Current Topics in Cardiology

Boston, Massachusetts - To treat Boston as merely a point of departure is to miss one of America’s most compelling urban experiences. This is not just a place to start a journey; it is a destination in its own right, a city where the foundation of a nation is etched into cobblestone streets that now lead to world-class restaurants and centers of innovation. Extending your stay by a few days before or after your cruise transforms a great vacation into an unforgettable one, grounding your travels in a rich historical and cultural context. Boston is, above all, a city for walking. Its character unfolds not in grand, sweeping vistas, but in the intimate scale of its remarkably preserved historic neighborhoods. The best way to orient yourself is by tracing the iconic Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red-brick line that guides you through sixteen sites pivotal to the American Revolution. This is not a sterile, museum-like experience; it’s a living timeline. You’ll stand in the very room where impassioned speeches ignited a rebellion at the Old South Meeting House, wander through the quiet gravestones of John Hancock and Paul Revere at the Granary Burying Ground, and feel the weight of history at Faneuil Hall, the “Cradle of Liberty.” Beyond this central artery of history, Boston’s soul resides in its distinct neighborhoods. A short walk from the trail leads you to Beacon Hill, a protected historic district of staggering charm. Its narrow, gaslit streets, Federal-style rowhouses, and hidden gardens feel a world away from the modern city. It’s a place for an unhurried stroll, camera in hand, culminating on Acorn Street, one of the most photographed lanes in the country. Contrast this with the North End, Boston’s oldest residential community and vibrant Italian-American enclave. The air here is thick with the scent of garlic and baking bread. While the Freedom Trail leads you to Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church, the neighborhood’s real draw is its culinary heritage. The legendary debate over the city’s best cannoli—Mike’s Pastry versus Modern Pastry—is a delicious rite of passage, and the sheer density of authentic trattorias makes for an unforgettable dinner. For a different kind of elegance, the Back Bay neighborhood offers Parisian-style boulevards, particularly Commonwealth Avenue, and the high-end boutiques of Newbury Street. Here you’ll also find the magnificent Boston Public Library, whose Renaissance-style Bates Hall and serene interior courtyard are public treasures worth seeking out. Your cruise departs from the Seaport District, a neighborhood that embodies modern Boston. Once a landscape of industrial warehouses, it has been reborn as a dynamic hub of contemporary architecture, innovative restaurants, and waterfront parks. It’s home to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), a striking building cantilevered over the harbor, and offers some of the city’s best skyline views. The city’s cultural offerings are as deep as its history. The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) houses a globally significant collection, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Impressionist masterpieces. For a more intimate and eccentric experience, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a must-see—a Venetian-style palace filled with art collected and arranged by Gardner herself, left exactly as it was upon her death, surrounding a breathtaking central courtyard. **An Unhurried Two-Day Boston Itinerary** To truly absorb the city, we recommend a two-day stay. This pace allows for both discovery and relaxation. **Day 1: Revolutionary Roots & Italian Feasts** * **Morning:** Begin at the Boston Common and walk the first half of the Freedom Trail. Take your time at the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, and Granary Burying Ground. End the morning at Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, where you can grab a classic lunch from one of the dozens of food stalls. * **Afternoon:** Cross the Rose Kennedy Greenway into the North End. Visit the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church (“one if by land, two if by sea”). Afterward, simply wander the narrow streets, stopping for an espresso at a local café. * **Evening:** Remain in the North End for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended for the most popular restaurants. Conclude the night by taking part in the cannoli debate on Hanover Street. **Day 2: Art, Architecture & Modern Vistas** * **Morning:** Choose your preferred atmosphere. For quiet elegance and architectural beauty, explore the cobblestone lanes of Beacon Hill. For high-end shopping and grand boulevards, stroll down Newbury Street in the Back Bay. Art lovers should head directly to the MFA or the Gardner Museum. * **Afternoon:** Make your way to the Seaport District. Enjoy a late lunch at a waterfront restaurant, taking in the harbor views. If time permits, visit the ICA to experience Boston’s contemporary art scene before making the short trip to the cruise terminal. **Practical Advice:** Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is conveniently close to the city center. A water taxi from the airport to downtown is a scenic and memorable way to arrive. Once in the city, walking is the best way to explore the core neighborhoods. For longer distances, the subway system, known as the “T,” is efficient. Avoid renting a car; navigating the city’s streets is notoriously difficult, and parking is scarce and expensive.

