Table Of Content
Situated on the ocean, in the heart of Casco Bay, the Portland area is home to six lighthouses, all within 20 minutes of the city center. If you cross the Casco Bay Bridge and head through South Portland you’ll come to Cape Elizabeth and the home of Portland Head Light. Maine’s oldest lighthouse was built during George Washington’s presidency.
Local Flavor
For visitors who love the outdoors, there are plenty of options for exploring Maine’s natural beauty. Kayaking tours of Casco Bay offer a unique perspective on the coastline and allow guests to see wildlife like seals and seabirds up close. There are also hiking trails in nearby state parks like Bradbury Mountain State Park that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Another must-try experience for seafood lovers is a lobster boat cruise. These cruises depart from the Maine State Pier and take visitors out onto Casco Bay to see how lobsters are caught in their natural habitat. Guests can even help haul up traps before enjoying a freshly cooked lobster lunch on board.
Where You Dock in Portland – Maine
Finally, for those interested in learning more about Maine’s rich maritime history, a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum is a must. Located just 30 minutes north of Portland in Bath, this museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, lobstering, navigation, and more. Portland has a rich history that can be explored through its museums and historic sites. The Victoria Mansion is one such site that offers a glimpse into 19th-century life in Maine.
Portland Maine Cruise Port: Tips & Attractions
Discover the best shore excursions, explore local landmarks, savor delicious cuisine at restaurants, enjoy family activities, and immerse yourself in nature at the parks. This unique restaurant is situated in a converted car ferry in the maria on the Long Wharf Pier. You can sit on the outside decks or watch the sights of the harbor from the indoor dining room. Portland, Maine is a hidden gem that every cruise passenger should add to their itinerary. This charming coastal city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you mesmerized. Finally, no trip to Portland would be complete without visiting one of its iconic lighthouses.
ACL's first new Coastal Catamaran (American Eagle) enters service
Established in 1632, the town was destroyed in 1676 by Indians, and again in 1690 by Indians and the French. The settlement (then part of Falmouth) was damaged by the British in 1775. In 1786, after being separated from Falmouth, it was named after Portland England. For those who want to save time and avoid traffic congestion, taking the bus can be a great option.
Crystal Cruises' ships Serenity and Symphony in 2025 visit 281 ports/112 countries
Other menu options have an Asian influence, like the ginger scallion tuna crudo with tare (a sweet, thick soy sauce). Located just down the street from Ports of Call on Commercial Street, Edgecomb Potters create one-of-a-kind pieces with distinctive colors and shapes. While it is beautiful pottery, they aim for their pottery to be for everyday use, not just show pieces. Cash fare to ride locally is $2 one way and exact change is required. There are ATMs and banks located throughout the city and the Ocean Gateway Cruise Terminal has ATMs, too.
Hotels near Tampa Cruise Port
Small Cruise Ships Are Coming Back, But They Won't Replace Lost Tourist Dollars In Maine - Maine Public
Small Cruise Ships Are Coming Back, But They Won't Replace Lost Tourist Dollars In Maine.
Posted: Sat, 01 May 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]
An easy-going and inexpensive one is aDiamond Pass Run ferry ride among the islands outside of the port. Pedal along the ocean as you sip local brews and learn all about the city's rich history — and its equally rich beer culture during your cruise to Portland. With over 25 microbreweries in Portland, there are beers here for every palette. The food scene is full of creativity and flavor, with dishes can be as local or as international as you'd like. The house was built in 1785, and its interiors are rich with furniture and art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Join a tour to learn more about Longfellow and the impact he had on the New England political and literary scene.
For those who love history, there are many museums dedicated to preserving Portland’s past. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in 19th century America, while the Victoria Mansion showcases Victorian-era architecture and decor. Literature buffs will enjoy a visit to the Wadsworth-Longfellow House — the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow — which is now a museum and Colonial Revival-style garden. You’ll also be able to find donuts from The Holy Donut in their cafe. During the early 19th century, Portland became an important shipbuilding center and one of the most prosperous fishing ports on the Atlantic. A good starting point for visitors is the Ocean Gateway Visitor Information Center at 14 Ocean Gateway Pier.
Take a Scenic Tour of Casco Bay on a Ferry or Boat Tour
Cruise Ships in Maine - Down East
Cruise Ships in Maine.
Posted: Tue, 22 Oct 2019 20:20:39 GMT [source]
The town also attracts celebrities all summer long who come for the art scene, the quirky shops, the farm-to-table restaurants, and endless, sweeping sandy beaches. Come here on a day trip and, after browsing the downtown area, jump on a boat for a scenic cruise of the wild, rocky shores, with a chance to peek at Walker’s Point, the Bush estate. Join a guided cycle ride along Portland’s beautiful Eastern Promenade Trail, with wonderful views of the beaches and rocky shoreline. You’ll pass Bug Light, the smallest coastal lighthouse in the U.S., and take in views of Casco Bay and Fort Georges. Cycle tours also visit Mackworth Island, encircled by a walking trail that leads through stands of pine and spruce, with tantalizing views of the sea.
With over 20 routes covering more than 30 miles of service area, the buses run frequently throughout the day from early morning until late at night. Cruise visitors may find that taking a general tour is a good option for seeing everything that Portland and the surrounding area have to offer. The Portland Maine cruise port is a place of lobsters and lighthouses for any visitors who want a true New England cruise experience. The terminals are located adjacent to Commercial Street, which runs alongside the waterfront and features restaurants, quaint shops and fishermen at work. A visitor information booth is located just outside the cruise terminal, where you can pick up city maps.
A wide variety of shore excursions are available from the Portland port, including lighthouse tours, city sightseeing tours, and excursions to nearby coastal towns. Many excursions combine a visit to Portland’s top city sights with a visit to the famed Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. From the cruise terminals, you’re within walking distance to downtown Portland and all its popular neighborhoods, including the Old Port shopping district and the Arts District. There’s a tourist information center at the terminal and in summer, a free guiding service from Downtown District Guides. The quaint fishing village of Kennebunkport, its streets lined with handsome Victorian mansions, is famed as the summer home of the Bush family.
It has panoramic views of Portland, Casco Bay, Back Cove and Mt. Washington. Built in 1807, this National Historic Landmark has guided tours that focus on maritime history, the importance of the structure, and Portland history over two centuries. Tours are available from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day.
For such a small city, Portland is home to an impressive array of restaurants, breweries, and bars. Lobster is the staple, and you can eat it any time of day, from lobster omelets for breakfast to lobster chowder and rolls for lunch and steamed lobster for dinner. The city is also Maine’s hotspot for arts, culture, and entertainment.
If you are flying into Portland for your cruise vacation, you will be pleased to know that the Portland International Jetport is just a short distance from the cruise port. You can easily take a taxi or shuttle service from the airport to get to your ship. Alternatively, if you are staying in one of the many hotels near the airport, you can arrange for transportation directly from your hotel. But Portland isn’t just a great place to start your vacation – it’s also a gateway to other popular destinations in Maine. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are just a short drive away, offering visitors breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Each ticket will cover transportation and tours, and samples will be provided.
No comments:
Post a Comment