Drive, Park, Cruise out of and Stay in Boston, MA

Hi, relative newb here as we have only been on 1 cruise prior five years ago.

Fast forward to present - My family of four will be cruising out of Boston on Friday, Aug 1, 2014 and will be driving up from NJ area to the cruiseport. We are considering making the trip up on Friday morning (~4 hour drive) but am not sure if we will have major traffic concerns to contend with? We have the flexibility to leave very early. if necessary. to avoid this so any opinions on best approach would be appreciated. Our plan to this point is to park directly at the pier for the seven day cruise but again any suggestions would be welcomed.

On the cruise return to the Boston cruiseport we are considering economically extending the trip from Friday to Saturday (possible Sunday) as we have never visited Boston before (other than a quick overnight business trip or two). So in looking to plan this aspect of the trip we are not sure where we should look to book a hotel and if to save some money we should look to the outskirt areas of the city at a lower rate and take the "T" or bite the bullet and book a hotel directly in the city?

Any input on any of this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

- Dmatrix

Please see my response on the other thread that you posted these questions on.