Destination: 
The Northeast

Cruise into a naturalist’s paradise of hardwood forests, crystalline glacial lakes and streams, peaceful views of waterfowl and wildlife. Old fishing villages, colonial settlements, legendary estates and quaint towns and piers tell stories of another way of life and offer quiet charm that begs to be photographed and explored.

Your time is yours to enjoy. Bring your sense of adventure and curiosity on this journey of spectacular sights in lush, emerald-green June or in the brilliant fall colors of September and October. 

Cape Cod & the Islands of New England 2007

The serious seafaring days are over, but the towns that dot the Atlantic coast – from the Big Apple to Bean Town – have an irresistible allure. Havens of history, natural beauty and charm, these coastal hamlets were once home to hard-working fishermen and farmers.

Cruise the coastline, entering each harbor to see the city as its earliest visitors did. Experience American history at its roots. Enjoy seafood that doesn’t get much fresher, and arts that meld the traditional with the avant-garde. Breathe the salty air, keep the lighthouses in sight, and delight in landscapes and seascapes that are as timeless and distinctive as America itself.

• Tour Costs From: $2,899 pp
• 8 days / 7 nights
• New York City to Boston
• Departures: June 2007 (plus September 2007 in reverse)

Day 1 - NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 
Board the Spirit of Nantucket to depart New York City in the evening. D 

Day 2 - GREENPORT, LONG ISLAND 
From first sight of its offshore lighthouse to its maritime and railroad museum and perfectly furnished 19th century house, you’re in a world of living history. Many former sea captains retired to Greenport and it’s easy to imagine them sharing the sidewalks as you stroll past their Victorian homes or enjoy the waterfront vistas from Harbor Walk. Nearby is the Hamptons, the legendary resort community on Eastern Long Island. Discover the allure of this beautiful spot, where lovely beaches and magnificent houses are plentiful and celebrity spotting is a popular sport. BLD 

Day 3 - NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND 
With coastlines on the west, south and east, beautiful Newport is home to more colonial inns than any city in America, Newport is known for its nautical history, hospitality — and its fabulous mansions. Many 19th century industrialists built their houses here, and their architectural grace is matched by the dramatic landscapes of Cliff Walk, the beautiful beaches and harbor. Stroll down Bellevue Avenue for a look at the palatial estates that reflect Newport’s Gilded Age. BLD 

Day 4 - MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS 
Six small, diverse towns dot this lovely island seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts. Explore the island’s towns, and savor fresh seafood, pristine sweeping beaches, stunning scenery with beautiful cliffs and impressive dunes, rolling green farmland and wild grapevines not much changed since the island was named by early English explorer Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602. Tour Edgartown with time to investigate the galleries, boutiques, and the whaling museum. BLD 

Day 5 - NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS 
Captain Gosnold noted Nantucket as he sailed past on his way to Jamestown, but records hold that Norsemen first set foot on the island in the 11th century. Home base for hundreds of whaling vessels and refuge for thousands of Quakers, the island saw construction of its first summer homes in the 1800s. Its beauty became backdrop for a new influx of inhabitants, all leaving their marks on this fascinating island. Visit the Whaling Museum for a closer look at the hard-working side of Nantucket, and the old Quaker Meeting House for a taste of the simple, strong aesthetic that governed their lives and get a sense of why the Spirit of Nantucket was so named.BLD 

Day 6 - CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS 
Discover why Cape Cod is best known for its beaches with their impressive dunes. Explore the pristine landscapes along the 40-mile stretch of National Seashores and Dunes on Outer Cape Cod. Delight in the fresh salt air as you search for the numerous birds living around here including osprey, eastern towhees, pine warblers and American bitterns. See Hyannisport, best known as the location of the Kennedy family summer homes. Hyannis Harbor provides the access to the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. In the evening, transit Cape Cod Canal. Completed in 1914, the canal effectively transformed Cape Cod into an island. BLD 

Day 7 - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 
From its historic harbor to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Freedom Trail, Old North Church, Old Ironsides and Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston is home to many of America’s most famous historical sites. One of the oldest, most culturally significant cities in the U.S., Boston is also the site of prestigious schools and universities, and charming neighborhoods with wonderful galleries, shops and restaurants. Enjoy a city tour that encompasses all the city’s highlights, and even leaves time for independent exploration. BLD 

Day 8 - DEPART FOR HOME 
In Boston, disembark the Spirit of Nantucket for home. B 

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Coastal Maine 2007

From Maine to Massachusetts nature dazzles your senses with its ever-changing landscape of inlets, bays, and rugged coastlines. Cruise along picturesque shores and the spectacular panoramas of Penobscot Bay. Explore quaint villages and learn about the seafaring heritage of these charming coastal hamlets.
Along the way, take time to revel in the windswept landscapes and crystalline glacial lakes that form Acadia National Park – a nature lover’s true paradise. 

