Cape Cod is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and delicious seafood. Many people wonder if cruise ships go to Cape Cod. The answer is somewhat complicated.
Location of Cape Cod
Cape Cod is a peninsula located in eastern Massachusetts. It juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by water on three sides. Because of its location, it’s not an easy place for large cruise ships to dock.
Cruise Lines That Go to Cape Cod
There are some smaller cruise lines that offer trips to Cape Cod. American Cruise Lines, for example, offers a New England Islands itinerary that includes a stop in Provincetown, which is located at the tip of Cape Cod. This small ship can navigate the shallow waters around Cape Cod and dock in the smaller ports.
Port Options
If you’re hoping to take a larger cruise ship to Cape Cod, your options are limited. There are no ports on Cape Cod that can accommodate large ships like those used by major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line.
Some larger ships may anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore for excursions in nearby towns such as Hyannis or Falmouth. However, this is not a guaranteed option since it depends on weather conditions and availability.
Alternatives to Cruise Ships
If you’re looking for an alternative way to experience Cape Cod beyond cruising, there are many options available. You can drive or take a bus from Boston or Providence, Rhode Island. There are also ferries that run between Boston and Provincetown during the summer months.
Once on Cape Cod, there are plenty of options for exploring the area including bike rentals, sightseeing tours, hiking trails and more.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are some smaller cruise lines that offer trips to Cape Cod, larger cruise ships typically cannot dock there due to the shallow waters and lack of suitable ports. If you’re hoping to explore Cape Cod, there are plenty of other transportation options available to get you there and many exciting activities to enjoy on the peninsula.