Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™
Welcome Aboard
Your Grand New England Cruise Portland, ME to Providence, RI
Table of Contents
Welcome.....................................................3 Itinerary Overview......................................4 Getting to Portland and Your Ship...............6 Staying in Portland......................................8 Boarding Your Ship.....................................9 What to Bring.............................................10 Meals & Cocktails.......................................11 General Shore Tour Information..................12 General Onboard Information.....................13 Concluding Your Cruise..............................14 End of Cruise Transportation Services.........14 Port by Port Shore Tour Information...........15
2
Welcome Aboard Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines. From your reservation to your experience aboard your ship, American Cruise Lines is with you every step of the way. Your cruise specialist is always just a phone call away and will be happy to assist you with everything from celebrating a special occasion to ensuring that your stateroom is just the way you like it.
The following pages will answer many of your questions about the cruise and your onboard experience. Your cruise specialist is available and can be reached at (800) 894-8570. www.americancruiselines.com
3
Maine
Camden Rockland Bath Boothbay Harbor Portland
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Belfast
Ports of Call Portland, ME
Rockland, ME Camden, ME
Gloucester
Belfast, ME
Boston
Rhode Island
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, ME
Boothbay Harbor, ME
Providence
Bath, ME
Gloucester, MA Martha’s Vineyard
Nantucket
Martha’s Vineyard, MA Nantucket, MA Providence, RI
Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents. Some cruises may go to Bar Harbor via coach from Bucksport. Please call for details. 4
Bar Harbor
5
Getting to Portland and Your Ship Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.
Your Ship Will Be Docked At:
Maine State Pier/Portland Ocean Terminal 40 Commercial St. Portland, ME 04101 If you are using a GPS, we have found that it is more accurate to enter the intersection of Franklin St. and Commercial St. Upon arrival, you will see American Cruise Lines deckhands in bright red shirts, ready to assist you.
Flying Into Portland:
Portland International Jetport is the closest airport to the ship. It is serviced by most major and regional airlines. Taxis are readily available and it is only approximately 15 minutes to the ship.
for ground transportation from Logan Airport to Portland, including car rentals, trains, and limousine service.
Driving To Portland and Parking: Long-term parking is available at:
Park’N Jet Valet Parking at Portland International Jetport 1000 Westbrook St. Portland, ME 04102
4.9 miles and 15 minutes from the dock.
Upon arrival to the Valet Parking Lot, please tell the attendant that you are a guest with American Cruise Lines for a special rate. The shuttle to the ship will leave at 10am. Call a cruise specialist 1-800-8948570 to reserve your seat on the transfer
The second closest airport is Boston Logan International Airport. There are multiple options 6
207-747-5650
Subject to change.
SHIP Maine State Pier LOCATION 40 Commercial St.
Taking the Train to Portland
Portland, ME 04101
Amtrak provides regular train service to the Portland Train Station. The station is approximately 10 minutes to the ship by taxi.
PARKING
an
in
St to change. Subject .
Co
1 Mile
m
77
r Po
n tla
d
r Ha
bo
r
22
o n
295
. g re s s S t
Pe
r t mm erc tla ow ia n n
Con
Ship Location
. St
ar
d
kl
Co ng D re ow ss P
22
Fr
Co
295
Downtown Portland
1
Portland International Jetport
an
ial S t.
9
Portland Railroad Station
1
Fr
e rc
. St22 s es gr
Congres sS t. 22
295
m
Co n
Back Cove
Park’N Jet Valet Parking at Portland International Jetport 1000 Westbrook St. Portland, ME 04102 207-747-5650 1
lS
kl
t.
in
St
. Ship Location
t. lS
Portland Harbor
7
Staying in Portland Hotels
If you are arriving the night before your cruise, the hotels listed below are within a few minutes of the ship. Ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate where available. Each hotel can arrange for taxi service to the ship. Residence Inn by Marriott 145 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101
207-761-1660
Fireside Inn & Suites 81 Riverside St. Portland, ME 04103
207-774-5601
Best Western Merry Manor Inn 700 Main St. South Portland, ME 04106
207-774-6151
Holiday Inn By the Bay 88 Spring St. Portland, ME 04101
207-775-2311 800-345-5070
This hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to the ship.
This hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to the ship. This hotel is located near the airport
This hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to the ship. 8
Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park
Boarding Your Ship Boarding Time
Please plan to arrive at the ship between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You may not be able to access your stateroom until about 11:30 a.m. The ship will leave at 1:30 p.m. or earlier if all guests have arrived. From the moment you arrive, everything will be handled for you. American Cruise Lines deckhands wear a distinctive red shirt and will unload your luggage from your car or taxi and bring it to your stateroom aboard the ship. Please keep your boarding passes with you, as it is not necessary for you to stay with your luggage.
as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed. You will be receiving luggage tags with your boarding pass before your cruise. If you would like additional tags, your cruise specialist will be happy to send you more. If you have cruised with us before, please remove your old luggage tags.
