extravaganza in Sydney. Head to the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design for affordable hand-crafted lamb's wool apparel, leather, glass and art. Get on Canada cruises to pick up some raw local lambswool or sheep's wool to take home and work with yourself.
Visit the 18th century at the Fortress of Louisbourg. The largest reconstructed French fortified town in North America is alive with music, dancing, cooking and military drills. Don't leave without sipping the Fortress Rum, sold in traditional bottles and sealed in wax.
Insider tip
The currency is the Canadian Dollar, but some shops accept U.S. currency, too.
It's all about fresh and local. Head to one of the many pubs along the downtown waterfront for maple-glazed Atlantic salmon or a lobster dinner. Be sure to try the island's signature mussels before you go. Wash it all down with a mug of Sydney's favorite beer from Big Spruce Brewing.
Every meal at Giovanni’s Table is a family-style celebration of rustic Italian flavor. You’ll find all your favorite Old-World classics on the menu here, like house focaccia served with marinated artichokes, olives and pesto, fluffy gnocchi tossed in a thyme-scented sauce of lamb and root vegetables, traditional risotto finished with porcini and truffle mushroom tapenade, and veal osso buco paired with creamy cheese polenta, ripe tomatoes and sautéed green beans.
In the Main Dining Room, you can experience flavors that take you from Jamaica to Jaipur, a rotating menu of delicious dishes always offering something unexpected. A multi-level restaurant that in the morning is the perfect spot to enjoy a hearty brunch paired with refreshing mimosas, at dinnertime transforms into a world class dining experience with a menu that invites you to taste your way around the world course by course.
Welcome to Chef’s Table, the most exclusive and elevated dining experience on our fleet. Join an intimate group of fellow foodies on a private epicurean journey led by the ship’s Chef de Cuisine. You’ll sit down to a white tablecloth dinner spotlighting five exquisite courses that range from scallop carpaccio with yuzu vinaigrette, to grilled filet mignon served with truffle potato puree — each expertly paired with the perfect wine to highlight every flavor on the menu.
Want to savor a meal in the comfort of your stateroom? Order delicious in-room dining any time — day or night. Tuck into breakfast in bed with a fresh omelet or a steaming stack of pancakes. Or enjoy an intimate date night in after a long day of adventure onboard and ashore. Room service makes it easy to treat your taste buds without having to set foot outside your door.
Arrives at 7:00 AM
Toting over 400 years of history, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. Boston cruises allow you to see Revolution-era relics standing tall amid modern cityscapes, and homes where legendary patriots, politicians and poets once lived. Discover cobblestone charm in Beacon Hill and Paul Revere’s midnight route through the North End. Breathe in salty air along the Harborwalk and ride in a swan boat around Boston Public Garden. Whether it’s walking the Freedom Trail, kayaking on the Charles River, or living time-honored baseball traditions at Fenway Park, you’ll come to find Boston is the birthplace of New England adventure.
Walk the 2.5-mile, red-lined Freedom Trail past 16 historical sites. See the grave of John Hancock, old meetinghouses, famous churches, the home of Paul Revere, the site of the Boston Massacre, Quincy Market and the USS Constitution— Old Ironsides— the world’s oldest commissioned warship still floating today.
Step aboard a full-scale restored 18th-century boat and explore American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museums during your Boston cruise. Let historical interpreters, artifacts, and an award-winning film engage you in the story of the Sons of Liberty, whose infamous political protest helped ignite the American Revolution.
Newbury Street offers a mix of upscale retailers and art galleries. Converse shoes were born here — design your own pair at the flagship store. Cruise to Boston and brattle Book Shop sells rare first editions in a hidden alleyway. Or stop by Faneuil Hall for handbags, scrimshaw items and jewelry hand-made by local artisans.
See Boston from the water while on a scenic sightseeing harbor cruise. Check out the city’s historic skyline, bridges spanning the Charles River, and Boston’s harbor islands. You can sail by wooden schooner, take a climate-controlled boat ride, or enjoy a fully narrated Duck Tour in a WWII-style amphibious landing craft.
Nothing beats eating a New England lobster roll by the harbor. And don’t miss Union Oyster House, one of America’s oldest restaurants, for Island Creek oysters and their famous clam chowder. Try Boston baked beans and scrod fish fillets. Parker House rolls and Boston cream pie were both conceived here too— and head to the North End for Italian-American fare, especially sweet cannoli.
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