Maine Coast and Harbors
Cruise Highlights:
- Visit Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island
- Visit historic and prehistoric sites, a multitude of lighthouses and a wealth of wildlife as we make our way to your ports of call: Boothbay, Belfast, Rockland, Camden, Bar Harbor and Castine
At a glance
Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights
Coverage: Roundtrip Portland, ME
From: $3,595
Season: June - September
Activities: History
There’s an undeniable magic found along the coast of Maine, a panorama of astonishing beauty and lasting allure. The state’s license plate proudly proclaims it to be “Vacationland” and a summer cruise on these uniquely designed ships is the ideal way to experience its quaint fishing villages, secluded coves and spectacular scenery.
Cruise through the Penobscot Bay, breathing in the fragrance of pine forests and wildflowers, relaxing as we meander through the sparkling blue waters on an itinerary full of hidden gems. When we dock each day you’ll find pristine nature preserves and sophisticated antique shops, industrious lobstermen unloading their catch and classic wooden yachts gliding along the protected waters of charming harbors. Days are filled with discovery and exploration, or the restorative calm of a sunny afternoon in a deck chair on the observation deck.
American Cruise Lines small ships are built specifically to cruise the intricate waterways of New England, easily navigating the narrow Eggemoggin Reach and Fox Island Thorofare under the guidance of a veteran captain. Let us please your palate with incomparable Maine lobster, regional specialties and local fruits and vegetables; let us take you on shore excursions to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island or the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum; let us show you why so many prominent families chose Bar Harbor as their summer playground during the Gilded Age. You’ll visit historic and prehistoric sites, a multitude of lighthouses and a wealth of wildlife as we make our way to your ports of call: Boothbay, Belfast, Rockland, Camden, Bar Harbor and Castine.
By week’s end you’ll be completely enchanted by the warmth of the welcome you’ve received both on land and on board American Cruise Lines. We think you’ll agree that your small ship cruise provides the perfect glimpse of what makes Maine magical.
A first class operation. We definitely recommend the Maine Coast & Harbors Cruise.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 - Portland to Boothbay, ME*
- Day 2 - Boothbay Harbor, ME
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This lovely, historic town is lined with shops and boutiques, and picture perfect harbors dotted with lobster boats, pleasure craft, and windjammers. Boothbay is the largest boating harbor north of Boston and is also known as the "Boating Capital of New England."
- Day 3 - Bar Harbor, ME
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Nestled on the east side of Mt. Desert Island, Bar Harbor has welcomed visitors for over a hundred years. Explore Mount Desert Street, a national historic district, and be amazed by the sheer number and beauty of the homes of the once rich and famous. Join a shore excursion to surrounding Acadia National Park and witness breathtaking vistas and abundant wildlife in an unspoiled habitat. Later, admire the working waterfront which marks the beginning of the Shore Path, an enticing stroll along the front lawns of some of Bar Harbor's biggest "cottages".
- Day 4 - Camden, ME
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Full of classic schooners, this charming village is considered the "tall ship capital of Maine," and is admired for scenic beauty and a host of historic and cultural attractions. Enjoy the warm summer sunshine and refreshing sea breezes as you relax on a park bench and watch beautiful ships sail into the harbor, or browse the shops and interesting galleries. Bring your camera to capture sweeping ocean vistas, placid coastlines and panoramic views of Camden, Penobscot Bay and surrounding islands from atop Mount Battie.
- Day 5 - Belfast, ME
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The 1800's were a time of great prosperity in Belfast with shipbuilders and merchants building beautiful Greek Revival mansions and adorning them with treasures carried home from the China Trade. Spend the day exploring historic Belfast with some of the best examples of nineteenth-century architecture in Maine. Shore excursions offer glimpses of stunning military architecture and master granite craftsmanship in Fort Knox State Park, and seafaring legacies at Penobscot Marine Museum.
