Silversea Luxury Cruises A BALTIMORE

Many attractions are a short walk or ride from the Inner Harbor. The city is steeped in history. Some of it is reflected in the star-shaped Fort McHenry, famous for its role in the national anthem. It was here, on September 14, 1814 that Francis Scott Key saw the Star-Spangled Banner "by the dawn's early light". Babe Ruth, Edgar Allen Poe and H. L. Mencken are as synonymous with Baltimore as the Orioles and Ravens, both of which feature their own impressive stadiums. Visitors will find no lack of attractions. Alone the number of museums is mindbogling. As the birthplace of American railroading, the B&O Railroad Museum houses America's most complete collection of locomotives and railroad artifacts. Outside of the city, day trips allow for visiting the nation's capital or historic Annapolis with its collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings and more than 50 pre-Revolutionary structures. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at Dundalk Marine Terminal, about a 20-minute drive from the city, subject to traffic conditions. Taxis generally have to be called to the port. Shopping The most convenient shopping area is around the Inner Harbor. Harborplace comprises two glass-enclosed shopping malls with more than 100 specialty shops. You can find an eclectic selection of local interest items and art, clothing and jewelry. The Rouse Company's multilevel Gallery offers additional shopping opportunities. First-rate antiques can be found in the shops along Antique Row. At Fells Point, restored old homes house antiques shops, art galleries and boutiques. Most stores are open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The local currency is the U.S. dollar. Cuisine The specialty is Chesapeake seafood and great steaks. Crab cakes, clams and mussels can be found on many menus. In recent years, ethnic food restaurants have also become very popular. Other Sites Baltimore Museum of Art the Baltimore Museum of Art, houses a permanent collection of over 130,000 objects from ancient mosaics to contemporary art. The famous Cone Collection includes paintings and sculptures by Rodin, Matisse, Picasso, Cézanne, Renoir, Gauguin and other post-Impressionists. Don't miss the new modern art wing featuring a room of Andy Warhol art. National Aquarium One of Baltimore's major attractions is located at the Inner Harbor. The amazing complex is home to more than 5,000 species of marine life, including sharks, dolphins, beluga whales and puffins. Escalators take visitors to the various levels and to the rooftop "rain forest." Please Note: Due to the Aquarium's popularity, you may find a queue at the ticket windows. Basilica of the Assumption The church was built in 1812 and is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States. Pope John Paul II visited this national shrine during a trip to Baltimore in October 1995. American Visionary Art Museum Housed in a former whiskey distillery near Federal Hill, the museum showcases the works of self-trained and self-taught artists. Revolving exhibits include paintings, sculpture, reliefs, drawings, photographs and a host of other objects that illustrate "new frontiers" in art. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.