Maine Coast & Harbors Round-Trip Cruise

Start your journey in Portland, a historic city on the southern Maine coast with a mix of historic and modern areas. Your Maine Coast & Harbors cruise includes a hotel stay, giving you time to settle in and explore before boarding the ship. At your leisure, visit working fishing wharves alongside converted warehouses with restaurants and shops. Portland also has one of the best-preserved Victorian-era urban areas in the United States.

On the morning of your cruise, gather in the hotel lobby for transportation to the ship. Your bags are transferred directly from the hotel to your stateroom aboard the ship.

Step aboard and meet the crew and fellow guests. You can also meet the onboard experts and learn more about the cruise.

Head to the sun deck to watch the waves and look for marine life in the waters around Maine. As the ship departs, pass Cape Elizabeth, which marks the entrance to Portland Harbor with its lighthouses and cliffs along the southern Maine coast.

Visit the seaport town of Bucksport, where church steeples rise above the trees along the waterfront and scenic gardens line the banks of the Penobscot River Valley, one of Northern New England’s most historically significant river corridors.  

Step back in time at Fort Knox, one of the best-preserved 19th-century military fortifications on the New England Coast. Built in 1844 to defend the Penobscot River Valley from potential British naval attacks, this impressive granite fort offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century military architecture. Wander through its massive corridors and uncover the rich stories hidden within its walls that shaped Maine’s coastal military history.

Continue to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory. Towering taller than the Statue of Liberty, this architectural marvel offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the bay, the sprawling Maine countryside, and the majestic western mountains. 

Conclude your day with a visit to the Penobscot Marine Museum, which brings Maine’s maritime history to life.

Bucksport Historical Society – Complimentary Excursion
Step inside the Bucksport Historical Society Museum, located in the heart of downtown, and immerse yourself in a thoughtfully curated collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that bring the town’s rich maritime heritage and local legends to life. Discover a variety of fascinating highlights, including antique tools, detailed ship models, treasured family heirlooms, and interpretive displays that showcase the people, industries, and events that have shaped Bucksport through the years.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

Fort Knox & Penobscot Narrows - Complimentary Excursion
Enjoy Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory at your leisure. The Fort is one of the best-preserved military fortifications on the New England Seacoast. Named after Major General Henry Knox, America's first Secretary of War, the fort was established in 1844 to protect the Penobscot River Valley against a possible future British naval invasion.
Admire its many unique architectural features and learn about the rich history behind its walls. Continue to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory, the tallest bridge observatory open to the public in the world. Take a ride on Maine’s fastest elevator up 420’ where you can delight in spectacular 360-degree views of the Penobscot River and Bay, the Maine countryside, and the distant western mountains. End your exploration at the Visitor Center to view more artifacts from the Fort.
Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Partial

Bangor, the third-largest city in the state, is located on the western bank of the Penobscot River, once the commercial heart of Maine’s northern timber region. The proximity of the river made Bangor the “lumber capital of the world” for much of the 19th century, earning it the title of “Queen City” of Maine. Also known as the hometown of the author Stephen King, Bangor is the inspiration for his fictional town of Derry, Maine, the setting of many of his novels.  

On a guided excursion, walk the streets of Bangor’s downtown with the notorious character Madam Fan Jones, as she shares true and dramatic tales of the people and events that shaped the 19th-century “lumber capital of the world.” These preserved streets still reflect the architecture and atmosphere of historic inland Maine, offering glimpses into a city built by river commerce and frontier opportunity.

Visit Mount Hope Cemetery, the nation’s second-oldest garden cemetery, and on the National Register for Historic Places. As you explore the winding paths and notable monuments, your guide shares the city’s role in shaping 19th-century Northern New England history, including the nation’s first Civil War memorial.

