Downeast Maine Cruise

Experience all that Bangor has to offer, including a one-night stay at a premium hotel located close to the ship's dock. On the morning of embarkation, enjoy a full breakfast, luggage service, and transportation to the ship for a seamless boarding process.

Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call (800) 460-4518 for pricing and availability.

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Meet the crew, your onboard experts, and fellow guests. Learn more about the wonderful adventure ahead of you.

Experience the beauty and fascinating plants and wildlife of a Maine bog. The 1-mile boardwalk loop trail begins at a forested wetland edge in the Bangor City Forest, crossing the Orono town line into the portion of the Orono Bog owned by the University of Maine. View a wide range of changing vegetation and environments on your way to the open, peat moss carpeted center of the Orono Bog. Along the way, well-designed, full color signs provide illustrations and explanations of common species of bog plants and animals. Benches for rest and contemplation are provided at least every 200 feet.

Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Yes

Perched on a hill overlooking the Penobscot Bay, Belfast is home to a dynamic and active waterfront. Join members of The Belfast Historical Society on a guided walk through downtown Belfast and the historic house district. Along the way learn about Belfast history, notable people and events, and architectural styles. Stop at the Belfast Museum to view and learn about the history of the 1864 Belfast Civil War Quilt, including was removed in 1864 and later returned in 2011 by way of Montana. After, enjoy additional time for self-guided exploration and shopping.  

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Partial

Discover Maine's oldest maritime museum to learn about the rich and unique maritime and shipbuilding history of the region. Explore the campus of beautiful historic buildings in the charming seacoast village of Searsport. Exhibits throughout include thousands of historic photographs, as well as an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and archives. Along the way, discover stories of ship captains and their families, the industries of Penobscot Bay, global maritime trade, and today’s fisheries.

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

One of the highlights of our New England itineraries is the traditional Lobsterbake. This tradition pre-dates America itself, beginning thousands of years ago with the Native Americans. 

Our 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, we also feature live music presented by talented local musicians.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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

Known as the Jewel of the Maine Coast, Camden is nestled between the Penobscot Bay and the rugged Mount Battie. Enjoy a narrated journey through Camden Hills State Park and a stop at the top of the mountain for stunning panoramic views of shining lakes, the busy harbor, and the islands of the Penobscot Bay. The exploration continues through the villages of Camden and Rockport, as well as the notable Rockport Belted Galloways. Next, stop at Rockport Harbor's Marine Park, featuring historic lime kilns, lobster boats, and the statue of Rockport's famous seal Andre.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Join a local guide for a walking exploration of Camden, the prettiest harbor on the Maine Coast.  As you weave through the streets, learn about the history of this quaint port from its industrial beginnings through its current status as the hub for yachting in Maine. View beautiful architecture and landscaping designs along the way. After the walk, explore Camden at your leisure.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Take a cruise from Camden Harbor with Captain Dominic aboard the Periwinkle. Watch a live lobster fishing demonstration and learn about these iconic Maine crustaceans-with the opportunity to hold a live lobster! Enjoy scenic views of Curtis Island Lighthouse, idyllic landscapes, and abundant wildlife that may include sea birds, eagles, seals and porpoise. Sit back, relax, and take it all in, or volunteer to help the crew for the true experience!  

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA ACCESSIBLE: No

Acadia National Park encompasses 47,633 acres of granite-domed mountains and ocean shoreline. Enjoy an excursion that features two stops inside the Park: The top of Cadillac Mountain (highest point on the eastern seaboard at 1500+ ft.) and Thunder Hole with a spectacular ocean view. This excursion will take you to the must see places of Acadia, all the while providing you with the stories behind the sights. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Enjoy a nature-filled walking experience with a State of Maine Certified Wilderness Guide. Walk along Hunters Beach and through Hunters Brook Trail known and discover the amazing geologic and natural history of this unique ecosystem. Learn about the flora and fauna, watch for porcupines and owls, and observe seals in the waves. The naturalists are extremely knowledgeable and will bring a sense of adventure to your walk!

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: No

Come aboard the Miss Samantha, a 56’ vessel with ample bench seating, a touch tank for ocean critters, and an open bow for photography and viewing opportunities. Watch experienced fisherman haul in lobster traps from the ocean floor as a professional naturalist describes everything and answers all your questions about lobster fishing and marine wildlife. Once the traps are hauled in, you can touch lobsters, crabs, sea cucumbers, sea stars, and anything else comes up from the sea floor. About half way through the cruise, you will head off to a small island to view seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the nearby water. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

History awaits on an immersive and interactive exploration of quaint downtown Bath, led by a local educator. Learn Bath's fascinating story by walking among the charming period buildings, hearing unique stories, and uncovering hidden gems. This excursion is designed for those who love history and offers something for everyone. You will leave with a new appreciation for Bath, Maine, and American history.

Activity Level: High | ADA ACCESSIBLE: 

Explore the Maine Maritime Museum at your leisure and experience Maine’s rich seafaring history on the banks of the Kennebec River. From watercraft and lobstering, to shipbuilding and sea trade, see how a shipbuilder’s family lived in the 1890s, smell the sawdust from historic ships, and discover the wonders and mysteries of Maine’s maritime culture.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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

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 town trolley, which picks up at the Maine Maritime Museum, and enjoy a ride around town with stops in the Downtown area.

Activity Level: Low | ADA ACCESSIBLE: Yes

Hop aboard the Rockin' Spartan for a private photography and sightseeing exploration by boat around the scenic Mid-coast Maine area captained by USCG Captain Dave Cleaveland, a longtime professional photographer in Maine. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to see eagles, osprey, seals and other wildlife, up to 10 lighthouses, several different rivers, working lobster boats, a Civil War fort, fishing villages, and Boothbay Harbor. Need a little help with your photography? Captain Dave will get you in the right spot for the best light for your photos and will help you with your photography skills.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: No

Visit the Gaffney family farm, Eros Oyster, a working oyster farm on Robinhood Cove, Georgetown Island. Be greeted by one of the farmers who will introduce you to the business, its history, and the technology used to grow oysters.  
 
Take a short walk to the waterfront to see the operation up-close. View the nursery where oyster babies are fed 24/7 in giant test tubes, as well as the shaker table and tumbler where the farmers shape and sort the oysters at every stage of growth. See the culling tables where market-ready oysters are selected for delivery or shipment overnight to customers around the country.  
 
At a scenic site overlooking the Cove, learn how to shuck (and eat) oysters on the half shell. Enjoy some just-harvested chilled oysters, which you can shuck yourself or with the help of a farmer. As you savor this delectable treat, you will have a chance to ask questions as well as purchase merchandise as well as additional oysters to bring back to the ship.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

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

Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.