Cruising in Maine
Imagine spending a few days, or even a week, on board a beautiful ship. All your needs are cared for, with gourmet chefs preparing every meal. You’re free to lie on the deck to take in the sun, look for whales and other exotic wildlife, and, when the ship stops in a port, explore the fascinating towns along the coast. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t need to go to Florida or the Bahamas for this relaxing cruise experience — you’ll find it right here in Maine.
Photo by Peter Gutierrez
Many people aren’t aware that Maine is a frequent destination for many cruise ship lines. Though it doesn’t have the large ship ports that Florida does, Maine is the starting point for a variety of exciting cruise adventures. Whether you’d like to explore Maine’s coastal region and islands on a small Windjammer sailing boat, or to hit the high seas in style aboard a larger cruising vessel, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for here.
With American Canadian Caribbean Line, a family-owned business for over forty years, you can take the seven-night Coast of Maine tour. The small ship will take visitors from Portland to explore seven of Maine’s most beautiful small towns, including Port Clyde, which inspired artist Andrew Wyeth; Bath, Maine’s shipbuilding capital; and Bar Harbor, which is home to the world-famous Acadia National Park. The tour features gourmet chefs and a focus on the environment, with local naturalists available at each port.
More info on the American Canadian Caribbean Line
American Cruise Lines is another small ship company, with ships equipped to hold no more than 100 passengers. They also offer a tour that passes through many of Maine’s villages and beautiful natural settings. Leaving from Bucksport, a small harbor town in Penobscot Bay, the cruise ship passes through Bar Harbor, Castine, Camden, and several other unique Maine towns that are rich with history and natural beauty. Each day, the cruise offers optional land excursions, such as a 90-minute narrated bus tour through Camden’s lovely Camden Hills State Park, or a visit to the Penobscot Marine Museum in Belfast.
More info on American Cruise Lines
For an intimate, unique experience on the Atlantic Ocean, try one of the many Windjammer trips available in Maine. A windjammer is a type of old sailing ship that was popular for carrying cargo throughout much of the 1800s and early 1900s. Today, many of these antique windjammers have been beautifully restored, and are now used to carry passengers through Maine’s waterways. On these ships, which usually hold no more than 30 people, you can sit within inches of the salty seawater, and even help the crew navigate the boat if you wish.
One windjammer, the Grace Baily, offers weekend or five-night cruise options. The stunning ship was built in 1882, and is today listed as a historic landmark. All trips leave from the picturesque town of Camden, and the five-night cruises include a traditional New England lobster bake, which is served on a deserted island with campfire-roasted s’mores for dessert, and a delicious BBQ on the final night of the journey. Besides the weekend cruise, journeys of other lengths are available on board other windjammers owned by the Maine Windjammers Cruises company, which has a fleet of beautiful and historic sailing ships. For more details on booking a cruise on board the Grace Baily or any of the company’s other ships, visit: http://www.mainewindjammercruises.com.
Written by Kathy Hawkins on June 5, 2007
Filed Under Maine, Coastal, Boats
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