Discover Bangor – Complimentary Excursion
Explore the history and culture of Bangor on a narrated ride through the city. Learn about its past and present as you view local monuments and architecture, as well as hear unique stories. Some of the places you may see and visit along the way include:
Whitney Park Historic District – Drive through this charming neighborhood and stop outside the Victorian home of the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for a photo in front of its iconic wrought-iron gates. 
Maine Aviation Museum – Visit this engaging museum to discover a rich collection of aviation artifacts, from the earliest days of flight to modern military technology. 
Cole Land Transportation Museum – Explore over 200 vehicles that showcase Maine’s transportation history, including classic cars, trucks, trains, and snowmobiles.
Legendary Lumberjack, Paul Bunyan – Capture the perfect photo with the towering statue of a true Americana icon. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Situated on the coast of Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is surrounded by ocean cliffs, glacier-formed lakes, and the granite peaks that define Downeast Maine’s rugged coastal landscape. These dramatic views once inspired artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, whose works captured the region’s wild character. 

Start the day with a guided driving exploration of the must-see places in Acadia National Park, the crown jewel of Maine’s national park system, as you listen to the stories behind the sights. Venture to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard and one of Acadia’s most iconic photo locations.

Following your exploration, enjoy lunch in downtown Bar Harbor. Then, embark on a nature cruise along Frenchman Bay, keeping a lookout for bald eagles, harbor porpoise, seals, and more, while an onboard naturalist shares stories about the wildlife and ecology that shape Maine’s Downeast coastal environment.

Abbe Museum – Complimentary Excursion
Explore the Abbe Museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Maine's Native American tribes. Established in 1928, the museum offers exhibits that highlight the rich heritage and traditions of the Wabanaki people, including their art and history. Through rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives. Visitors can engage with traditional and contemporary Wabanaki artwork, archaeological artifacts, and oral histories that bring the past and present to life.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Get ready to dive into the lively town of Rockland, a bustling hub brimming with artistry and lobster lore along Maine’s Midcoast cultural corridor. Explore the town's many museums, like the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Farnsworth Art Museum, showcasing an eclectic mix of pioneer-era aircraft, automobiles, and masterpieces by Maine artists, including the renowned Wyeth family.  

Full of classic schooners, discover the village of Camden, considered the "Tall Ship Capital of Maine."  Enjoy a narrated journey through Camden Hills State Park and a stop at the top of the mountain for stunning views of the busy harbor and islands of the Penobscot Bay below.

One of the highlights of the New England itineraries is the traditional Lobsterbake, featuring fresh lobsters, steamed clams and mussels, warm corn on the cob, and baked rolls, prepared on a fire along the beach, continuing a classic coastal Maine culinary tradition.

An Afternoon in Camden – Complimentary Excursion
Visit the picturesque harbor village of Camden at your own pace and immerse yourself in its timeless coastal charm. Wander streets lined with quaint shops and boutiques, and indulge in a sweet treat, such as ice cream or a cupcake, while enjoying scenic views of the harbor. Take time to explore the Camden Village Green, elegant homes, waterfront landmarks, and cozy cafés, each offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
Activity Level: Low - Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Lobsterbake Luncheon - Complimentary Excursion
One of the highlights of the New England itineraries is the traditional Lobsterbake. This tradition pre-dates America itself, beginning thousands of years ago with the Native Americans. 
The version of this long held New England summer tradition is very much the same, featuring fresh lobsters, steamed clams and mussels, warm corn on the cob, and baked rolls, prepared on a fire along the beach. In addition to the finest seafood in the area, you also enjoy live music presented by talented local musicians.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Rockland Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the museums of Rockland with visits to Owls Head Transportation Museum and Farnsworth Museum. The Owls Head Transportation Museum has one of the finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles in the world. More than 100 historic aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, carriages, and engines are on permanent display. Enjoy the museum’s outstanding collection, view late 19th-century automobiles, or even ride in a Model T.

