As RCI has changed the itinerary on some of its Canada/New England cruises to include New London, I thought I'd start a thread containing information on this relatively new port of call.

I've been there several times (mainly for shopping), so I can probably answer some questions, too. Please, everyone, feel free to add to the thread to help our fellow cruisers with this change.

City of New London visitor information

Shaw-Perkins Mansion - for the history buffs

Hempsted Houses - ditto

and a personal favorite...

Mystic Seaport

I'll come back later with more...

You can go across the Thames River to Groton-the Naval Submarine Base Museum allows you to tour the first nuclear sub-the Nautilus. Additionally, there are tours to the Indian Casinos-Foxwoods and/or Mohegan Sun. Mystic Seaport is a wonderful diversion.

Bon Voyage,

BillyBuzzy

Lisa- Have you been to Olde Mistick Village? I hear it's a $30 cab ride. Is it worth the trip...Or should we just walk to:Ye Ancientist Burial Ground, the Hempstead House,the Shaw Mansion, Nathan Hale's Schoolhouse and Antique shops on Bank Street?

Lisa- is the Mystick Seaport near the Olde Mistick Village because it's off 1-95 Exit 90 also.???

Hi Shari. Olde Mistick Village is pretty much just a shopping area. I've been there a few times, mainly dragged there by family who wanted to shop and buy ice cream. Seriously, if you have limited time, I'd spend it at Mystic Seaport or the places you mentioned above.

Also, while they share the same highway exit, the Olde Mistick Village and Mystic Seaport aren't all that close -- you'd need another taxi ride.

Lisa- you're the best! I've missed talking to you! Have you been cruising lately?
Okay with Mistic Village off the list-
The other two choices:
What do you suggest?

In New London you can also tour the U.S. Coast Guard Academy-A very good way to spend a few hours!

BillyBuzzy

You know, the great thing about the Coast Guard Academy is that you don't need a politician's appointment to attend. Midshipmen are selected by an exam and their personal merit. It is indeed a great place to visit.

My word, how could I have forgotten about the Coast Guard Academy. Click HERE for more information.

There's also the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, but this might be better done through a ship excursion, if offered due to the distance from New London. This features the submarine USS Nautilus.

I also forgot about Mystic Aquarium. My son loved the live shows, as did we.

Cousins, sorry if I am now making this more difficult...

Lisa- you didn't answer my question above.
The Aquarium we'll skip. Being from So. FL we see enough "fish" etc.

Sorry, Shari. Whether you visit Mystic Seaport or the historical sites you mentioned comes down to personal preference. I happen to love Mystic Seaport, yet it might not be the best fit for everyone.

I think I'm going to take your advice and do the Mystic Seaport. I received their brochures and it looks good. The other historical sights I was going to do open after 10 am and we're only in port/have to board by 1:30 pm. I think we'll take a cab for the 10 miles. Do you think there will be cabs there when we're ready to leave Mystic Seaport or will we have to call for one?

I doubt there will be waiting taxis at Mystic Seaport, although you never know. I do have a concern about you getting back to the ship on time. This is one time that the ship's excursion may be worth the $.

The taxi company I called said its about 10 miles away. Mystic Seaport said we can use about 2 to 4 hours there. If we arrive there at 9am when it opens and call for the cab to pick us back up at noon and return us by 12:30 that gives us an hour or more for departure at 2pm.
????

Shari, did the taxi company give you an idea as to the one-way or round-trip fare? (This might help others plan their trips, too.)

That's one way but there are 4 of us. So what do you think about this schedule? Is it doable in your opinion? How's the weather? I'll have to check back with you in a few weeks...I'm having trouble packing. Especially when in port- like walking around Halifax- sweater weather for us south Floridians?

It's doable, but I'd be stressing over the taxi back. How much did they say the taxi will cost?

As for New London weather, here are a couple of links:
New London weather - monthly averages

New London 10-day forecast

The cab is $20 to $25 dollars he said. HE also said we can call the day before to request what time we want the cab for pick up at the pier and to return. We could call at 11:45 am again and request a noon pick up that would still give us 3 hours there. we need to board by 1:30 that gives us 11/2 hrs to get back (10 miles)
Thanks for the links I'm gonna pull them up!