Cruise Travel....

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND:
THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF 'CHARM CITY'
REVOLVES AROUND THE HARBOR

Oh, say, can you see Baltimore in a day? To be honest, you really do need several days to see Baltimore. But even one day in Baltimore is well worth it. Francis Scott Key, of "Star-Spangled Banner" fame, saw this city and loved it--and you will as well. It’s a great city to see for a day or more--whether during a pre- or post-cruise stay or a day in port. Plus, thanks to it’s ever-increasing popularity as a port of embarkation and port of call, it’s easier than ever to see Baltimore.

In 2004, Baltimore’s modern Seagirt Marine Terminal will welcome more than 50 cruises as a homeport, as well as several ships calling there as part of their far-flung itineraries (lines calling this year include Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean). The number of calls is up from virtually zero just a few years ago, thanks to the growth and popularity of “homeland cruising.”

Quite simply, Baltimore is one of America's great cities. With so much history, cultural diversity, sightseeing possibilities, and great food, it's easy to see why the city is such a popular travel destination.  Dubbed "Charm City," Baltimore is the 13th largest city in the U.S. Blessed with a natural Chesapeake Bay harbor, it lies further west than any other Atlantic port, which has endeared the harbor to shippers worldwide and ranked it fifth among U.S. ports. The port has also given Baltimore a cosmopolitan feel, with clearly identified neighborhoods and a local flavor unlike many large cities.

HISTORY

Baltimore's past is as exciting as today's history-making tourism growth. The city's roots lie in the economic needs of 18th century Maryland farmers. Baltimore was established in 1729 as a convenient Chesapeake Bay port for farmers and the shipwrights and merchants that followed. The city quickly grew as the harbor prospered.

During the Revolutionary War, a British admiral had promised, "Baltimore is a doomed town." In the War of 1812, the British attacked Baltimore by land and sea, but were held off by the guns of Fort McHenry--the bombardment of which was commemorated in a poem by Francis Scott Key--which would become our "National Anthem."

Baltimore was not directly affected by Civil War battles and the city continued to prosper through the 20th century. However, after World War II, city residents were attracted to new housing developments beyond Baltimore's borders and many left people the downtown area. This "suburban flight" initially depressed downtown Baltimore's economy and tourism. However, the 1970s charmed Charm City’s downtown and port areas once again. William Donald Schaefer, elected Mayor in 1971 (and, later, Governor), encouraged a redoubling of efforts from municipal, business, and volunteer groups, as well as ambitious federal programs for urban renewal.

Where dilapidated wharves and warehouses once stood, attractive hotels, office buildings, and entertainment facilities like Harborplace, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and the Maryland Science Center now stand. Baltimoreans have also regained a sense of pride in their city, which visitors immediately sense when they inevitably start their tours around the Inner Harbor.

THE INNER HARBOR

Baltimore revolves around the water and visitors and locals alike revolve around the Inner Harbor to enjoy it. Downtown Baltimore's renaissance began in earnest in the early-70s, with the city's redevelopment of the 240-acre Inner Harbor area. The Inner Harbor has served as Baltimore's downtown magnet for locals and tourists alike. It's also the site of the new Baltimore Visitor Center. This multi-million facility just opened this spring and featured trained information specialists, attraction highlights and ticketing, touch-screen information systems, a theater with an introductory film.

The best place to start a tour of the Inner Harbor is 27 stories above it, at the Top of the World Observation Level in the World Trade Center. It provides a great overview (and view) of downtown Baltimore's attractions. The adjacent Harborplace features a cornucopia of food, fashion, and style. Two sunlit pavilions offer dining, shopping, and superb scenery. It's a great place to buy your first Baltimore souvenir, as well as sampling some fresh local seafood.

The Inner Harbor also offers many sightseeing attractions right on the water. Be sure to tour the U.S.S. Constellation, the oldest American warship continuously afloat. Then discover hands-on exhibits and fascinating shows at Port Discovery (“The Kid-Powered Museum”), the Davis Planetarium, and the five-story IMAX Theater at the recently renovated and expanded Maryland Science Center.

