Chairman’s Voyage: America's 250th Anniversary - Cruise & Land Journey

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.

Welcome to the United States in this momentous year. Your journey begins in Boston, one of the oldest, richest and most culturally important cities in the country. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay. Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.

After breakfast, enjoy an orientation tour of the city. You’ll follow the historic Freedom Trail from the Back Bay's Copley's Square and Augustus Saint-Gaudens' memorial to Col. Robert Gould Shaw in Boston Common to the State House, the Old North Church, the Old State House and the South Meeting House.

Freechoice:
Choose from a selection of unique activities:

Visit JFK Presidential Library and Museum, dedicated to the memory of the United States' thirty-fifth president.

Experience the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works.

Embark on a student led tour of Harvard, which imparts the history of the University and provides a unique view of the students’ individual experiences. 

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.

This morning, embark on a guided tour of the Adams National Historical Park, the birthplace, farm and library of John Adams and John Quincy Adams (2nd and 4th president). Learn of John Adams’ involvement in the revolution, declaration of independence and constitution.

Enrich
Visit Fenway Park, America's oldest ballpark and home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Past glories come alive on a walking tour of the stadium and its most famous landmarks, such as the Triangle and the legendary Green Monster of left field.

The afternoon is free to explore Boston at your leisure.

Take the ferry to one of America’s most prestigious holiday islands, Martha’s Vineyard. You will be introduced to the island on a tour taking in enchanting island vistas, harbour towns, lighthouses, historic sea captains’ homes and filming locations from the movie Jaws. Enjoy some free time before continuing to Providence, where you’ll stay overnight. 

Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum on a guided tour and take a narrated cruise on the historic steamboat Sabino before journeying to New York City. On arrival in the Big Apple, a brief driving tour provides a glimpse of the vibrant cityscape before you retire to your luxurious hotel for a three-night stay.

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

After breakfast, take a cruise circumnavigating the island of Manhattan. You’ll pass under 18 of its iconic bridges while soaking in the stunning views of the city's monuments and remarkable architecture. Narration will be provided by a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Freechoice:
9/11 Memorial & Museum presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery and hope.

Whitney Museum of American Art in the heart of Manhattan's electric Meatpacking District.

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

Enrich
No place exemplifies the magic of theatre more than Broadway. Attend a performance of “Hamilton”, the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honour, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation.

At the conclusion of the performance join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a celebratory supper at the conclusion of this section of the tour.

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance. World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to the cruise terminal where you will board the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse for America’s 250th Anniversary Chairman’s Voyage.

On board your Discovery Yacht, you'll meet the Captain, the crew and your butler. Settle into your spacious suite and join your fellow guests at the Sky Bar for a glass of Champagne before setting sail for your unforgettable journey celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USA, taking in the iconic Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, Wilmington is a city rich in heritage. Delve into history at Hagley Museum and Library, take a leisurely stroll through Brandywine Park, or immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene.

A visit to Philadelphia offers the chance to explore the birthplace of American independence. Discover iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall or take in the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art and its famous “Rocky Steps.” You may also enjoy visiting the city’s historic sites or a panoramic drive showcasing its most celebrated landmarks.

This evening, cruise through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, which connects Chesapeake Bay with the Delaware River.

Baltimore is the colourful, diverse city that is Maryland's largest city and economic hub. It is known for its beautiful harbour; quirky, distinct neighbourhoods; unique museums and the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital to the east with the University of Maryland Medical Centre to the west. With the rich history that the city boasts however, it's amazing that Baltimore hasn't been deemed one of America's greatest historical destinations.

Named one of the best places to visit in America, Baltimore is a dynamic city that honours its past while embracing the present. Explore the city’s famed Inner Harbor, visit the National Aquarium, or step back in time at historic Fort McHenry.

For those looking to explore beyond Baltimore, a visit to Washington, D.C., provides the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the nation’s capital. From the historic monuments and memorials to world-renowned museums and the iconic Capitol Hill district, there are many ways to discover this fascinating city.

This evening, cruise through the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, home to thousands of wildlife species, including osprey, blue crabs, and sea turtles.

Embark on a journey along the historic York River, following the path of early American settlers and Civil War heroes. In Yorktown, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American history, where colonial landmarks, a charming waterfront, and pivotal battle sites bring the past to life. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this historic town offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Guests looking to further explore America’s colonial past can step into history with a Revolutionary War reenactment, enjoy a wine tasting experience at a premier Virginia winery, or uncover the living history of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement. Strolling through Colonial Williamsburg or exploring the Museum of the American Revolution will provide a deeper perspective on the nation’s founding.

This remarkable destination allows you to experience the legacy of America’s earliest days, from its indigenous roots to its revolutionary triumphs.

This morning, cruise the Cape Fear River before arriving in Wilmington, a charming riverside city were history and Southern hospitality blend seamlessly. Stroll its brick-lined streets shaded by moss-draped live oaks and explore one of the largest National Register Historic Districts in the country, spanning 230 blocks of beautifully preserved architecture, from Colonial Revival to Victorian-era mansions.

Wilmington’s past is deeply intertwined with key moments in American history, from the Revolution and Civil War to World War II. The city is home to the USS North Carolina, a historic battleship that serves as a tribute to the bravery of those who served.

Take a guided walk-through Wilmington’s historic district, a visit to the famed Airlie Gardens or a step aboard the USS North Carolina to explore its decks and gun turrets. Enjoy in the local flavours with a brewery and distillery tour, discovering Wilmington’s vibrant craft beverage scene. This picturesque Southern city offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and coastal beauty, making for a truly enriching visit.

Wandering through the city's famous Historic District, you would swear it is a movie set. Dozens of church steeples punctuate the low skyline, and horse-drawn carriages pass centuries-old mansions and town houses, their stately salons offering a crystal-laden and parquet-floored version of Southern comfort. Outside, magnolia-filled gardens overflow with carefully tended heirloom plants. At first glance, the city may resemble a 19th-century etching come to life—but look closer and you'll see that block after block of old structures have been restored. Happily, after three centuries of wars, epidemics, fires, and hurricanes, Charleston has prevailed and is now one of the South's best-preserved cities.Although it’s home to Fort Sumter, where the bloodiest war in the nation's history began, Charleston is also famed for its elegant houses. These handsome mansions are showcases for the "Charleston style," a distinctive look that is reminiscent of the West Indies, and for good reason. Before coming to the Carolinas in the late 17th century, many early British colonists first settled on Barbados and other Caribbean islands. In that warm and humid climate they built homes with high ceilings and rooms opening onto broad "piazzas" (porches) at each level to catch sea breezes. As a result, to quote the words of the Duc de La Rochefoucauld, who visited in 1796, "One does not boast in Charleston of having the most beautiful house, but the coolest."Preserved through the hard times that followed the Civil War and an array of natural disasters, many of Charleston's earliest public and private buildings still stand. Thanks to a rigorous preservation movement and strict architectural guidelines, the city's new structures blend in with the old. In many cases, recycling is the name of the game—antique handmade bricks literally lay the foundation for new homes. But although locals do dwell—on certain literal levels—in the past, the city is very much a town of today.Take, for instance, the internationally heralded Spoleto Festival USA. For 17 days every spring, arts patrons from around the world come to enjoy international concerts, dance performances, operas, and plays at various venues citywide. Day in and day out, diners can feast at upscale restaurants, shoppers can look for museum-quality paintings and antiques, and lovers of the outdoors can explore Charleston's outlying beaches, parks, and waterways. But as cosmopolitan as the city has become, it's still the South, and just beyond the city limits are farm stands cooking up boiled peanuts, the state's official snack.

Charleston exudes Southern charm with its well-preserved historic architecture, picturesque scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Founded in the 17th century, this harbor city invites you to stroll along cobblestone streets lined with moss-draped oaks, pastel-coloured waterfront houses, and grand antebellum mansions. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through the historic district, while white-sand beaches and sprawling plantations offer a glimpse into Charleston’s storied past.

History comes alive at landmarks such as Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, the Charleston Museum, and Boone Hall Plantation — one of America’s oldest working plantations.

Delve deeper into Charleston’s charm with a horse-drawn carriage ride before visiting Fort Sumter, take in the beauty of nearby Beaufort and Savannah, or step aboard the USS Yorktown, a legendary WWII aircraft carrier. A visit to the International African American Museum provides meaningful perspective on the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history.

Miami is one of the world’s most popular holiday spots. It has so much to offer; from its countless beach areas, to culture and museums, from spa and shopping days out, to endless cuban restaurants and cafes. Miami is a multicultural city that has something to offer to everyone.

Florida’s subtropical metropolis is a vibrant fusion of palm-lined beaches, pastel-hued Art Deco architecture, and a cosmopolitan high-rise skyline. Miami’s dynamic energy extends beyond its sun-soaked shores—it is a city rich in culture, art, and history. The influence of Cuban heritage, dating back to the 1950s Cuban Revolution, is woven into the city’s character, with Latin restaurants, cigar shops, rum bars, and the rhythms of Afro-Cuban music filling the streets of Little Havana.

Soak in the Miami’s Cuban culture and flavours with a unique tasting experience in Little Havana, skimming across the Everglades on an exhilarating airboat ride, or admiring the city’s famous Art Deco landmarks on a guided walking tour.

This evening, you might gather with new friends for dinner at Sushi @ Koko’s, enjoy entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre, or unwind with a nightcap at the Scenic Lounge Bar.

Located closer to Havana than Miami, Key West is synonymous for all that is fabulous. Whether it’s beaches, back country or just a brilliant time that you’re after, Florida’s most southern point holds a wealth of intrigue, both past and present. Famed for its unique originality, Key West is a condensation of the best of the sunshine state – fantastic weather, laid back attitude, deep-rooted history and masses of fantastic, fresh seafood; it’s little wonder that nobody ever wants to leave.Floating in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, the island has two very definite personalities: bookish and bizarre. On the one hand, the literary festivals, exquisite Caribbean architecture and splendid art galleries attract the bourgeoisie, while on the other, the eccentricity and reticence to be associated with “the mainland” attracts all kinds of “happies” –new era hippies. The two dichotomies live peacefully side by side and have done ever since travellers started arriving in the 1960s — Key West being one of the three big K’s on the hippie path to enlightenment (Kuta and Kathmandu are the others).But past the idiosyncrasies of the Key Westers, and you will find an island that is literally brimming over with spectacular sights and wonderful wilderness. From Henry S. Truman’s Little White House and Ernest Hemmingway’s house and studio, to botanical gardens and marine sanctuaries, visitors will leave this fascinating island wanting more.Best seen by foot, bike or boat, this is an island to be explored al fresco.

The island of Key West, the southernmost point of the United States, is a tropical paradise where Caribbean and American cultures blend seamlessly. Part of a coral cay archipelago stretching 325 kilometres off the Florida coast, Key West has long been a haven for artists, sailors, and treasure hunters. From Ernest Hemingway to Jimmy Buffett, creative spirits have been drawn to its laid-back charm.

Strolling through the historic Old Town, you’ll find charming conch-style houses, an old lighthouse, and even a museum home to dozens of cats. Beyond its rich history, the island’s turquoise waters and lush landscapes provide endless opportunities for exploration. Depending on your interests, you may choose to visit Hemingway’s legendary home and gardens, embark on a guided eco-tour through serene mangroves, or sail into the open waters on a catamaran for an unforgettable snorkelling experience among vibrant coral reefs.

Nassau's sheltered harbor bustles with cruise-ship activity, while a block away Bay Street's sidewalks are crowded with shoppers who duck into air-conditioned boutiques and relax on benches in the shade of mahogany and lignum vitae trees. Shops angle for tourist dollars with fine imported goods at duty-free prices, yet you'll find a handful of stores overflowing with authentic Bahamian crafts, food supplies, and other delights. With a revitalization of downtown ongoing—the revamped British Colonial Hilton leading the way—Nassau is recapturing some of its past glamour. Nevertheless, modern influences are completely apparent: fancy restaurants, suave clubs, and trendy coffeehouses have popped up everywhere. These changes have come partly in response to the growing number of upper-crust crowds that now supplement the spring breakers and cruise passengers who have traditionally flocked to Nassau. Of course, you can still find a wild club or a rowdy bar, but you can also sip cappuccino while viewing contemporary Bahamian art or dine by candlelight beneath prints of old Nassau, serenaded by soft, island-inspired calypso music. A trip to Nassau wouldn't be complete without a stop at some of the island's well-preserved historic buildings. The large, pink colonial-style edifices house Parliament and some of the courts, while others, like Fort Charlotte, date back to the days when pirates ruled the town. Take a tour via horse-drawn carriage for the full effect.

Your cruise ends today in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, and once a pirate haven. The city offers colonial-era landmarks, vibrant streets, and stunning white-sand beaches.  Savour one last luxurious breakfast on board your 6-star Discovery Yacht before saying farewell to the crew and new friends who have shared this remarkable journey with you. As you disembark, know you have created unforgettable memories.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nassau after 12:00 PM.

^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions. Submersible is not in operation in US waters and is not available on this departure. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.