Each day brings new delights as you delve into the fascinating history, culture, and natural beauty of our many lovely ports of call.

• Tour Costs From: $2,899 pp
• 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Boston to Bangor
• Departures: June 2007 (September 2007 in reverse.)

Day 1 - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 
Arrive today in Boston, center of Northeast history and culture. Boston is full of sites that make it famous as the birthplace of freedom — Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Bunker Hill, and the Massachusetts State House are just a few. If you have time, take a walk along the Freedom Trail, marked by a red line of bricks embedded in the ground. Board the Spirit of Nantucket to begin your voyage. D 

Day 2 - PORTLAND, MAINE 
This morning, arrive in Portland, overlooking Casco Bay. In the morning, explore the city of Portland and its immediate area. Learn about the history and architecture of this town that has burned to the ground three times, only to rise bigger, better, and more beautiful on each occasion. The tour continues to Cape Elizabeth, where you’ll visit historic Fort Williams Park — home of Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington in 1797. An optional tour this afternoon offers lovely views of Maine’s famous southern coast during a drive to Kennebunkport, a charming coastal village. See the stunning Federal and Victorian mansions. Stroll through the center of town, with its art galleries, antiques shops, and upscale stores. BLD 

Day 3 - BATH / BOOTHBAY HARBOR, MAINE 
From our dock in Bath enjoy an optional full-day excursion that explores the mid-coast of Maine. Begin by delving into the rich history of Maine’s boat-building heritage with a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum, New England’s major repository for the preservation of maritime artifacts. Then continue to Boothbay Harbor — originally discovered by English fishermen in the 17th century. Today this picturesque village is considered the largest boating harbor north of Boston, with colorful sailing vessels dotting its charming harbor. The Spirit of Nantucket will meet the tour at its conclusion in Boothbay Harbor, where you will have the remainder of the evening at leisure. BLD 

Day 4 - CAMDEN / CRUISING PENOBSCOT BAY, MAINE 
With breathtaking views of steep mountain terrain and rocky beaches, Camden truly is “the place where the mountains meet the sea.” For spectacular natural beauty, travel to the 900-foot summit of Mount Battie, with its grand panoramic view of the entire Penobscot Bay region. The tour continues to Farnsworth Art Museum, encompassing several buildings and displaying many 18th and 19th century works from the spectacular Wyeth Family Collection — Frank Benson, Eastman Johnson, Fitz Hugh Lane, and Thomas Sully are but a few of the masters whose pieces are displayed here. Enjoy an afternoon cruising scenic Penobscot Bay, arriving this evening in Bar Harbor. BLD 

Day 5 - BAR HARBOR (FOR ACADIA NATIONAL PARK), MAINE 
The village of Bar Harbor — a place of inspiration, relaxation, and outdoor activities since the mid-1800s — is our jumping off point for Acadia National Park, a paradise of serene valleys, breathtaking peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and a sea-lashed coastline. The park has long inspired American painters and poets, and was created by early 20th century visionaries and businessmen. Local guides and our naturalist will accompany you ashore today to enhance your experience. Enjoy a full day and evening in this quaint township, perhaps sampling a fresh lobster from Frenchman Bay at a local restaurant. BLD 

Day 6 - CAMPOBELLO ISLAND, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA 
Explore Campobello Island, the perfect place for walking and riding bikes. See the Roosevelt’s summer home, the Roosevelt Campobello International Bridge and the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, all in this classic New England atmosphere. BLD 

Day 7 - CRUISING PENOBSCOT BAY / BUCKSPORT / CRUISING THE PENOBSCOT RIVER, MAINE 
Relax aboard the Spirit of Nantucket this morning as you cruise Penobscot Bay, watching for marine life while enjoying the cool breezes from the decks of the ship. Around mid-day we dock at Bucksport, a charming seafaring port founded in 1779. Join a tour that includes historic Fort Knox, strategically located on the banks of the beautiful Penobscot River — New England’s second-largest river system — which was a favored fishing area for Native Americans as early as 8,000 years ago. Your ship makes her final leg of this voyage sailing to Bangor. BLD 

Day 8 - BANGOR, MAINE 
Disembark the Spirit of Nantucket after breakfast this morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. B 

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Fall Foliage on the Hudson River 2007

Cruise the river valley’s spectacular landscape as autumn’s breathtaking colors delight your eye. Relax in the splendor of fall foliage on this leisurely journey up the fabled Hudson. Historic legacy and natural beauty merge as you take in views of colonial settlements, legendary estates, quaint villages and piers. 

