Maine Coast and Harbors Cruise

Nestled on the east side of Mount Desert Island and surrounded by Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor has welcomed visitors for centuries. During the 1800's, the breathtaking mountains and seascapes were a source of inspiration for many artists and writers. Prominent figures like Joseph Pulitzer and William Proctor built magnificent cottages in this beautiful coastal community. This tour of Acadia National Park includes stops at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the first land in the United States touched by the morning sun, and Thunder Hole, an inlet naturally carved out of rocks where the waves spout water as high as 40 feet.

Jazzou Jones is the composer and performer of toe-tapping piano music. Prepare to be dazzled by original 1920’s ragtime songs and charmed by some of own compositions like “High Water" and “Paddlewheel Rag.” Dressed in his ragtime best with a debonair tux, Jazzou brings vintage all-American music to life as soon as his fingers touch the keys!

Castine was a significant military site through the American Revolution and War of 1812.
Join a local guide on a walking tour through Castine’s Historic District with a stop at the Historical Society. Learn about the town’s rich history and enjoy its scenic waterfront, architecture, gardens, and elm trees. Visit the nearby boatyard and Maine Maritime Academy’s waterfront training area, before exploring Castine’s historic district. After, enjoy free time strolling through the unique shops and galleries. 

Located on a hill overlooking the tidal waters of Penobscot Bay, Belfast's creativity, innovation, and tradition are demonstrated throughout the city. The 1800s were a time of great prosperity in Belfast, mostly due to the town's shipbuilding and commerce. Proudly showcased throughout its streets are sea captains' mansions in Greek revival and Italianate architecture that have been included on the National Register of Historic Places. End the tour at the Belfast Museum, featuring exhibits which illustrate the city's fascinating story.

Camden is proud to call itself the "Jewel of the Coast." A quaint seaport town, Camden features 19th-century architecture, a harbor full of classic schooners, and a beautiful backdrop provided by the Camden Hills. Enjoy a narrated tour through Camden Hills State Park, with a stop at the top of Mt. Battie, where you can enjoy panoramic views of glistening lakes, Camden Harbor, and the islands of Penobscot Bay.

Join a local tour guide for a walking tour through Camden, the prettiest harbor on the Maine Coast. The tour highlights the history of Camden with its industrial beginnings through its current status as the hub for yachting in Maine. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and landscape design as you weave through the streets of this quaint port.

Board the Lively Lady for a cruise of Camden Harbor. Watch a live lobster fishing demonstration presented by Captain Dominic during which you may see lobsters, baby lobsters, star fish, sea urchins, crabs, mussels, and an occasional surprise from the deep! Along your journey, view Curtis Island lighthouse, traditional sailing vessels, Maine's scenic coastline, and seaside mansions only visible from the water. In addition to seagulls and cormorants, you may also often see harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, osprey, and guillemots (a cousin to the puffin).

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.

Just before enjoying the Lobsterbake Luncheon at Sharp’s Point South, visit the Sail, Power, and 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.

Enjoy the flavors of local lobster, clams, and mussels right on the shore of beautiful Penobscot Bay. Dine under a covered tent while listening to fabulous musical entertainment. This event truly encapsulates everything wonderful about the Maine experience.

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is one of the most distinguished botanical destinations in the country, and one of Maine's top attractions. Its exquisite gardens, dramatic natural landscape, and scenic will captivate you. A guided tour will introduce you to the history, horticultural details, and colorful explanations of these gardens. Included will be the visitor favorite, the Lerner Garden of Five Senses, a garden designed to appeal to each sense. After the tour, visit the gift shop or stroll the gardens on your own.

Photo by Barbara Freeman, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

Long known as the "City of Ships," Bath has a centuries-old shipbuilding tradition. Shipyards line its river's edge and Bath-built vessels sail the seas of the world. Bath is home to the nationally acclaimed Maine Maritime Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits on Maine's nautical history. Take a guided or self-guided tour of the museum and experience Maine's rich seafaring history. From watercraft and lobstering to shipbuilding and sea trade, hear stories about dangerous voyages to distant lands, see how a shipbuilder's family lived during the 1890s, and discover the fascinating lore surrounding Maine's maritime culture.

A Maine native, Roberta DeMuro provides guests with an unforgettable music experience performing a sampling of songs from her repertoire of thousands. She performs a fun set of old favorites and loves taking song requests as well!