Among the oldest established cities in the US, Boston has a long history from the days of independence up to modern times as the home of the world famous Boston Red Sox. A trip to Boston has to include catching a game of baseball and a walk along the Freedom Trail, with stop-offs at renowned sites telling the story of the American Revolution. Visitors can also find authentic, classic Boston cuisine at many different Boston Food Trucks across the city.
Things to do in Boston:
Fenway Park
Boston’s legendary baseball ground and home of the world-famous Boston Red Sox since 1912, making it the oldest stadium in US baseball. If you’re a sports fan, a tour of the proud history at the stadium is a must, or even catch a game and soak up the legendary atmosphere.
Freedom Trail
Freedom trail is the best way to learn about how the start of the American war of independence and the revolution affected the history and outlook of Boston and wider America. With sixteen historical sites and over two and a half miles of scenic walking, this is a must-visit for all ages.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
The city’s historic market place boasting interior and exterior stalls and stores, with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, as well as three old market buildings ideal for a flavour and feel of Boston life.
Museum of Fine Arts
Established in 1870, Boston’s art museum boasts being the fifth largest in overall size in the USA and one of the most extensive collections of artworks with around 450,000 individual pieces to view, from ancient Egypt to French impressionist and Dutch golden age exhibitions.
Bar Harbor
DAY 407 Sep 2024
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 5 PM
A quiet harbour town popular for art galleries and studios, situated on scenic Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbour serves as the gateway to the stunning landscapes of Arcadia National park, ideal for exploring rolling hills, plunging cliff edges and even sandy beaches where the wilds meet the sea. If you’re only stopping here briefly, don’t worry as you’ll still get to take in the dramatic views of the Arcadia National Park while on the move to the next great location.
Things to do in Bar Harbor:
Acadia National Park
Right on the doorstep of Bar Harbour on Mount Desert Island is this 47,000-acre national park of outstanding beauty, boasting gorgeous hiking trails, serene lakes, isolated islands perfect for making the most of your time on land and really getting back to nature.
Abbe Museum
One of the most popular attractions in Bar Harbour is the Abbe Museum. Situated in downtown Bar Harbour, it features an array of exhibitions that showcases the history and culture of the Wabanaki, the native people of Maine. Exciting for the whole family, the workshops, events and other activities within the museum are captivating from start to finish.
Frenchman Bay
Whilst exploring the Acadia National Park, you can gaze out towards the picturesque Frenchman Bay. Named after the French explorer Samuel de Camplain, it’s a picturesque location that offers many photo opportunities along the way.
Halifax
DAY 508 Sep 2024
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
As Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax has a great balance between trendy, urban city adventures and a plethora of water-sports, hiking and mountain-biking. Visitors can easily explore the highlights of the city on foot, admiring the Halifax waterfront and tasting a range of craft beers at multiple breweries before enjoying the exhilarating atmosphere of live ice-hockey. Many free performances are frequently held on the harbour, such as acrobatics, dancers and magicians.
Things to do in Halifax:
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Sitting atop Citadel Hill overlooking the town, the four forts of St George have dominated the landscape around Halifax since 1749. Built to secure Great Britains’ foothold on the region, the modern museum is a gateway to British Colonialism’s mark on the town and wider region.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Located in lively downtown Halifax, this museum dedicated to all things seagoing is a fascinating journey into the town’s relationship with the ocean, boasting 30,000 pieces on display including no less than 70 vessels, such as the famous SS Acadia steamship.
Halifax Public Gardens
In 1867, the year of Canadian Confederation, the Halifax Public Gardens were created. They are public gardens from the Victorian era and are situated across from Victoria Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia, next to Spring Garden Road, a well-known retail area. Full of beautiful plants, including fragrant flowers, it's a lovely place to wander around when stopping off in Halifax.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
DAY 609 Sep 2024
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
Sydney is the largest urban area on Cape Breton and has the charm of a waterfront community with the excitement of a city. Founded in 1785, it has developed a multitude of museums dedicated to Nova Scotia’s fascinating history as well as the ‘Good Cheer Trail’, a route of delectable, local food and wine tasting. Walking tours are a great way to see the highlights including the Miners’ Museum, Membertou Heritage Park and The Big Fiddle.
Things to do in Sydney, Nova Scotia:
Membertou Heritage Park
Spanning 5 acres, the Membertou Heritage Park is dedicated to offering insight into the culture and history of the Membertou Mi’kmaq community. Visitors can choose from a range of tours accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and sometimes even an Elder.
Miners’ Museum
This museum is renowned for providing visitors with an immersive experience into life for a miner in Nova Scotia. With tours led by retired miners, you will go underground to the Ocean Deeps Colliery and listen to tales of this gruelling work.
Big Fiddle
This unique attraction is made of solid steel and is located on the picturesque Sydney waterfront. The world’s largest fiddle, as soon as your cruise ship docks on the waterfront you’ll be created by this 60 foot tall fiddle- which was constructed in 2005 by Cyril Hearn. A tribute to the Celtic community and the folk music it brought to Sydney, this incredible sight offers the perfect backdrop.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
DAY 710 Sep 2024
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
Charlottetown offers a laid-back island experience with stunning coastal views and some of the freshest seafood in the world. This charming town is also home to the annual Charlottetown festival, a celebration of performing arts covering acting, dance and music, including the renowned Anne of Green Gables musical. Finally, visitors can also enjoy what is considered some of the best golf courses in Canada.
Things to do in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island:
Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place
Inspiring the tale of Canada’s best-loved fictional character, this house is a family favourite bringing the story to life by playing games, making ice cream and exploring the house and surroundings with characters from the story, along with a guided tour.