Portland, Maine - Portland offers an authentic taste of New England's maritime spirit, all within a remarkably walkable historic center. The city’s heart is the Old Port, a district of cobblestone lanes and handsome 19th-century brick warehouses. Once the hub of maritime trade, these buildings now house a vibrant collection of independent boutiques, art galleries, and pubs, making for a delightful day of exploration on foot directly from the pier. The culinary scene is a genuine highlight. While the classic lobster roll is a must-try, Portland’s reputation extends to a sophisticated sea-to-table dining culture and a thriving craft beer scene. You can find exceptional food at nearly every turn, from casual seafood shacks to acclaimed restaurants. For a quintessential Maine vista, a short trip to nearby Cape Elizabeth reveals the iconic Portland Head Light, one of America’s most photographed lighthouses. Back in the city, the Arts District along Congress Street provides a more contemporary cultural experience. Portland is not a city of grand monuments; its appeal lies in its compact scale, preserved character, and the simple pleasure of exploring a historic seaport with a modern, creative energy.

Saint John, New Brunswick - Saint John is a city of substance, built by Loyalists and defined by the world’s highest tides. Its appeal lies not in grand monuments but in its authentic, unpretentious maritime character. The cruise terminal places you at the edge of “Uptown,” a compact, walkable core of impressive Victorian brick architecture, a testament to the city’s resilience after the Great Fire of 1877. The main attraction is a natural curiosity: the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the mighty Bay of Fundy tide collides with the Saint John River, forcing it to flow backward. While not a traditional waterfall, it’s a compelling display of nature’s power. For a taste of local life, head to the Saint John City Market, the oldest continuing farmer’s market in Canada. Its distinctive roof, resembling an inverted ship’s hull, shelters vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and local produce to artisanal crafts. Saint John is best appreciated on foot. Stroll along Prince William Street to admire the historic streetscape, explore the independent shops and galleries, and enjoy a local craft beer. It’s a port for those who appreciate history, architecture, and a genuine sense of place without the crowds of a major metropolis.

At Sea - Cruising

Halifax, Nova Scotia - Halifax is a port city that feels immediately accessible and authentic, its identity deeply intertwined with the sea. Ships dock conveniently near the city center, allowing for an easy, independent exploration of its historic core. The waterfront boardwalk is the natural starting point, a vibrant pathway lined with restored warehouses now housing artisan shops, galleries, and pubs. The air here carries the scent of salt and fried fish, setting a distinctly maritime tone. A short walk from the piers, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic offers compelling exhibits that connect directly to the city’s soul. Its collection includes poignant artifacts from the Titanic disaster—as Halifax was the primary recovery base—and a moving account of the catastrophic 1917 Halifax Explosion. This is not a trivial museum; it’s a powerful look into the events that shaped the North Atlantic. For a commanding view and a dose of military history, a steady uphill walk leads to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. This star-shaped fort has guarded the harbor for centuries. The noon gun is a daily tradition, and the costumed interpreters portraying the 78th Highlanders bring the past to life. Back at sea level, the Victorian-era Public Gardens offer a serene and beautifully maintained contrast to the bustling waterfront. While the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is a popular excursion, Halifax itself offers more than enough to fill a day. The city’s appeal lies in its blend of significant history, a lively but relaxed pub culture, and a genuine, unpretentious welcome.

Bar Harbor, Maine, US