Cruise Port Overview: Portland, Maine

Table Of Content

• Night The Atlantic CoastDetails
• Local Flavor
• Internet Service on Cruise Ships
• Lobster Rolls: Eventide Oyster Co., The Highroller Lobster Co., and Bite Into Maine
• Exploring History and Culture: Victoria Mansion and Portland Museum of Art
• Where Does Royal Caribbean Dock in Portland Maine Cruise Port?
• Where You Dock in Portland – Maine
• New England Cruise Excursions

With its compact size and walkable streets, exploring local attractions on foot can be an enjoyable experience for visitors. You can stroll along Commercial Street where you’ll find shops selling souvenirs and local crafts or take a leisurely walk through Eastern Promenade Park with stunning views of Casco Bay. No trip to Portland would be complete without experiencing Casco Bay up close. There are several ways to do this – one popular option is taking a scenic ferry ride around the bay with Casco Bay Lines.

Night The Atlantic CoastDetails

Vigor Industrial's Vigor Shipyard is on Swan Island (Swan Island Industrial Park on Willamette River, land area 174 hectares/430 acres), approx 4,5 mi / 7 km from downtown Portland. Cruise Portland Maine is a collaboration of 6 organizations working together to promote the Port of Portland and our neighboring towns for cruise ships and shore excursions. Red Lion Hotel on the River is on Hayden Island in the middle of the Columbia River.

Local Flavor

One popular option is Shipyard Brewing Company – they’ve been brewing craft beer in Portland for over 25 years and offer daily tours of their facility. The train ride is an excellent way to get a feel for Portland’s unique character and charm. Eventide Oyster Co. is a trendy spot that serves up one of the best lobster rolls in town. Their signature brown butter roll features warm chunks of juicy lobster meat tossed in an herb-infused brown butter sauce and served on a soft steamed bun.

Internet Service on Cruise Ships

Portland Port receives record-breaking 130,000 passengers in 2023 - Seatrade Cruise News

Portland Port receives record-breaking 130,000 passengers in 2023.

Posted: Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The coastline and islands are still dotted with forts that were built to protect the city. Ironically, during an Independence Day celebration in 1866, a firecracker ignited a fire that quickly spread across the city's east end, destroying 1,800 buildings. Explore one of the prettiest coastal towns on the East Coast on a cruise to Portland, Maine. Perched on a peninsula jutting out into the island-specked Casco Bay under vast skies, the scent of the ocean on the breeze, this enchanting spot is rich in history. Having been a fishing and trading port since 1632, Portland is defined by its impressive lighthouses, not least Portland Head Light.

Lobster Rolls: Eventide Oyster Co., The Highroller Lobster Co., and Bite Into Maine

There are also hiking trails in nearby state parks like Bradbury Mountain State Park that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For those looking for an island adventure, there are tours that visit nearby islands like Peaks Island or Great Diamond Island. These trips offer stunning views of Casco Bay and allow visitors to explore quaint island communities with unique shops and restaurants. 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.

Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood or unique souvenirs, you’ll find it all within walking distance of the port. Larger cruise ships dock at the Maine State Pier (also known as the Portland Ocean Terminal) or the Ocean Gateway Terminal, which is located near Casco Bay Ferry Lines. Both piers are located in the city center and make Portland a very walkable cruise stop.

As you step off the ship at the Portland Maine Cruise Port, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of Casco Bay and the iconic lighthouse. The location and map of Portland, Maine Cruise Port make it easy to explore the city’s top attractions. Finally, no trip to Portland would be complete without visiting one of its iconic lighthouses. Portland Head Light is perhaps the most famous – it’s located on Cape Elizabeth and has been guiding ships into Portland Harbor since 1791. Another must-try experience for seafood lovers is a lobster boat cruise.

Some of the most popular flavors include maple bacon, pomegranate, ginger-glazed sweet potato, and some surprise seasonal favorites. For something a little sweeter, try Portland’s unique specialty donuts at The Holy Donut. They are made with real Maine potatoes, local butter and buttermilk, and all-natural ingredients. Portland was immediately rebuilt, resulting in the relatively uniform Victorian-era architecture seen today.

New England Cruise Excursions

For those looking for more traditional shopping options, there are plenty of clothing stores, gift shops, and art galleries throughout the Old Port. Some notable spots include Angela Adams (a home decor store), Cool As A Moose (a souvenir shop), and Greenhut Galleries (an art gallery showcasing works by local artists). For those interested in trying local craft beer, brewery tours are also available from the pier. These tours take visitors to some of Portland’s top breweries, such as Allagash Brewing Company and Shipyard Brewing Company. Visitors can sample different beers and learn about the brewing process from knowledgeable guides. Another must-see attraction just outside of downtown Portland is the iconic Portland Head Light.

This indoor market features local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses to handmade crafts. Visitors can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries inside the market, such as Kamasouptra or Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe. This museum houses an impressive collection of American and European art, including works by Winslow Homer and Claude Monet. Visitors can also see contemporary art exhibitions and attend special events like artist talks and film screenings. As mentioned earlier, the terminal offers everything you need to ensure a smooth embarkation process. For those who love history, there are many museums dedicated to preserving Portland’s past.

It provides visitors with a look into the regional art culture and aesthetic of Maine in addition to its permanent collection of American, European, Asian, and contemporary pieces. Admire works by Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Claude Monet. One of the most famous paintings housed in the museum is Monet’s Water Lilies, painted in 1914 and one of a priceless series.

Dine in a waterfront restaurant, or wander the streets and wharves around the Old Port and take your pick. Portland is famed for its food trucks, too, which offer anything from artisan gelato to gourmet donuts. Enjoy this great opportunity for a Windjammer Sail onboard an authentic 48-passenger schooner in Maine's beautiful Casco Bay. Pack a meal, bring your favorite wine or beer, and sit back and relax as our courteous and... 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.