Image courtesy Boston Harbor Hotel

Published Jan. 25, 2019

By Maryann Hammers

Whether you enjoy cruising or prefer to admire boats from ashore, we found some vacation ideas with military discounts on luxury harbor-view accommodations in Boston, a U.K.-based cruise line, and New York Harbor sightseeing cruises.

Boston Harbor Hotel, a 232-room luxury waterfront hotel on Boston’s historic Rowes Wharf, offers sweeping views of Boston Harbor and is walking distance to shopping in Faneuil Hall and dining in the North End and the Seaport. Active duty, reservist, and retired military members get a 50-percent discount for weekend stays (Thursday-Sunday) with the hotel’s “Salute to the Heroes” rate. Show military ID at check-in. Book online using corporate/promo code “heroes,” or call (617) 439-7000.

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises and the “hop-on/hop-off” New York Water Taxi offer New York Harbor sightseeing cruises and rides with views of the skyline, Statue of Liberty, and more than 130 iconic landmarks. Active duty and veteran military members get 50 percent off Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (find cruise itineraries here) or $10 off New York Water Taxi cruises for up to a family of four guests. You’ll need to show your military ID at the ticket booths, and these discounts are not available online. Call Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at (212) 563-3200, or find a box office here. Call New York Water Taxi at (212) 742-1969, or find a ticket booth here.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, a small British cruise line with a fleet of four vessels, offers military members complimentary gratuities on balcony staterooms and above, which will save you about $15 per person, per day. The cruise line, which sails from the U.K., specializes in port-intensive itineraries at more than 200 destinations. Special pricing available for solo travelers. You’ll need to book through Travel Edge agency’s cruise specialists, and mention the military offer. “We are the only U.S. re-seller for this cruise brand,” says Travel Edge regional director Mary Kleen. “We can also assist military travelers with air, hotels, or transfer arrangements.” Call Kleen at (212) 265-8420, extension 211.

Deals are available as of Jan. 25, 2019, and may be subject to change.