My sister and I have cruised with Princess Cruises 12 times. These cruise vacations have taken us to many different countries with many different experiences. Last year, we were aboard the cruise ship Caribbean Princess for a Canada and New England cruise.
Caribbean Princess anchored in Boston, Massachusetts on a bright, sunny day with just a nip of fall in the air.
While there were many Boston shore excursions to choose from, we selected a walking tour of part of the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a red brick path through downtown Boston that links important local historical landmarks. It is a chance to learn about events as the people worked to gain independence from Great Britain.
We boarded a bus at the pier that took us to the start of our walking tour. My sister’s job was to take pictures while I absorbed as much history as I could.
We found Boston to be such an interesting city, with the contrast of small, pre-Revolutionary War buildings nestled in the shadows of modern skyscrapers.
We had an excellent tour guide who made history come alive for us. We walked to many historical sites including the Old North Church, Paul Revere House, Faneuil Hall, site of the Boston Massacre, Old State House, Old South Meeting House, statue of Benjamin Franklin, King’s Chapel and King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Granary Burying Ground, Park Street Church, Massachusetts State House and Boston Common.
We especially enjoyed the Granary Burying Ground, one of the oldest historic sites in Boston. Granary Burying Ground is where Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis and victims of the Boston massacre were buried.
Along the way we heard lively stories of statesmen such as Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. We walked by several taverns including The Bell in Hand Tavern, established in 1795, which is America’s oldest tavern.
After the tour, my sister and I explored Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market on our own. Shopping is a breeze at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Faneuil Hall was built in 1794. Today Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market contain 49 shops, 44 pushcarts and 18 full-service restaurants.
We relaxed from our long walk at Cheers, “where everybody knows your name”. Since we like to think of ourselves as beer enthusiasts, we ordered Sam Adams Boston Brick Red. This beer is only available at select bars in the Boston area and only on tap. After we finished our beers, the bartender told us we could take our mugs as souvenirs of our trip.
I have enjoyed all of our cruises and have enjoyed learning of the history and culture of the various countries we have visited. However, I was appreciative of being able to revisit American history. This shore excursion brought back memories of school history lessons and patriotism. I would definitely recommend this walking tour.