Boston, Massachusetts cruise port

Boston, Massachusetts

The Hub of the Universe

Freedom TrailAcademic HubColonial HistorySeaport District
Founded
1630
Nickname
The Hub
Key Landmark
Bunker Hill Monument
Famous University
Harvard University
📄 Take this port with you
A printable port guide — key info, things to do & tips. Includes an editable “My Day in Port” box for your ship times & booked excursions.
⬇ PDF (print)⬇ Word (editable)

Getting Ashore

Most cruise ships dock at the Cruiseport Boston (Flynn Cruiseport), located in the Seaport District. From here, visitors can easily access the city center via ride-share or public transit.

Getting Ashore

  • 1
    Ride-shareUber and Lyft are the most efficient ways to reach the North End or Downtown from the cruise terminal.
  • 2
    Public TransitThe MBTA 'T' (Silver Line) provides a direct, free connection from the terminal to South Station.
  • 3
    WalkingThe Seaport District is highly walkable, offering modern dining and shopping before heading into the city center.

💡 Pro move: The Silver Line is a great budget-friendly option for those heading toward the downtown core.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Boston's cruise infrastructure is centered around the Seaport District, providing a seamless transition from ship to city.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Flynn Cruiseport BostonSeaport District📍Modern Terminal
Logan Airport/HarborEast Boston📍Ferry Terminal
Lovejoy WharfNorth End📍Boutique/Small Ship Pier
Commonwealth PierSeaport District📍Passenger Terminal

Top Excursions

Boston offers a rich tapestry of American history and academic excellence. From the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill to the halls of Harvard, there is something for every traveler.

History

The Freedom Trail

Follow the red-brick path through downtown Boston, visiting sites like the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, and the Boston Common.

WalkableColonial HistoryCity Center
Walk the red line →
Culture

Harvard & MIT Tour

Explore the prestigious campuses of Harvard and MIT in Cambridge, visiting Massachusetts Hall and the famous Infinite Corridor.

CambridgeAcademicPrestigious
Visit Cambridge →
Nature

Public Garden & Beacon Hill

Stroll through the historic, gas-lit streets of Beacon Hill and relax in the beautifully landscaped Boston Public Garden.

ScenicQuietHistoric
Explore the Garden →
Adventure

Whale Watch Cruise

Set sail from the harbor to spot humpback whales and dolphins in the Atlantic waters off the coast of Massachusetts.

OceanWildlifeBoat Trip
Book a cruise →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

For those who prefer to explore on their own, Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the United States.

North End Italian Walk

Food & Culture

Walk from the pier to the North End, exploring the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoying a cannoli from Mike's Pastry.

  1. StartNorth End
📍 Open in Maps

Seaport Waterfront Stroll

Scenic

Walk along the Harborwalk, exploring the modern architecture of the Seaport District and the waterfront views.

  1. StartSeaport District
📍 Open in Maps

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Boston, Massachusetts (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy DaysSunriseSunset
Jan37°F / 3°C22°F / -6°C107:10 AM4:37 PM
Feb39°F / 4°C21°F / -6°C116:40 AM5:16 PM
Mar45°F / 7°C27°F / -3°C126:55 AM6:50 PM
Apr55°F / 13°C39°F / 4°C126:03 AM7:25 PM
May67°F / 19°C49°F / 9°C115:22 AM7:59 PM
Jun76°F / 24°C59°F / 15°C105:07 AM8:22 PM
Jul83°F / 28°C66°F / 19°C115:21 AM8:18 PM
Aug82°F / 28°C65°F / 18°C105:52 AM7:44 PM
Sep74°F / 23°C59°F / 15°C96:24 AM6:53 PM
Oct63°F / 17°C48°F / 9°C106:57 AM6:01 PM
Nov51°F / 11°C36°F / 2°C96:35 AM4:21 PM
Dec43°F / 6°C29°F / -2°C117:06 AM4:12 PM

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • info
    Boston is very walkable; comfortable walking shoes are a must for the cobblestone streets.
  • ⚠️
    warning: Traffic in downtown Boston can be congested; the 'T' or walking is often faster than a taxi.
  • star
    Visit the Quincy Market for a variety of local seafood and a taste of the famous New England Clam Chowder.
  • check
    Many museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, offer free or discounted admission for cruise passengers.
  • idea
    If visiting in autumn, the foliage in the Public Garden is spectacular.

Getting Around

Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.

🚗 Ride-share: ✅ Uber, LyftBoth Uber and Lyft operate 24/7 in Boston and serve the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.

🚍 Old Town Trolley Tours / Boston Sightseeing

Old Town Trolley picks up at the cruise terminal (Stop #15) on port-of-call days. Boston Sightseeing also offers a dedicated cruise terminal hop-on hop-off route.

Book tickets →

🚌 Silver Line Bus (MBTA SL2)

$2.75

The MBTA Silver Line SL2 stops a short walk from the terminal on Drydock Ave and runs to South Station, where you can connect to the full subway network. Cheapest option into the city.

🚕 Taxi

$20–$55

Metered taxis are available at the terminal. Fare to Boston Common or downtown is roughly $20–$30; to Logan Airport runs closer to $30–$55 depending on traffic.

📱 Uber / Lyft

Varies

Both Uber and Lyft are active in Boston 24/7. Request from the terminal pickup area; typically comparable to or slightly cheaper than a taxi to city center.

