Making the most of Salem MA
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The ship will dock close to the center of town.
Located just 15 miles northeast of Boston, Salem’s quaint and atmospheric state today belies its long importance as a seaport for the burgeoning American colonies and republic. Where today it is best known for its distant past, it was once the hub of the East Indian spice trade in North America, Visitors can walk the decks of the Friendship of Salem, a replica three-masted East Indiaman docked at the town’s Pickering Wharf.
Salem is best known for the "Salem Witch trials" even though the hysteria really started in what is now Danvers. Police cars are adorned with witch logos, a local public school is known as the Witchcraft Heights Elementary School, the Salem High School athletic teams are named the Witches; and Gallows Hill, a site of numerous public hangings, is currently used as a playing field for various sports. Tourists know Salem as a mix of important historical sites, New Age and Wiccan boutiques, kitschy Halloween, witch-themed attractions and a vibrant downtown that a large number of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. The 15th Annual Retailers…
Getting around
Salem is a small town with most tourist attractions within a stretch that is roughly a twenty-five minute walk across.
The Salem Trolley provides visitors with a narrated one hour tour and all day shuttle service through beautiful and historic Salem.
Money
The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol;$). ATM's everywhere.