This is a wonderfully and carefully planned itinerary. From an outing in New York City to a tour of the Thomas Cole Historic Site, a myriad of culinary and cultural highlights await. 

Learn about this fabled river valley and capture the essence of Henry Hudson’s original exploration on this scenery-rich voyage during New York’s most colorful season.

• Tour Costs From: $2,899 pp
• 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Round Trip from New York City
• Departures: September, October 2007

Day 1 - NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 
Arrive in New York City to board the Spirit of Nantucket. Set sail in the evening, cruising past the spectacular night-lit skyline as you leave the harbor. D 

Day 2 - CRUISING THE HUDSON RIVER / KINGSTON 
Relax onboard, enjoying the scenery and magnificent estates along the shoreline as you cruise toward Kingston. Watch for waterfowl and wildlife, colonial settlements, legendary mansions and quaint villages and piers. BLD 

Day 3 - KINGSTON, NEW YORK 
One of the undiscovered treasures of the Hudson River, Kingston served as a vital port during the 19th century, with barges, steamboats, and ferries crowding its riverbanks. View the city’s handsome examples of 17th and 18th century Dutch stone houses, museum-quality antiques shops, and a church described by Calvert Vaux — co-designer of Central Park — as “ideally perfect.” In Hyde Park, visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library and Museum. One of the most famous homes in America, the Georgian-Federal Revival house looks much as it did when the Roosevelts lived here, and the library brings the former inhabitants alive with its gifts, mementos and personal items. A remarkable day becomes even more memorable at a special lunch at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. BLD 

Day 4 - CATSKILL, NEW YORK 
Art lovers will be delighted by a full-day excursion to the Thomas Cole Historic Site in Catskill, the residence and studio of the founder of the Hudson River School of Painting. The tour includes a visit to Olana, home of Frederic Church, a major figure in the Hudson River School of Painting. Church found his inspiration in the sweeping vistas of the Catskill Mountains, Hudson River and the Taconic Hills, and Olana, called by Church, “the center of the world,” that celebrates those landscapes perfectly. Also see the site of the Catskill Mountain House, a majestic resort that inspired many artists and was the center of the region’s social life, before it was destroyed by fire in the 1960s. BLD 

Day 5 - CRUISING THE HUDSON RIVER, NEWBURGH, NEW YORK 
Sail through the romantic environs of the Hudson Valley, viewing rocky gorges cutting through the Appalachian Mountains and magnificent scenery as you cruise back to the Lower Hudson Valley. In the afternoon, visit Boscobel, a beautifully preserved, early 19th century mansion furnished with outstanding examples of New York Federal furniture. The Gate House, grounds, greenhouse and garden, all create a vision of a beautiful privileged world. BLD 

Day 6 - WEST POINT, NEW YORK 
Nearing West Point, sail through a narrow, serpentine channel called “World’s End,” where, during the Revolutionary War, colonists placed a heavy chain across the Hudson to prevent the British fleet from penetrating farther into the Hudson Highlands. Our nation’s most famous fortress, now a National Monument, West Point was first occupied as a post in 1778. It is the alma mater of such military heroes as Grant, MacArthur, and Eisenhower. Tour the grounds, historic buildings and Cadet Chapels. BLD 

Day 7 - TARRYTOWN / NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 
The Historic Hudson Valley contains a confluence of unmatched cultural treasures. Begin your excursion at Phillipsburg Manor, a farming, milling, trading center of the 1750s all in perfect working order. At Kykuit, hilltop home to the Rockefeller family, admire splendid architecture, gardens, art and scenery. Discover Sunnyside, the enchanting riverside home of storyteller, Washington Irving. Celebrate Hudson Valley beauty and magnificent design and savor the beautiful stained glass windows of Matisse and Chagall at Union Church. BLD 

Day 8 - NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK 
Disembark the Spirit of Nantucket after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. B 

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner