WORLD TRAVEL NEWS ARTICLE
Cruiseport Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA
Gloucester Boulevard
Nestling in the heart of Cape Ann is the town and Cruiseport of Gloucester. A short pleasant drive or train ride northeast of Boston through beautiful countryside brings you to Gloucester. This is the home to America's original seaport and the oldest working art colony in North America. A place to see, feel and taste history, Gloucester's working waterfront and ineffable beauty have drawn fishermen, families, artists and visitors for over four hundred years.
The first to discover this idyllic location 400 years ago was Samuel de Champlain. He landed in Gloucester and christened it Le Beauport for its beautiful harbour, sandy beaches and scenic rocky shores.
On October 30, 1991 a storm hit Cape Ann sinking fishing boats out at sea and causing massive destruction along the coast. One boat lost at sea during the storm was the Andrea Gail, a swordfish boat out of Gloucester with six hands on board. The story of this storm and this boat is told in a book by Sebastian Junger called "The Perfect Storm". In 2000 this tale was made into a movie starring George Clooney. This film has helped to make Gloucester famous. It still retains its centuries-old, local charm and offers scores of attractions, over a dozen spectacular beaches and first-class services for the discerning traveler.
Good Harbor Beach
Cruise ship passengers, whether docked alongside or at anchor, disembark at in the heart of the working waterfront within easy walking distance to downtown with its shops, art galleries, museums and a fleet of boats offering whale watching trips, harbor tours, river cruises, schooner sailing, deep sea fishing adventures, and much more.
American Glory alongside
For cruise ships and mega yachts looking to visit this beautiful and historic site here are some important statistics.
Operating Depth
Cruiseport Gloucester Marine Terminal is a Mega Dock accessed via the North Channel of Gloucester Inner Harbor that can receive freight as well as passenger ships. Vessels up to 500 feet (152.4metres) in length and drawing up to 20 feet (6.09metres) can be accommodated dockside.
Larger Vessels, up to 1500 feet (457.2metres) in length and drawing up to 26 feet (7.9metres) can be accommodated inside the Breakwater at Gloucester Harbor.
Still larger vessels can be accommodated in Gloucester Harbor outside the Breakwater.
Tidal Range
Mean tide at Gloucester Harbor is 8.9 feet (2.71metres).
Security
Cruiseport Gloucester Marine Terminal has a facility security plan that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Here are a few samples of what you can see and do during your visit.
Hammond Castle Museum
Second only to Thomas Edison in number of patents, John Hays Hammond, Jr. was one of America's premier inventors, who built his medieval-style castle between 1926 and 1929 to serve both as his home and as a backdrop for his collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. Visitors explore the castle on a self-guided tour including the great hall, indoor courtyard, Renaissance dining room, bedrooms, inventions exhibits, library, War room, kitchens, the tower galleries and several small rooms and secret passage ways. Visitors may also enjoy the beauty of the castle grounds and a view of the Atlantic shore line. The Hammond Castle Museum is only 3.3 miles from the Cruiseport.
Beauport, Sleeper McCann House
America's first interior designer, Henry Davis Sleeper, created Beauport, as a repository for his vast collection of American and European decorative arts and antiques. The McCann family, who acquired Beauport donated it Historic New England as a museum. The tour focuses on both the uniquely designed rooms of the museum as well as the collection of antiques and art works. Beauport is only 1.8 miles from the Cruiseport.
Ryan & Wood Distilleries
Bob Ryan and Dave Wood provide their unique blend of Beauport Vodka, Folly Cove Rum and Knockabout Gin. Bob personally presents the tour of this Cape Ann stamped distillery. Come in and learn the secrets of distilling fine spirits. Ryan & Wood Distillery is only 2 miles from the Cruiseport.
Cape Ann Whale Watch
Enjoy a three to four hour excursion to view nature’s gentle giants feed and frolic -- only 15 miles off the coast of Gloucester. All trips are fully narrated by a member of the Ocean Alliance (founded by world renowned whale researcher Dr. Roger Payne). The Cape Ann Whale Watch is on the same dock as the Cruiseport.
Rocky Neck Art Colony
One of America's oldest continuously working art colonies, Rocky Neck, in Gloucester Massachusetts, has attracted some of the nation's most illustrious artists including Milton Avery, Nell Blaine, Stuart Davis, Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, John Sloan, and many others. Today, this picturesque waterfront community is home to dozens of accomplished working artists.
You can also take the Rocky Neck Historic Art Trail, which leads you to twelve sites of art historic significance on this granite promontory with scenic views and humble waterfront buildings. Rocky Neck Art Colony is just across the harbor and only 1.8 miles from the Cruiseport by land or, alternatively you can take the water shuttle.
All this and more, coupled with delicious local cuisine, a great welcome from the people of Gloucester will make your visit one to remember.
For more information click on
http://www.cruiseportgloucester.com .
For cruise ships calling into this rather special port please ask at your local travel agent or on-line cruise specialist.
The closest Domestic and International airport is Boston's General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport.
Call Melissa Abbott 978-852-0381
