Plan a CruiseNewport Cruise Port Guide
Upon arrival in Newport, larger cruise ships anchor offshore, and passengers are tendered ashore to Perotti Park, which is centrally located in town. The tender journey itself offers a scenic introduction to the area. Newport is a versatile destination, appealing to various interests from its miles of scenic coastline, perfect for sailing, relaxing on beaches, or rejuvenating walks. For those interested in history and architecture, there are tours of opulent mansions, interesting museums, and numerous walking tours. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy local vineyard tours and tastings, followed by memorable dining experiences at waterfront restaurants. The city's quaint wharves and cobblestone streets also host unique shops and galleries for those looking to take a piece of Newport home.
Getting Around from the Port
The tender drops you off at Perotti Park, placing you right in the center of town, making Newport very walkable for exploring the immediate area.
To Mansions and Cliff Walk:
- These popular attractions are a significant distance from the tender dock.
- Bus 67: Cabs are few, so the recommended option is to take Bus 67. The fare is $2, and buses run every 20 minutes.
- RIPTA Trolley (Seasonal): Between Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekend, an all-day RIPTA pass is available for $5 per person. RIPTA trolleys depart from Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium (located at 23 America’s Cup Ave) every 20 minutes from 8 am to 8 pm, providing convenient service to the mansions, Cliff Walk, and other area attractions.
Jamestown Newport Ferry: This ferry provides scenic transportation on lower Narragansett Bay and within Newport Harbor, offering access to various destinations for sightseeing, historical tours, museum visits, shopping, and dining.
Attractions and Activities
Newport offers a range of activities for an 8-10 hour visit:
- Mansion Tours: Explore Newport's famous opulent mansions. Access them via Bus 67 ($2) or the seasonal RIPTA trolley ($5 all-day pass).
- Cliff Walk: Enjoy a scenic walk along the coastline. The entire path from Bailey's Beach to Memorial Boulevard is approximately 3.5 miles. Be aware that the area near Rough Point is unpaved, so comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended. Also, consider bringing a jacket due to coastal weather. This is accessible via Bus 67 or the seasonal RIPTA trolley.
- Sailing Excursions: With miles of scenic coastline, Newport is ideal for exhilarating sailing experiences.
- Beach Time: Relax on one of Newport's beaches.
- Vineyard Tours & Tastings: Visit the three local vineyards for a tour and tasting experience.
- Shopping & Galleries: Wander through the city's historic waterfront downtown, featuring quaint wharves and cobblestone streets lined with unique shops, art galleries, antique stores, and resort clothing boutiques.
- Museums & Walking Tours: Discover the city's history and charm through various museums and guided walking tours.
For comparing options, consider excursions offered by your cruise line, as well as independent tours available through platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining
Newport's historic waterfront downtown is home to many restaurants. You'll find fresh lobster and steaming bowls of clam chowder, iconic New England seafood specialties, throughout the city, particularly at its memorable waterfront dining establishments.
Shopping
The city-by-the-sea's historic waterfront downtown is characterized by charming cobblestone shopping wharves. These areas are filled with a mix of unique shops, including antique stores, art galleries, resort clothing boutiques, and specialty shops. For potential savings, stop by the Newport Visitors Center to pick up the official Destination Newport Coupon Book.
Local Payment Practices: While the official currency is the U.S. dollar, and major credit cards are widely accepted, it's important to note that displayed prices for goods and services generally do not include sales tax. A sales tax, typically ranging from 4-6% in Rhode Island, will be added to your total at checkout. Tipping is also a customary practice for services received. Standard tipping guidelines include: 15-20% for full-service restaurants (as tips often constitute the primary income for waitstaff), 10-15% for taxi drivers and personal services, $1 per drink or 15% of the total for bartenders, $1-2 per bag for bellhops (with a $3-5 minimum), and $5-10 per person for half-day tour guides or $10-20 for longer tours.