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    Awaiting Your Return From Shore | 
    Located at 
    the southern tip of the largest island in Narragansett Bay, Newport was 
    established as a colony by William Coddington of Providence in 1639. Due to 
    its excellent harbor, it developed rapidly through sea trade, whaling and 
    smuggling - a fact that led some neighbors to call the tiny state “Rogues 
    Island.” Rhode Islanders also were in the forefront of Revolutionary 
    passion, resenting the economic pressures placed on them from England, which 
    severely affected their commercial power. A reputation of religious freedom 
    encouraged Jews, Quakers and Baptists to settle in Newport to become part of 
    the lucrative international trade until British occupation in 1776 caused a 
    drastic decline in prosperity. 
 At the turn of the century, Newport regained importance as a resort for 
    wealthy industrialists, such as the Astors, Belmonts and Vanderbilts. They 
    built their ostentatious “summer cottages,” modeled after European palaces, 
    which elevated Newport to the position of undisputed “Queen of Summer 
    Resorts.” Although the Depression to a large extent put an end to this 
    outrageously decadent lifestyle, today many of these extravagant mansions of 
    the “Gilded Age” are run by the Newport Preservation Society and a tour of 
    at least one of the famous mansions is a must for any visitor. In addition, 
    Newport is also famous as a well-heeled yachting capital and site of 
    international tennis championships. As such, it offers sophisticated 
    boutiques and excellent restaurants that have replaced the earlier seasalt 
    rawness of its waterfront. Walking tours offer a great introduction to 
    Colonial Newport, which boasts a collection of 18th- and 19th-century and 
    even pre-Revolutionary buildings that rival those of Boston.
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    Awaiting Your Return 
    From Shore | 
  
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    Complimentary 
    Spirits Await | 
    
    Return to Your 
    Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure | 
    
    Entertainment 
    and Dancing Await You |