The Cruise Director will be awaiting your arrival at the gangway of the ship. Please present your boarding passes and photo ID at this time.
Luggage and Luggage Tags
American Cruise Lines places no restrictions on luggage. However, it is recommended that you bring Subject to change.
9
What to Bring Casual resort attire is recommended both on the ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sport shirt and slacks, with sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater and slacks, or a dress appropriate.
American Cruise Lines also recommends that you bring the following: • • • • • • • •
Comfortable resort attire Comfortable walking shoes Sunscreen Hat Light rain wear Jacket for cool evenings Camera Photo identification
Please do not hesitate to ask your Hotel Manager for any item that you may have forgotten.
10
Bar Harbor shops
Meals and Cocktails Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.
American Cruise Lines offers open seating at every meal in the Dining Salon on the Main Deck. Dress is resort attire. At dinner, men often wear a sport coat and women often wear a dress. Breakfast is prepared to order at your leisure between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Special Diets and Medications
American Cruise Lines will work to cater to any dietary needs. Please tell your cruise specialist approximately two weeks prior to your cruise so that we may plan accordingly.
Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m.
Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and you are welcome to join us at any time before 7:30 p.m. American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening at 5:30 p.m. before dinner.
Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection. Subject to change.
11
Shore Tours
Please note that all shore tours are subject to availability and change. Your onshore experience is as important as your onboard experience, so American Cruise Lines has taken special care to research and plan excursions at each port. With American Cruise Lines, you will experience what makes each destination a special place.
Every tour will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you true insight to the area’s culture, heritage and history. On each excursion, you’ll be joined by local experts, historians or naturalists to further enhance your experience.
For detailed descriptions of each tour, please see pages 14-18.
For additional information about the places you will visit or alternative activities available, your Cruise Director or onboard guest speaker will be happy to help.
12
Shore excursions on your Grand New England cruise are all Premium Tours:
P
Premium
Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise.
You may sign up for most tours onboard with the Cruise Director. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to making your onshore experience a true American Adventure.
General Onboard Information American Cruise Lines will work to meet your onboard needs and cater to special requests. If at any point there is an item that you would like to see provided, please let your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director know and American Cruise Lines will work to meet your needs.
Emergency Messages
Emergency messages can be directed to the main office in Connecticut at (800) 894-8570. They will be relayed to the ship at the first opportunity. You are urged to provide American Cruise Lines with email addresses and cellular phone numbers, as well as an emergency contact prior to your departure date. Cell
phones are generally available onboard the ship for emergency purposes.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your personal discretion. Tips are generally given to the Hotel Manager near the end of the cruise. They are then divided equally among the stewards and deckhands. Tips generally average about $175 per person on a 10-night cruise. Stewards and deckhands do not expect and cannot accept tips directly. Credit cards, personal or travelers checks, and cash are accepted. If you choose to pay by credit card, please contact the Hotel Manager at least one day before the end of your cruise.
Subject to change.
13
Concluding Your Cruise On most cruises, the ship will arrive in Providence, RI the evening prior to the final day of the cruise. The ship docks at India Point Park, 152 India Street, Providence, RI 02903. On the last day of your cruise, breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and passengers may disembark until 8:30 a.m. Your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will be available to assist with travel arrangements.
End of Cruise Transportation Services American Cruise Lines offers transportation from the ship in Providence to: T.F. Green Airport (Providence) – departs the ship at 8:30 a.m.
Portland International Jetport and hotels listed on page 8 of this book – departs the ship at 7:30 a.m. For more information, prices, or reservations, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570. During the cruise, your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will also be happy to assist you with travel arrangements.
14
Port by Port Shore Tour Information Rockland, ME
City Tour / Farnsworth Art Museum
P
Famous for its mountainous and rugged shore, harbors and inlets, Rockland is one of Maine’s unique treasures. Enjoy a narrated tour of Rockland, which will make frequent stops around town, including the famous Farnsworth Art Museum where you will enjoy a 1-hour tour. The Farnsworth Art Museum gives homage to the artists of Maine through its permanent collection, “Maine in America,” and is one of only two centers in the country dedicated to the three generations of Wyeths.
Owls Head Transportation Museum
P
Take a step back in time at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, where pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles from the late 19th century to the early 20th century are on permanent display. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum’s outstanding collection and don’t miss your chance to ride in a Model T!
Schooners in Camden Harbor
Camden, ME
Narrated Bus Tour
P
Camden is proud to call itself the “Jewel of the Coast.” Camden is a quaint coastal community featuring a harbor full of classic schooners and a unique collection of boutiques, art galleries and museums. A 90-minute narrated bus tour takes you through Camden Hills State Park and includes a stop at the top of Mt. Battie, where you will have panoramic views of glistening lakes, Camden Harbor, and the islands of Penobscot Bay. 15
Belfast, ME
Guided Walking Tour
P
Located on a hill overlooking the tidal waters of Penobscot Bay, Belfast was settled in 1770. Belfast’s history of creativity, innovation, and tradition can be seen throughout the city. The 1800s were a time of great prosperity in Belfast largely due to the town’s shipbuilding and commerce. The historic district of Belfast proudly showcases magnificent sea captains’ mansions in Greek Revival and Italianate architecture which have been included on the National Register of Historic Places. Join a local Belfast historian for a 1-hour walking tour through the city’s Historic Districts and ending at the Belfast Museum, which features exhibits that describe the city’s fascinating story.
