maine maritime cruise schedule

Welcome to Maine Windjammer Cruises

The original windjammer fleet.

EXPLORE OUR OVERNIGHT CRUISE SCHEDULES & PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY!

QUESTIONS? (800) 736-7981

The intimate 6-passenger Swift offers the joys of sailing and socializing in a smaller modern setting.

2024 Swift Schedule

  Our online  reservation system is ready for your use,  but please feel free to call us if you need assistance.

We will offer three and six-night trips, boarding either on Sundays or Wednesdays.  Our season begins June 2 and runs through early October.

Charters will be arranged on a case-by-case basis for any length of time.

 Reservations are processed in the order they are received.  Please be patient as we take care of all of our eager passengers.  Bookings made over the weekend sometimes cause a little delay, but rest assured that you will receive confirmation via email and regular mail once your reservation is fully processed.

Annual Calendar

Each year since the 1990s we have produced our annual calendar for those who have sailed with us or shown interest in our cruises. This year’s calendar features our new flagship.

DOWNLOAD 2024 CALENDAR

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS:  click on the above link and download to your computer.  Print on good quality 8 1/2 X 11 paper or card stock . We hope this brings you daydreams of summer and sailing on the bay!  

If you are unable to download and print, please contact us and we get a copy to you.

Cruise Options

Weekly Trips Throughout the Season – We Have a Cruise That’s Right For You! Our Windjammer vacations are all-inclusive.

A $300 per person deposit is due when you make your reservation; the trip balance is due in full 6 weeks prior to your trip.  We understand that personal circumstances sometimes change, and you may find it necessary to cancel your trip.  Seven Corners Insurance specializes in sailing vacation coverage.

Cancellations must be made in writing prior to 8 weeks ahead of your trip.  A 10% per person handling fee of the total fare price will be retained and credited toward a future trip on a space available basis.

Cancellations made less than 8 weeks ahead of your trip can not be refunded unless we are able to rebook your cabin(s).  We do have a wait list, or you are welcome to find someone to take your place.  In the event we are able to re-book your berth, we will refund all but a 10% per person fare price handling fee.

PRE-SEASON THREE  or SIX DAY CRUISE  ABOARD THE  SWIFT

Off-season rates, coupled with long days and uncrowded anchorages mean you will see more for less.

In June, crew and passengers are anxious to get started on a new season, and the windjammers are often the only vessels on the bay. The sailing is great and enthusiasm is high.

THREE DAY CRUISE – PRE-SEASON

These cruises are an excellent introduction to the world of windjamming. You may choose from the first or second half of the week. This can be a grand change of pace or the highlight of a longer Maine vacation. A Lobster Feast is included in all three-day cruises.

Board Sunday evening at 5:30 PM and meet your new shipmates. You will be on your own for dinner in town, but will sleep aboard your vessel.

After a hearty breakfast Monday, we get underway for our short adventure exploring the islands of Maine. You will return to Camden Harbor between 10 a.m. and Noon Wednesday. Often, people who take the first half pre-season 3-day cruise have such a good time, they ask to stay on for the second half.  IF SPACE ALLOWS, you can stay for the second half of the cruise, at an additional discounted fee.

SECOND HALF

The usual boarding time is 5:30 PM on Wednesday, but we may ask  you  to be in the area earlier and check in with us by phone.  In either case, you will return by 10 am on Saturday.

SIX-DAY CRUISE

Offered exclusively in the Pre-Season, these trips have it all. They are the best value with long days to sail and explore, a shore-side lobster bake, and lots of time to relax and unwind. Board Sunday evening and return Saturday by 10 a.m.

SUMMER SAILING

Available on the Swift.

THREE-DAY CRUISE

This cruise is an excellent introduction to the world of windjamming. Board Sunday or Wednesday evening, meet your new shipmates and have dinner on your own in Camden.  You will sleep aboard, and after a hearty breakfast the following morning, you’ll be underway for your adventure exploring the islands of Maine. This cruise can be a grand change of pace and certainly the highlight of a longer Maine vacation. A Lobster Feast is included in all three-day cruises. You will return to Camden Harbor by 10 a.m. Wednesday or Saturday.

FALL FOLIAGE CRUISES

This is a very special time of the year. Reduced fares make these trips  the perfect time to vacation in Maine. The beauty of the fall colors adds a new dimension to already breathtaking scenery. Crisp, clear days with brisk winds offer the best sailing of the season.  Trips board Sundays and Wednesdays.

Windjammer Events

Always on Labor Day weekend. Celebrate Camden’s rich maritime heritage as our schooners take part in the weekend festivities!

 WOODEN BOAT SAIL IN:    Mid-September.   Windjammers converge on Brooklin, Maine home of Wooden Boat School & Magazine. Refreshments, live entertainment and tours of the grounds & school. Be sure to bring your cameras and be ready for a great time!

FOR THE STAR GAZERS

Skies out on the water are always beautiful. With little light pollution the stars pop and the full moon becomes a beacon sparkling across the water. The annual Perseid Meteor Showers provide a spectacular light show producing up to 30 shooting stars an hour. At its peak it can produce up to 100.

FULL MOON DATES:   JUNE 21,  JULY 21,  AUGUST 19 and & SEPTEMBER 17

BEST STAR GAZING:  NEW MOON DATES:  JUNE 6, JULY 5, AUGUST 4 & SEPTEMBER 2

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER:  AUGUST 12-13 peak

Special Occasion and Private Sailing Excursions Let Us Help You Plan Your Event Aboard Our Schooners

WE’LL PUT THE WONDERS OF THE MAINE COAST AT YOUR FINGER TIPS!  Our windjammers are available for weddings, reunions, family celebrations, team building and other activities.