"Passport: Voyages of Discovery", opened just last year, is the nation’s first permanent location of the internationally acclaimed multi-media and -sensory attraction. Passport turns audiences from spectators to participants as the see, hear, feel, and ride “TimeElevator America” and “Oceanarium.” The former follows a family’s history from pre-Revolutionary War to present-day America, while the latter takes visitors on an up-close adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, the Bermuda Triangle, and much more.

Leave plenty of time to explore the wonders of the National Aquarium in Baltimore (many people spend an entire day there). After more than 20 years, the National Aquarium is now one of the city's biggest attractions, the aquarium is underway on a $66 million expansion that will make it bigger and better than ever in 2005 (though it’s awe-inspiring right now). Kids, kids at heart, and even landlubbers will love the displays, exhibits, and shows like the all-new Dolphin Show in the spectacular Marine Mammal Pavilion.

Be sure to ask about the new Harbor Pass, which is good for one-time admission to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery, and the Top of the World Observation Level. It’s bargain-priced and comes with other discounts and great tips for avoiding crowds.

ON THE WATER

Along with your cruise ship, it's easy to float your boat (or someone else's) in Baltimore. Water taxis, paddle boats, and other vessels (including the “Ducks of Baltimore”--amphibious WWII vehicles) make sightseeing and travel to the city's on-the-water attractions simple.

Visitors can enjoy a replica of Baltimore's famous clipper ships, working skipjacks, charter yachts, cruising vessels, and, often, majestic tall ships of the world that welcome visitors aboard for a tour or a scenic voyage. Whether you're just walking around the brick-lined promenade of the Inner Harbor or you get out on the water, you'll enjoy the brightly-colored skyline of buildings and boats along Baltimore's waterfront.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Because Baltimore is extremely ethnically diverse, many flavorful neighborhoods have developed. The rowhouse stoops of many areas serve as great backdrops for further exploration of the melting pot that Baltimore has become. Little Italy is one of the tastiest choices for neighborhood meanderings. Old World Italian Baltimoreans and restaurants welcome visitors from around the world. Lots of pasta and plenty of pizzazz can be found every night. Nearby, Fell's Point is another popular neighborhood. This handsome maritime community, founded in the 1700s, features quaint restaurants, taverns, and accommodations in an old Baltimore style. Charles Street has also become a neighborhood in every sense of the word. This prestigious north-south corridor nurtures much of Baltimore's cultural and elegant lifestyle scene. The 600- and 700-block area of North Charles Street features the cobblestone streets of Mount Vernon, with posh addresses, eateries, and cultural institutions.

DINING

With cuisine as varied as its neighborhoods, Baltimore doesn't disappoint visitors dining out. From the freshest local seafood to dozens of ethnic eateries, the city's restaurants really cook. Baltimore is first and foremost a crab town. Hard shell blue crabs are steamed and served throughout the city. If you've never eaten crabs before, Baltimore is the best place to try them. Some legendary crabhouses (they also serve other seafood) include: Obrycki's Crab House and Seafood Restaurant; Phillips; Gunning's Crabhouse; and Faidley's Seafood in Lexington Market.

For pasta and lots of atmosphere, head to Little Italy. The quaint atmosphere and great smells will lead you to one of many great restaurants, including Da Mimmo, Amici's, and Chiapparelli's. Other unique options around Baltimore include dozens of dining options at the Inner Harbor, the local market atmosphere in 200-year-old Lexington Market (a downtown market where delicacies are sold from stalls owned by families for generations), and the growing restaurant and bar scene around Fell's Point. You'll never go hungry in Baltimore.

For further information about visiting Baltimore, contact the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association at their new Baltimore Visitor Center (401 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202), call 877-BALTIMORE, or visit www.baltimore.org.