Large cruise ships should all dock at the Black Falcon Terminal in South Boston. Directions at www.massport.com If it's not there, then please please please find out from your cruise line. They should have directions for you.

OP - if you have to be there by 2:30, your 8 AM departure should under 95% of circumstances be plenty early - but I still would not want to risk missing a cruise becasue of the remaining 5%. I would leave around 6 AM, stop for breakfast around Hartford. Unfortunately, you will probably get to Boston then around 10 AM and curse out those of us who suggested you leave earlier.

I reiterate that the fastest way to get to Boston is via 684 and 84. Forget the Merritt and 95!

rkkwan, you are on point. I saw my ship at massport.com. Gail, I hear you. I will leave NY @ 7AM. Howard R-will take 684 to 84 and then onto Mass Turnpike. I have to pick up someone in the opposite direction, and if I leave any earlier, my driver will put in me in a nursing home when I get back because I coerced him to take this trip anyhow. thank you. thank you all.

Oh, is I-90 the Mass turnpike? My directions from Massport say:
"From the South: Take I-93 north to Boston, take (new) Exit 20 to I-90 east/Logan Airport. You will travel into a new tunnel toward Logan. Inside the tunnel, take Exit 25/South Boston."

What's I-93? I guess I have to look at a map when I return home. I just want a smooth transition from 84-whatever into Boston.

Yes, I-90 is the Mass Pike. I-84 runs directly into I-90 after you cross into MA from CT.

If you are coming from New York, you do not take I-93 at all; that's more appropriate for folks coming from 50 miles or less, south of Boston.

I agree with Howard completely.


Have a good trip!

There is parking garage right at Black Falcon Pier - a block or 2 away and although I do not remember cost, it did not seem outrageous. Drop off luggage and then circle back to park car - or if you have reasonable amount of luggage or it wheels, you can park and then walk with luggage.

Two years ago we found boarding area to be somewhat disorganized - while it was clear where lines were, a significant number of people chose to ignore them and push to front. There were luggage porters with rolling carts to take luggage to ship - but again, the pushy got served quickly, ignoring the line.

Once luggage disappeared, check-in was relatively fast and easy. Remember to have photo ID/passport stuff.

Are you going to Bermuda?

This is a deep port, right? I mean, no boat has to take us to the ship, right? This is my first time at sea and I'm reluctant. Birthday gift. I'd rather have diamonds. Anyhow, I should ignore the 93 stuff, right? I thought NY WAS south of Boston. Look, I'm still confused. Here are directions from South:
"From the South:
Take I-93 north to Boston, take (new) Exit 20 to I-90 east/Logan Airport. You will travel into a new tunnel toward Logan. Inside the tunnel, take Exit 25/South Boston. At the traffic lights, you will be at Congress Street. Continue forward onto East Service Drive. At the next signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard. Continue straight onto Northern Avenue and proceed into the Marine Industrial Park"

Here are directions from west:"From the West (Mass. Turnpike, I-90 Eastbound):
Follow the Mass. Pike east toward Logan Airport. Pass the I-90/I-93 interchange and enter a tunnel eastbound. In the tunnel, take Exit 25/South Boston. At the traffic lights, you will be at Congress Street. Continue forward onto B Street. At the next signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard. "

Here are directions from the airport: "From Logan Airport (TW Tunnel, Mass. Turnpike, I-90 Westbound):
Follow signs for the Ted Williams Tunnel ($3 toll). From the right lane, take the first exit – Exit 25/South Boston. At the traffic lights, you will be at Congress Street. Continue forward onto B Street. At the next signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard."

What do I follow on I90 into Boston. What is that area called on the highway signs? I drive to what exit when I see the signs--to the airport? Is the port near the airport? I'm baffled. No, I'm confounded.

"What do I follow on I90 into Boston. What is that area called on the highway signs? I drive to what exit when I see the signs--to the airport? Is the port near the airport? I'm baffled. No, I'm confounded."

Calm down, and just follow I-84 to I-90 (Mass Turnpike) and then follow these directions (taken from your own quote of their directions):

"From the West (Mass. Turnpike, I-90 Eastbound):
Follow the Mass. Pike east toward Logan Airport. Pass the I-90/I-93 interchange and enter a tunnel eastbound. In the tunnel, take Exit 25/South Boston. At the traffic lights, you will be at Congress Street. Continue forward onto B Street. At the next signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard. "

Follow the directions from the west. You'll be coming in on I-90 - just follow those directions.

It really, really is a deep port. The same waterway holds tankers, large cargo ships, etc. It also holds large cruiseliners.

Follow the directions "From the west" If you are still uncomfortable with that, remember that NY is actually southWEST of Boston. I promise that once you get to Hartford, it is really easy and you can not get lost.

You are all wonderful! Thanks for putting up with my repetitiveness and persistence. Thank you all for lending clarity.

I'm back from a pre-inaugural 1 day trip to sea on the Royal Caribbbean brand new and the largest cruise ship, Freedom of the Seas. My trip up was uneventful. My family and I got on the Hutch by 8 w/a 15 min. pitstop and got into Massport at 11:45! The 15 to 84 to 90 was great to and fro. You all have been so helpful. Thanks again.