⛵ Water Taxi

$15/adult

Boston Water Taxi provides a scenic harbor ride connecting the cruise port to various downtown waterfront stops. Children under 12 ride free.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Boston, Massachusetts. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

Sapphire Princess
Princess Cruises
Copenhagen → Boston
⚓ Calls 03 Sep 07:00 dep 07:00 202615 nights9 portsDeparts 2026-08-19
View itinerary · 9 ports
15 days, one-way from Copenhagen to Boston
  1. 19 Aug 18:00Copenhagen, Denmark
  2. 21 Aug 07:00 - 17:00Lerwick, Mainland Shetland, Scotland
  3. 22 Aug 08:00 - 17:00Stornoway, Isle of Lewis and Harris, Scotland
  4. 23 Aug 07:30 - 20:00Belfast, Northern Ireland
  5. 24 Aug 07:00 - 17:00Liverpool, England
  6. 25 Aug 10:00 - 20:00Cobh-Cork, Ireland
  7. 31 Aug 07:00 - 16:00Sydney NS, Nova Scotia Canada
  8. 01 Sep 08:00 - 18:00Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
  9. 03 Sep 07:00Boston, Massachusetts
Find this cruise to book →
$3,299from / pp
AIDAdiva
AIDA Cruises
Warnemunde-Rostock → New York
⚓ Calls 07 Sep 06:00 - 08 Sep 14:30 (06:00–14:30) 202617 nights9 portsDeparts 2026-08-25
View itinerary · 9 ports
17 days, one-way from Warnemunde-Rostock to New York
  1. 25 Aug 18:00Warnemunde-Rostock, Germany
  2. 29 Aug 08:00 - 18:00Reykjavik, Iceland
  3. 02 Sep 08:00 - 18:00St Johns NL, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada
  4. 04 Sep 08:00 - 16:00Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
  5. 05 Sep 11:00 - 20:00Saint John NB, New Brunswick Canada
  6. 07 Sep 06:00 - 08 Sep 14:30Boston, Massachusetts
  7. 09 Sep 09:00 - 19:00Newport RI, Rhode Island
  8. 10 Sep 08:00New York, NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn
  9. 11 SepNew York, NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn
Find this cruise to book →
$3,229from / pp
Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Cruises
Copenhagen → Portland OR
⚓ Calls 12 Sep 202614 nights14 portsDeparts 2026-08-30
View itinerary · 12 ports
14 days, one-way from Copenhagen to Portland OR
  1. 30 AugCopenhagen, Denmark
  2. 30 AugKangerlussuaq, Greenland
  3. 02 SepQeqertarsuaq, Disko Island Greenland
  4. 03 SepSisimiut, Greenland
  5. 04 SepKangerlussuaq, Greenland
  6. 07 SepL'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada
  7. 08 SepWoody Point NL, Gros Morne NP, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada
  8. 09 SepLouisbourg NS, Cape Breton Island Canada
  9. 10 SepHalifax, Nova Scotia Canada
  10. 11 SepLunenburg NS, Nova Scotia Canada
  11. 12 SepBoston, Massachusetts
  12. 13 SepPortland OR, Oregon
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
Amera
Phoenix Reisen
Montreal → Bremerhaven
⚓ Calls 22 Sep 08:00 - 23:00 (08:00–23:00) 202628 nights16 portsDeparts 2026-09-12
View itinerary · 15 ports
28 days, one-way from Montreal to Bremerhaven
  1. 12 Sep - 13 Sep 23:00Montreal, Quebec Canada
  2. 14 Sep 08:00 - 23:00Trois-Rivieres, Quebec Canada
  3. 15 Sep 07:00 - 19:00Quebec City, Canada
  4. 16 Sep 12:00 - 20:00Baie-Comeau, Quebec Canada
  5. 18 Sep 08:00 - 18:00Corner Brook NL, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada
  6. 20 Sep 08:00 - 20:00Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
  7. 22 Sep 08:00 - 23:00Boston, Massachusetts
  8. 23 SepCape Cod Canal, Massachusetts
  9. 23 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Provincetown MA, Massachusetts
  10. 24 Sep 07:00 - 16:00Newport RI, Rhode Island
  11. 25 Sep 09:00 - 26 Sep 15:00New York, NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn
  12. 02 Oct 13:00 - 20:00Horta, Faial Island Azores Portugal
  13. 03 Oct 08:00 - 18:00Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island Azores Portugal
  14. 06 Oct 09:00 - 18:00Vigo, Spain Galicia
  15. 10 Oct 09:00Bremerhaven, Bremen, Germany
Find this cruise to book →
$9,370from / pp
Queen Mary 2
Cunard
New York → Hamburg
⚓ Calls 29 Sep 00:01 - 22:00 (00:01–22:00) 202624 nights10 portsDeparts 2026-09-26
View itinerary · 10 ports
24 days, one-way from New York to Hamburg
  1. 26 Sep 17:00New York, NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn
  2. 29 Sep 00:01 - 22:00Boston, Massachusetts
  3. 01 Oct 08:00 - 18:00Sydney NS, Nova Scotia Canada
  4. 03 Oct 08:00 - 05 Oct 17:00Quebec City, Canada
  5. 06 Oct 07:00 - 17:00Saguenay, Quebec Canada
  6. 07 Oct 09:00 - 17:00Sept-Iles, Quebec Canada
  7. 09 Oct 08:00 - 18:00Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
  8. 11 Oct 06:30 - 17:00New York, NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn
  9. 18 Oct 06:30 - 16:00Southampton, England
  10. 20 Oct 07:00Hamburg, Germany
Find this cruise to book →
$9,234from / pp

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.