- Day 6 - Castine, ME
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Home to the Maine Maritime Academy and located at the head of East Penobscot Bay, Castine offers both spectacular harbor views and an area rife with history. During its highly contested days, Castine had the flags of English, French, Dutch, Spanish and America claiming its land. This intriguing seashore town is now rich with reminders of its exciting past.
- Day 7 - Rockland, ME
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Before arriving in Rockland, you'll have the pleasure of experiencing Maine's most beautiful cruising areas. Your ship will pass through the gorgeous 6-mile passage lined with beautiful evergreens known as Merchants Row. On to Eggemoggin Reach, view majestic stone cliffs lining the shore with playful wildlife frolicking about. In Rockland, passengers can follow the Rockland Harbor Walk, visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum or take an interesting narrated tour of the area. The town's Maine Street Historic District is especially fascinating and has been recorded in the National Register of Historic Places for its many fine examples of Italianate, Mansard, Greek Revival and Colonial Revival architecture.
- Day 8 - Portland, ME
*Some departures may leave from Bangor, ME
Dates & Rates
| Independence | Categories | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | A | AAL* | AAC* | Owner's Suite* |
Single* | Single |
| June 3 ¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| June 9, 16, 23, 30 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| July 7, 14 ², 21, 28 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| August 4, 11, 18, 25 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 1, 8, 15 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 22 ¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| 2013 | A | AAL* | AAC* | Owner's Suite* |
Single* | Single |
| June 2 ¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| June 8, 15, 22, 29 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| July 6, 13, 20, 27 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 7, 14 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 21 ¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| American Glory | Categories | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | A | AAL* | AAC* | Owner's Suite* |
Single* | Single |
| July 8 ¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| July 14, 21, 28 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 15 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 22 ¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| 2013 | A | AAL* | AAC* | Owner's Suite* |
Single* | Single |
| July 7 ¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
| July 13, 20, 27 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 14 | $3,595 | $4,300 | $4,565 | $6,085 | $4,885 | $4,485 |
| September 21¹ | $3,110 | $3,735 | $3,950 | $5,280 | $4,205 | $3,805 |
*Private Balcony
¹6 Nights
²Lobster Cruise
Map
Ships
Indepenence
American Cruise Lines is proud to introduce the Independence, the newest addition to the ACL fleet. While the passenger capacity will be the same as the American Star and American Spirit, the size of the ship will be larger, enabling the interior areas, including the staterooms and balconies to be even more spacious and deluxe. The Independence will also be fully stabilized, with Rolls Royce stabilizers, allowing American Cruise Lines to reach even more fascinating destinations in smooth comfort. View ship details...
American Glory
The America Glory offers discerning travelers the most unique and modern style of small ship cruising. Each unique and off-the-beaten path port visited gives guests a glimpse into the cultural heritage that is the fabric of our great nation. The country-club atmosphere onboard allows guests to relax, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interests in American history and culture. The spacious public lounges and observation decks are frequented by guests who wish to mingle with friends new and old. View ship details...
Cruise Reviews
- American Star - July 2008
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I had never been to Maine and was really excited to try this itinerary. We flew into Bangor a day early, the ship sails out around lunchtime so many passengers come in a day early. Bangor’s cruise landing is set alongside a beautiful riverside park, very walk able from downtown. The locals come down for a stroll and dream that they could also sail away on the ship. - American Star - July 2007
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We are cruise addicts. We love the sea air and visiting new places. This cruise wasn’t a thrill a minute as some of our exotic experiences have been, but this was very enjoyable and relaxing. We were on the brand new American Star, only a few months old and she gleamed from head to toe. This was our first time on American Cruise Line. We actually called Linda, who is the maven of small ships, with a different cruise line in mind. It was her suggestion that we try this ship since it was new and she had good feedback from the first few sailings. We have since done more homework and realize our original plan on American Caribbean Line wouldn’t have been as nice as the American Star.
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