St. Dunstan's Cathedral
A prominent landmark in the city, St. Dunstan’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church constructed in the early 20th century. Taking its name after an Anglos Saxon saint from Glastonbury in the UK, it features a tall spire and stained glass windows.
Charlottetown Farmers Market
Discover an array of stalls, from fresh fruit and vegetables to other local artisans. Popular with both tourists and locals alike, this bustling market is a unique place to visit when in the city.
Quebec City
DAY 1013 Sep 2024
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 4 PM
Old Quebec has a unique feel as you explore the quaint streets and squares, and the church of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine- the oldest pilgrimage destination in North America at over 350 years old. The surrounding boasts the 30m waterfall of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and the gorgeous woodlands, lakes and rivers of Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier. In addition, learn all about the indigenous population of Canada at the Huron-Wendat heritage.
Things to do in Quebec City:
Saguenay Fjord
Found in Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay, this 146-mile-long fjord is a hidden gem. With so few tourists visitors to Saguenay Fjord will find quiet, non-crowded outdoor activities including whale watching, ice fishing, snowshoeing, kayaking and more.
La Citadelle de Québec
One of the most prominent attractions in the town is the La Citadelle de Quebec. A military installation, alongside the secondary residence of the Canadian Monarch, it was constructed in 1831 and features a fascinating museum.
Plains of Abraham
A historic area within the city, it was created in the early 20th century. The site of several historic battles, the park is a wonderful place to visit whilst in Quebec City. At the gateway to the park lies the popular Plains of Abraham Museum which holds an array of exhibits and activities.
Flight departs
DAY 10-11
Hotel stay included
Hyatt Regency Boston or similar
4 star hotel
Boston
4 Sep 2024
2 nights stay
Customer reviews for Norwegian Gem
3.4
Based on 10 reviews
Cabin
3.4
Service
3.4
Excursions
3.4
Dining
3.4
Activities
3.4
Value for money
3.4
Entertainment
3.4
The ship was clean and comfortable but a bit cramped and noisy. The Stateroom was on the small size and very little room to get comfortable, furniture was badly laid out and for example, there was no bedside table on one side of the bed. The carpet fitted very badly around the room and very little desk space to do anything. Too stay less than 5 hours in Port on a number of occasions was totally unacceptable and managing embarkation and disembarkation at times were at best chaotic. The entertainment was not up to the required standard and the board games were quite often missing pieces. The Steam room was inefficient and was not switched on early enough for maximum efficiency However, I found the staff to be helpful and courteous and they should be congratulated for that.
Verified customer
1 cruise
21 Jan 2019
We did the 2 nights Niagara, 3 nights New York, 10 days cruising on the Gem in February. This was our first visit to North America and our first ever cruise (so cannot compare to other lines), and we had a great time, although wouldn't go to Niagara again now we have seen the falls. We stayed at the Sheraton, which, according to reviews, is just about the best mainstream hotel available and ate in the buffet restaurant (1 dinner & 2 breakfasts) - a bit pricey but good and with fantastic views. The area around the hotel is very tacky with amusement arcades etc and not to our liking. Included transfer to train station to catch the Amtrak to NYC was fine, luckily got there early as within 1/2 hour was absolutely packed with Brits doing the same itinerary. Yes, the train was slow (total journey around 11 hrs) but we didn't mind as seats were comfortable. Husband queued for 2 hrs for coffee but, as he said, he didn't have anything else to do! Took taxi from Penn station to our hotel - The Marcel at Gramercy, which was fine for us, although compact, with a view of the Empire State Building. Had great 2 full days in NY - did 9/11 museum, Top of the Rock, brunch at Grand Central etc. Thoroughly recommend Bluebell Cafe near hotel, especially Sunday brunch. Included transfer to Gem very disorganised, our 'private' car was booked for 11.30 but we didn't get one until about 1pm and then had to share it. The same happened with included transfer from Gem to JFK at the end of cruise. Anyway, on to the Gem. We loved it. Yes it is geared up for the American customer but there were quite a lot of Brits and other nationalities on board and, believe me, obnoxious and loud individuals come from a variety of countries including the UK. Luckily the ship is big enough to get away from them! We ate in the MDR most of the time and found the food and service very good. We had bought the 3 nights speciality dining package but really didn't think it worth it or necessary. Always good choice available in buffet, especially at breakfast time. The drinks package was included in the deal and it was great not having to worry about the final bill. Our balcony cabin was midships on Deck 9 and very comfortable, especially the bed. We took 3 excursions with NCL as rookie cruisers, which were a bit pricey but very enjoyable. We loved the musician Leo who played guitar and sang in the evenings but didn't go to entertainment in the theatre once, so can't comment. A great first cruise and we are definitely hooked, having booked another one, this time sailing from Southampton, within 2 weeks of our return!
Verified customer
1 cruise
18 Mar 2017
Just returned from a ten day Caribbean cruise on the Gem. A great cruise and a superb experience overall. Only criticism is that because NCL is American owned we had to pay gratuities on everything we bought from the bar (we didn't have full drinks package). I don't mind tipping people that I choose to tip but resent that it is compulsory.
Verified customer
1 cruise
19 Feb 2017
Just returned from 3days Niagara, 3 days New York. No complaints. Joined Gem for 10 days cruise. Ship was fine, cabin was very good. Food was geared mainly to Asian cuisine, rice and noodles, lentils and spicy foods, OK burgers and french fries always available. The Grand Pacific - service was appalling and food not up to usual cruise ship restaurant standard. Garden Cafe had a special Asian Night - no change there as the food was very repetitive and Asian based for 10 days. As a frequent cruiser, will not be joining this line again as my personal experience is better served with other lines.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