The Farnsworth Museum features the permanent collection, “Maine in America,” which focuses on Maine artists and The Wyeth Center. The Farnsworth Art Museum is one of only two centers in the country dedicated to the three generations of Wyeths: N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Sail Power & Steam Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Just before enjoying the Lobsterbake Luncheon at Sharp’s Point South, visit the Sail Power & Steam Museum, a working “hands on” museum with sail making and rigging rooms. Enjoy “make ‘n break” gas stationery and steam engines, old ship building tools, hand tools, and architectural builder’s half models.

The museum has a complete boat shop with caulking tools, a working sail maker’s bench, and a navigation room with two working radars. Also in the museum is a shipwreck room featuring wrecks of 1898, a real working lime kiln, and an extensive model display of schooners and steam boats of the Penobscot.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Welcome to the "Boating Capital of New England," where the maritime spirit thrives. Stroll along its flower-lined streets, emanating with the energy of fishing vessels and pleasure crafts.  

Discover the renowned Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, tucked away on the Boothbay peninsula, where over 300 acres of stunning gardens and walking trails await. Step into the Native Butterfly and Moth House or bask in the beauty of the Rhododendron and Perennial Garden, an experience that highlights the region’s coastal forest ecosystem. 

Led by a local guide, embark on a unique culinary experience featuring popular, locally owned restaurants. Get a taste of what it means to live and eat in this celebrated New England fishing village. Hear stories about Boothbay Harbor while enjoying mouth-watering savory samples and sweet delectables, with opportunities to shop and take photographs.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Guided Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Hidden on the Boothbay peninsula is New England's most extensive botanical garden. Immerse yourself in more than 300 acres of stunning gardens, walking trails, and educational resources. From the Native Butterfly and Moth House to the Rhododendron and Perennial Garden, there is something for everyone.  
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Here, in the “City of Ships,” the echoes of shipbuilding still resound through the historic streets in this Midcoast Maine harbor town.  Led by a local guide, enjoy an immersive, personalized, and fun walk along the quaint streets of downtown. As you view the places where history unfolded, hear stories about the prominent people and events of this 19th-century center of shipbuilding worldwide.

Explore the nationally acclaimed Maine Maritime Museum, a key institution along the Maine heritage coast. View a fascinating array of exhibits, from meticulously crafted ship models to interactive displays showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Maine's shipbuilders.

Later, visit a working family oyster farm. Here, you are greeted by one of the farmers who introduces you to the business and the technology used to grow oysters.  Enjoy some just-harvested chilled oysters, which you can shuck yourself or with the help of a farmer.

Downtown Bath Shuttle - Complimentary Excursion
Long known as the “City of Ships,” Bath’s shipyards line its river’s edge and Bath-built vessels sail the seas of the world. Hop aboard the Bath Town Shuttle, which picks up at the Maine Maritime Museum, and enjoy a ride around town with stops at the General Store, Visitor Center, and Downtown area. 
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

Freeport, Maine Shopping Transportation - Complimentary Excursion
Take this convenient shuttle to The Freeport Outlets, home to L.L. Bean Factory Store. Explore this laid-back shopping destination, featuring a variety of name-brand outlet stores, craft boutiques, and eateries.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Maine Maritime Museum Exploration - Complimentary Excursion
Explore the Maine Maritime Museum at your leisure and experience Maine’s rich seafaring history on the banks of the Kennebec River. From historic watercraft restoration to blacksmithing, lighthouses to lobstering, a Victorian home to contemporary interpretations of “maritime,” discover a connection to the past, present, and future of Maine’s waterways, and along the way discover the real Maine.
Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

As your coastal cruising adventure draws to a close, conclude your journey in picturesque Portland. Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking from your Maine Coast & Harbors cruise. If you just aren’t ready to say goodbye, and you’d like to consider prolonging your stay to explore this charming city nestled in the heart of Casco Bay, your Hotel General Manager can help you find a way to create even more memories in Maine within one of New England’s top small coastal destinations.