16
Bar H arbor, ME
Some cruises may go to Bar Harbor via coach from Bucksport. Please call for details.
Acadia National Park
P
Nestled on the east side of Mount Desert Island and surrounded by Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor has welcomed visitors for centuries. During the 1800s, the breathtaking mountains and seascapes were a source of inspiration for many artists and writers. Prominent figures, Joseph Pulitzer and William Proctor followed as they built magnificent cottages in this beautiful coastal community. The 2½-hour bus tour of Acadia National Park will include stops at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first land in the United States touched by the morning sun, and Thunder Hole, an inlet naturally carved out of rocks where the waves spout water as high as 40 feet.
Acadia National Park shoreline
Nature Cruise
P
Cruise past some of the most breathtaking scenery in New England while you get up close and personal with the indigenous marine wildlife which inhabits the area. An expert naturalist will narrate as you meet native harbor seals and seek out nesting eagles. Along with the wildlife, highlights will include views of magnificent summer homes, Egg Rock Lighthouse, and Acadia National Park.
Boothbay H arbor, ME
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
introduce you to the history, horticultural details, and colorful explanations of the gardens you’ll tour. Included will be the visitor favorite, the Lerner Garden of Five Senses, a garden designed to appeal to each sense. After the tour, visit the gift shop or stroll the gardens on your own.
Bath, ME Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Maine Maritime Museum
P
Long known as the “City of Ships,” Bath has a centuries old shipbuilding tradition. Shipyards line its river’s edge and Bath-built vessels sail the seas of the world. Bath is home to the nationally acclaimed Maine Maritime Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits on Maine’s nautical history. Take a guided or self-guided tour of the museum and experience Maine’s rich seafaring history. From watercraft and lobstering, to shipbuilding and sea trade, hear stories
Photo by Barbara Freeman
P
The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the most distinguished botanical destinations in the country and is one of Maine’s top attractions. Its exquisite gardens, dramatic and compelling natural landscape, stunning Visitor Center, and picturesque waterfront make it unique, charming and totally captivating! A 1-hour guided tour will
17
about dangerous voyages to distant lands. Learn how a shipbuilder’s family lived in the 1890s and discover much more about Maine’s maritime culture.
Gloucester, MA
Schooner Lannon Cruise
P
Relax on the deck of this beautiful 65-foot schooner as she embarks on a two hour cruise through Gloucester’s quaint harbor. During this leisurely cruise, you will discover what it was like to sail on a fishing schooner over a hundred years ago. Help the crew raise the sails or just sit back and take in the picturesque scenery of Gloucester’s coastline.
where passengers can view the famous statue, “Man at the Wheel”; Downtown Gloucester; East Gloucester, also referred to as Rocky Neck; the Back Shore and the quaint seaside town of Rockport.
Maritime Heritage Center
P
During a guided tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the many features of the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. Visit the Man at the Wheel, Stellwagen Bank National Fisherman’s Memorial in Gloucester Marine Sanctuary exhibit, New England’s only marine sanctuary. Other features include the Sea Pocket Lab; Burnham Brothers Marine Railway; Eleanor, Narrated Sightseeing Tour P a reproduction of one of the three ships that Enjoy a narrated tour of Gloucester, Rocky Neck, and participated in the Boston Tea Party; and the Main Rockport. Tour highlights will include Stacy Boulevard, Pier. 18
M artha’s Vineyard, MA Island Tour
P
On a narrated bus tour of the island, experience a 19th century seaport village when you visit historic Edgartown, with its magnificent examples of Greek Revival homes built by whaling captains. Delight in Oak Bluffs’ gingerbread style cottages. Discover West Tisbury, straight out of a Currier & Ives print, and Vineyard Haven’s beautiful harbor. Included is a 1-hour stop in Edgartown, where you can stroll through the village and enjoy its famous rose-covered cottages.
Nantucket, MA Island Tour
P
For nearly 100 years, Nantucket Island was one of the premier whaling ports in the world. In 1869, Nantucket’s last whaling ship left its shores never to return to her home port. Recreational boating was on the rise, bringing summer visitors from the mainland to the island, but it wasn’t until 1880 when Nantucket was discovered as the ideal destination for summer vacationing. Join a narrated bus tour of this enchanting island. Take a step back in time as you are captivated by the island’s history, whaling stories, 17th century architecture, and beautiful villages and seaside cottages. Nantucket house
19
Thank you for cruising with us! (800) 894-8570 www.americancruiselines.com
741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200 Guilford, CT 06437 (800) 894-8570 140613