After praising Princess cruises on their organisational skills at yesterday’s tender stop, today was an absolute shambles. The ship arrived in Boston harbour bang on time at 10.00am and very quickly the gangways were in place. As it was such a late arrival the whole ship was up and ready to disembark at this fantastic city and crowds began to assemble at the exit points. The problem was that the gangways were far too steep and the few passengers that were leaving were proceeding very timidly. Sylvia and I decided to wait until the crowds had dispersed by taking in the view from the open deck.
The cruise-port in Boston sits opposite Logan airport so our relaxation in the glorious sunshine was interrupted by jets taking off and constant announcements from the ship thanking us for our “patience and understanding”. Eventually a new ramp was erected which allowed a much quicker exodus from the ship and very shortly we were boarding a taxi into the city.
We last came to Boston some thirteen years ago just after I retired, but at that time did not visit the Tea Party Museum, so that was to be today’s first destination.
This was a fully interactive experience starting with the gathering in the Old South Meeting house where we were addressed by Samuel Adams. All the taxes that had been imposed on the colony were discussed at this boisterous meeting and I even had a speaking part. With the crowd now incensed, we proceeded to the quayside where the tea ships were moored……
…..and threw the tea overboard into the waters of Boston harbour.
We then had a tour of the ship, followed by two audio-visual presentations. The first showing the response of the King and his government to this act of treason and the second giving a very graphic depiction of the first skirmishes of the War of Independence. A small museum at the end contained an original tea chest together with other pieces from this time. It was a thoroughly enjoyable presentation.
Our walk into Boston took us past many of the historic sites of the town including the Old State House from where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1776.
Virtually opposite the State House stands Faneuil Hall but unfortunately it is undergoing refurbishment and was covered by scaffolding and sheets. We proceeded to Quincy Market where we intended to get something to eat.
The bright sunshine and the fact that this was a Saturday meant that every Bostonian and all the visitors seemed to have the same idea and the whole market was packed with people queuing for the various foods of the World on offer.
We walked along the dockside taking in the views and slowly made our way back to the ship. Although the day hadn’t had the best of starts it was still very enjoyable despite all the crowds. Boston is a beautiful city, with very friendly people and this was a great stop.