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Our trip to Chicago feels like it was such a long time ago, but I didn’t want to leave out posting about the architectural boat tour that we took, which was one of the highlights of the trip.

Chicago has many options for architectural boat tours, and since we really wanted a combination of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, we went with Mercury Cruises, which turned out to be a great choice.

First of all, it’s location was lovely, right on the River Walk, where I loved spending time.

Chicago Riverwalk

The boat was beautiful, and we got seats right on the bow so that we could see everything. The boat also had a comfortable interior where we went when it got a little windy. Inside was a bar that served local beer, which was a really nice touch.

Lake Michigan boat tour

Going through the locks from the Chicago River into Lake Michigan was a fun experience, and once out of the river, we were really on our way.

Chicago boat tour

Lake Michigan boat tour

Navy Pier

I can’t get over Lake Michigan’s vastness; it really feels like the ocean and with the windy day we had, there were some nice swells.

boat Lake Michigan Even though we had an overcast day, the sights were absolutely beautiful. Seeing the skyline from the lake was really special, and our Captain had all sorts of interesting historical tips to share with us.

Lake Michigan

Chicago architectural boat tour

Boating on the river was equally as beautiful and interesting. The skyscrapers really lived up to their name, and we saw Willis Tower, Aon Center, John Hancock Building, Museum Campus, Trump Tower, Marina City, and others. Chicago’s history is so interesting and rich, and I would love to do another boat tour as well as a land tour so that I can learn more.

Chicago skyline

 

Trump building Chicago

(The Trump Tower was as obnoxious as the person behind the name.)

There’s so much to do in Chicago, but when we were planning our trip everyone told us to do an architectural tour. They were all right!

Tags: architecture, boats, Chicago, tours, Travel, travel blog, vacation

Today Nova Star Cruises kicks of its second season sailing between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. This weekend we had the opportunity to tour the ship and to spend the night on board in Portland, which was really cool.

Nova Star Cruises

Nova Star is enormous! It’s a 528 foot ship with 162 passenger cabins, two hoistable vehicle decks, a casino, a spa, three restaurants, four bars, and an area especially for kids. And there’s so much more! Our tour took us all around the ship, including up to the bridge where the ship is piloted. Even though it was a foggy gray night, it was really cool to be up in the bridge looking out over the sea.

Nova Star Cruises

photo 4 (10)

dining on Nova Star Cruises    Nova Star Cruises

The ship’s many features include a buffet restaurant, fine dining restaurant, pub, and a shop that sells gift items, duty free items, and local offerings such as Nova Scotia wine. Nova Scotia is a rapidly growing wine region that has its own Tidal Bay wine, which reflects the coastal terroir.

Nova Scotia wine

Nova Star Cruises

While it is traveling between ports, the ship also features all sorts of entertainment, from ice cream socials, to wine and beer tastings, chef events, bingo, live music, art lessons and more, depending on the schedule.

We spent the night in one of the exterior cabins, so we had a nice big window overlooking the Portland Harbor. Cabins are all equipped with private bathrooms with showers, and everything was absolutely spotless. The beds were super comfortable too! I had a great night’s sleep in the cabin, and we woke up to a beautiful morning.

Nova Star Cruises cabin

 

Nova Star Cruises

Nova Star connects two beautiful coastal locations, both with exquisite natural beauty, excellent food, and maritime culture. Getting to Nova Scotia from New England has never been more fun. We’re hoping to plan a trip to Halifax sometime this summer, using Nova Star to kick off our vacation from the second we drive aboard. For more information on the ship, things to do on board, and Nova Scotia as a destination, please visit novastarcruises.com

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*I am doing some work for Nova Star Cruises. All opinions are my own.

Tags: boats, cruises, Maine, Nova Scotia, Portland, Travel, travel blog

There is really no better way to see Boston than by water. You already know we’re obsessed with boating, and last week we had the opportunity to be passengers on a different boat, the beautifully restored Full Moon with Karma Crew Yacht Charters.

The Full Moon was built in 1948 and can accommodate up to 39 guests. It’s a custom-built yacht from the golden age of yachting. You can learn more about the boat on the Karma Crew Yacht Charter site.

Full Moon Yacht

We boarded the Full Moon a little before sunset, and we relaxed for a few minutes before pushing off of dock. Once the boat is off the dock, the bar opens up, and guests can purchase beer, wine, or cocktails.

Karma Crew Yacht Charters

We spent some time exploring the yacht and then dug in to the delicious spread on board, lobster rolls and (incredible) clam chowder from Carroll’s in Medford.

lobster rolls

We cruised through Boston Harbor and over to Charlestown, where we got right up next to Old Ironsides for her sunset cannon firing and lowering of the flag.

Charlestown Harbor

The city absolutely sparkled on our way back. It was a gorgeous night in Boston, and it was fun to spend it on such an elegant vessel.

Boston skyline sunset

The Full Moon is available for private events, but they also have all sorts of fun cruises such as wine tastings and yoga cruises. The cruises are a great activity for out of town guests, but they’re just as fun for locals! Thank you to Karma Crew Yacht Charters for inviting us for your sunset cruise!

Tags: boating, boats, Boston, Boston skyline, events, parties, sunsets, weddings, wine tasting, yacht, yoga

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