I love cruising, especially how convenient it can be when you travel with kids. But, it sometimes can be inconvenient, especially when you have to fly a great distance in order to be able to get on your cruise ship. If you live in the Northeast, you may consider taking one of the many cruises from Boston Massachusetts.
Wondering where the cruise ships dock in Boston? The Boston Cruise Terminal, which was recently renamed the Flynn Cruiseport (after former Boston mayor and Ambassador Raymond Flynn), is home to several cruises out of Boston, as well as a port of call for other ships. The main terminal at the Cruiseport is the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal. It’s operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport).
Disclosure: I’ve cruised out of the Flynn Cruiseport in the past on a complimentary press trip with Carnival and I’ve also visited for the day with two other cruise lines. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you.
Cruises Out of the Flynn Cruiseport Boston
The Flynn Cruiseport Terminal is open seasonally each year. It’s located in the Seaport District of Boston at 1 Black Falcon Avenue, Boston, MA 02210. The terminal isn’t too far from Boston’s Logan International Airport, and you can take a cab, Uber, Lyft, or MBTA (public transportation) to the cruise port.
If you take the MBTA, the closest station is via the Silver Line. I was surprised to hear how many of the Cruiseport guests arrive in the city of Boston via plane through Boston’s Logan International Airport (I assumed they would drive). There’s also an Amtrak station nearby at South Station.
Parking at the Boston Cruise Terminal
If you drive to the terminal, parking is available at 93 Fargo Street, Boston, MA 02210. Parking should be purchased online in advance. A complimentary shuttle is available.
They recommend that you arrive at least two hours before ship departure. You can arrive at the parking area as early as 7am. However, you’ll want to check with your cruise line to see the boarding time you’ve been assigned.
Boarding at the Cruise Terminal
Although you won’t need to take your shoes off, you’ll still have to undergo a security screening process similar to that at an airport. Open containers and alcohol are generally not permitted past security. Once you are through there, you can enter the line to show your passports and get your cruise room tickets.
This is similar to the security processes I’ve followed at other cruise ports. Boarding is done by zones (at least for Carnival) so you may need to wait a bit, depending on your zone. Your cruise line may require cruise travelers to book a specific check-in time.
If you are visiting Boston as a port of call, you’ll need to show your cruise stateroom keycard or other cruise line form of ID to be let into the terminal to return to your ship.
Remember that the earlier you get to the ship, the earlier your vacation begins. In addition, if you arrive early, you’ll avoid some of the crowds at the terminal, and you’ll get a better parking spot. Check with your cruise line to see how they board. You may be encouraged to arrive later.
If you are flying in for your cruise, I usually recommend that you arrive the day before. That way, you won’t have to be worried about flight delays derailing your cruise. After having my bags delayed by a day right before I boarded a cruise ship, I have made this a rule for my personal travel.
The closest hotels to the Boston Cruise Terminal are the the Hampton Inn Boston Seaport District and the Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District.
Cruises From Boston
Are you wondering what Cruises out of Boston are offered? It can vary every year by cruise line and itinerary. For instance, the Carnival Cruise Line that we took to Canada only operated for two years and then went to a different port. Hopefully, Carnival Cruise Line will return in the future.
Typically, you’ll find cruises from Boston to Eastern Canada, and cruises from Boston to Bermuda (often stopping in New York). These generally run from April to November, with the majority of them over the summer.
Here are some examples of cruise lines and itineraries that you’ll find out of Boston (note that these are just examples and they can vary by year)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (itineraries to Bermuda and Canada/New England)
- Holland America (itineraries to Canada/New England and Scandinavia)
- Royal Caribbean (itineraries include Canada/New England)
- Oceana (itineraries to Canada)
- Celebrity (itineraries to New England/Canada)
- Windstar Cruises (itineraries to Canada)
- Princess (itineraries to New England/Canada)
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Holland America Zaandam. This is a lovely ship on the smaller side, with pickleball courts, a covered swimming pool, outdoor pools, a library, great restaurants, and so much more.
Earlier this summer, I visited the Emerald Princess. This beautiful ship offers great restaurants, fun kids’ clubs, beautiful pool areas, and more.
Boston as a Port of Call
The Boston Cruise Terminal is also a port of call for cruise ships as part of their itinerary. These ships don’t originate or end in Boston but spend a day here.
Here are some examples of cruise lines that stop in Boston (again, just examples). Keep in mind that cruise lines change their itineraries all the time, so this list is subject to change.
- Phoenix Reisen
- Holland America
- Regent
- Silversea
- Viking
- Cunard
- MSC
- Princess Cruises
- Oceana
- Norwegian
- Seabourn
- P&O
- Carnival
- Tui
- Explora
- Crystal Cruises
- Hapag-Lloyd
Unfortunately, Disney Cruise Line does not sail through the Black Falcon terminal at the Port of Boston (yet?).
MSC Meraviglia
I recently had the opportunity to tour the MSC Meraviglia during her stay in Boston port (from Brooklyn’s home port). This is the largest ship to dock in Boston in 2023 and is stunning. There are loads of kid-friendly activities, including a 4D cinema, a kids’ club (in partnership with LEGO), an F1 Simulator, a bowling alley, a ropes course, and a waterpark.
Visiting Boston During Your Port Stop
Once your ship arrives at the port and you are cleared to leave, you’ll have many options to spend your day in downtown Boston. Your cruise line will have some excursions available to book, but it’s also pretty easy to get around Boston. Cabs should be available from near the port.
If you have little children, you may want to visit the Boston Children’s Museum or the New England Aquarium, which are not too far from the cruise port. Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, Boston’s North End, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, are a quick cab ride away. If you are interested in American History, consider walking on the Freedom Trail.
Other options include a tour of Fenway Park (depending on availability), a walk through the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common, the Boston Museum of Science, Harvard Square, and the Boston Museum of Fine Art. In the summer, you may consider booking a Boston Harbor Cruise or a whale watch.
There are some restaurants located not too far from the cruise terminal within the Boston area, but I’d recommend venturing out. The city is very accessible, and it’s easy to get in a cab or an Uber and explore the city for the day.
Read more about Flynn Cruiseport Boston here.
