Newport

Newport, Rhode Island, is a classic New England destination with a rich history as a Gilded Age summer playground for America's wealthiest families. It is a city of stunning seaside views, historic colonial architecture, and the legendary Newport Mansions. As a cruise port, Newport is a perfect destination for those who want to experience a quintessential New England town, with its charming streets, world-class sailing culture, and a unique blend of high society and maritime grit.

⛵ Port Introduction

Newport is a tender port, so your cruise ship will anchor in Narragansett Bay. You will then take a tender boat from your ship to the Perrotti Park Tender Pier, which is located directly in the heart of downtown Newport. This is a huge advantage as it places you right at the edge of all the main attractions. The tender ride is short, about 10-20 minutes, and offers a beautiful view of the harbor as you approach the pier.

⚓ Terminal Information

The tender landing at Perrotti Park is a small, public pier. There is no large, permanent terminal building, but there is a small visitor's center and a welcome area where you can get your bearings.

🚻 Terminal Facilities

While there is no large terminal, the tender landing is well-equipped. You'll find a small visitor information point, restrooms, and a few benches. Tour pickups, including the trolley tours, are located just a short walk away at the Newport Transportation Center on America's Cup Avenue. The town is very walkable, and you are immediately surrounded by shops and restaurants.

🗣️ Language

The local language is English. You will have no problem navigating, communicating, or exploring the area.

💰 Money

The currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are universally accepted everywhere. Cash is also widely used, and ATMs are easy to find at banks, inside grocery stores, and throughout the downtown area.

🚗 Transportation

Newport's downtown is very walkable, and many of the main attractions are within a short walk of the tender pier.

·       Walking: The best way to get to the main attractions is to walk. The tender pier is in the heart of downtown, and you can easily walk to Bowen's Wharf, Thames Street, and many of the local restaurants.

·       RIPTA Bus/Trolley: The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) offers bus service, including a free hop-on, hop-off trolley, that runs along Bellevue Avenue and provides access to the famous mansions. The Newport Transportation Center is just a short walk from the pier.

·       Taxis/Ride-Sharing: Taxis are available, and Uber and Lyft are very popular and convenient options.

·       Newport Harbor Shuttle: A great way to get around the harbor and see the sights is to take the Newport Harbor Shuttle. It's a hop-on, hop-off service that connects Perrotti Park with other key locations around the harbor.

♿ Accessibility

Newport has an accessibility rating of 2 out of 10. The tender process is a major barrier for people with limited mobility. The historic downtown area, with its cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks, can also be challenging to navigate.

🚶‍♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port

The best way to get to town is to walk. The tender will drop you off in the heart of downtown, and from there you can walk to many of the main attractions.

🚽 Toilet

Public toilets are available in Newport, particularly at Perrotti Park, and are generally clean and free to use. Many restaurants and cafes also have restrooms for customer use.

💊 Drugstore

·       CVS Pharmacy: 181 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840. This is located on the famous Bellevue Avenue, a short bus or taxi ride from the pier.

·       Walgreens: 199 JT Connell Hwy, Newport, RI 02840.

✨ Authentic Experience

1.       Walk the Cliff Walk: For a taste of Newport's unique blend of natural beauty and Gilded Age glamour, walk a portion of the Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile path offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the backyards of the famous mansions on the other. You can get to the Cliff Walk by taking the RIPTA bus or a short taxi ride.

2.       Dine on a Local Lobster Roll: For a classic New England culinary experience, find a local seafood shack or cafe and order a lobster roll. Newport is known for its fresh lobster, and a lobster roll is a perfect and delicious way to try it.

3.       Explore the Historic Bowen's Wharf and Thames Street: Instead of a long tour, spend your time exploring the historic Bowen's Wharf and Thames Street, just a short walk from the tender pier. This area is filled with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. You can find everything from handmade jewelry to nautical gear.