Is your dream a windjammer wedding? Even if you reside out of state, it’s now simple to get a marriage license in Maine, and our captains can legally perform a wedding ceremony. Would you like to enjoy your wedding reception on Penobscot Bay or offer a trip on our schooners to out-of-town wedding guests?

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Military Units, Summer Campers, foreign exchange students, and specialized travel groups have also enjoyed trips with us.

We work with college alumni and other nonprofit groups to create fundraisers and unique travel opportunities. Even if you don’t have enough people to fill a boat, discounts are available for  groups of ten or more.

Day Charters are sometimes possible on turn-around dates Wednesday and Sunday. Most trips are from noon to 4 p.m. We can carryup to 12 guests on  the Swift . Please call for availability and prices. 800-736-7981

MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE MWC

Brides and grooms and those renewing their vows aren’t the only ones who look to a New England sailing vacation for a special event. Loved ones will never forget a birthday, anniversary, family reunion, graduation, or surprise party celebrated on a Maine windjammer. Our cruises are also popular for college and high school alumni reunions and sorority, fraternity, and professional society gatherings.

We can also provide a trip appropriate for a funeral service or memorial gathering. We look forward to helping you or your organization plan your special event.

OUR MAINE FARE

Food for your charter can be provided from our standard menu that includes lobster, fish chowder, and other traditional Maine fare, but we are willing to work with you for some adjustments or special requests.

Testimonials Click to view testimonials given to Maine Windjammer Cruises™ by passengers of some of our chartered cruises.

Rates vary with the number of passengers, length of cruise, and time of year.

Please plan early to reserve your special date, even if the season is already underway.

We require one-third of your payment at the time of your confirmed reservation, one-third between the reservation and balance date, and one-third 45 days before your departure date. Rates are all-inclusive. Other payment plans can be discussed.

Charters are nonrefundable, so we recommend trip insurance through a sailing insurance specialist such as Seven Corners.

A MAINE WINDJAMMER WEDDING CRUISE 

Is your dream a windjammer wedding?

ELABORATE OR SIMPLE – Whether a cruise with friends and family, a reception sail, a quiet sunrise/sunset ceremony as part of your cruise or trips for out of town guests, we are ready to assist in fulfilling your wedding dreams.

“Couldn’t have found a better wedding venue!!! ……Jan Marie

Contact Maine Windjammer Cruises by phone or email to let us help you plan your special day.

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Maine Sailing Cruises

Explore the Maine Coastline

Harbor, cocktail, and sunset cruises in penobscot bay , harbor cruise.

Embark on a 2-hour sailing cruise around Camden and Rockport harbors and the surrounding areas.

Captain Dennis will take you on his 41-foot classic sailboat to explore stunning views of Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills. Whether you're eager to get hands-on sailing experience or prefer to unwind and relish the sail, these cruises offer an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation.

Cruises depart daily at 10 am and 2 pm from Camden or Rockport Harbor. June 1st - Sept 30th.

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Explore beautiful Penobscot Bay of Maine on a 3-hour sailing and cocktail cruise.

Get a unique perspective of the Maine coastline, see the sun set over the Camden Hills, and learn about the rich maritime history of Maine from Captain Dennis. Sip on your favorite cocktails and let the sea breeze and stunning views provide a memorable sailing experience.

Cruises depart daily at 5 pm from Camden or Rockport Harbor. June 1st - Sept 30th.

Experience the Best of Maine Aboard a Classic Sailboat

At Maine Sailing Cruises, we're passionate about creating exceptional sailboat experiences. We have been providing unforgettable journeys along Maine's coast since 2020 aboard Hussar. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, we'll handle all the details and ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Downeast Maine Cruise

This 8-day journey, round-trip from Bangor, is the ultimate Maine experience and the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, rich history, and delicious, fresh seafood. In Belfast, admire magnificent sea captain mansions and explore its dynamic working waterfront. Experience an authentic lobsterbake on the shores of Rockland, while listening to a local bluegrass band. Take an evening cruise as the sun is setting in Bar Harbor, one of the most beautiful ways to witness Acadia National Park.

Venture to Bath, known as the “City of Ships,” on board our brand new class of catamaran-inspired small ships, and learn its fascinating maritime history on a guided walking exploration. Board a local trolley for a narrated ride through picturesque Castine, one of the oldest communities in the North America, known for its century-old elms. In Boothbay, explore the largest botanical garden in New England, led by a naturalist. End your amazing adventure in Bangor, hometown of author Stephen King and once the “lumber capital of the world.”

Along the way, be treated to the best regional cuisine and an unsurpassed level of personalized service.

Ports of call include: Bangor | Belfast | Rockland | Bar Harbor | Bath | Castine | Boothbay Harbor

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Bangor, ME Start your journey in Bangor, the third largest city in the state, located on the western bank of the picturesque Penobscot River. The proximity of the river made Bangor the "Lumber capital of the world" for much of the 19th century, earning the title of "Queen City" of Maine.

2 Belfast, ME Today, Belfast is a rare combination of quiet small town juxtaposed with a vibrant social and cultural scene. Many of the ornate historic buildings of downtown now serve as homes and workshops for a cadre of local artists and artisians. With a variety of hiking trails, including the Belfast Rail Trail, Belfast is also a great place to get close to nature.

3 Rockland, ME Rockland is an exciting town with a vibrant art culture and thriving lobster industry. Spend your time touring one of Rockland's unique museums, including the Owls Head Transportation Museum and the Farnsworth Art Museum. Explore downtown Rockland which features an eclectic collection of art galleries or relax on a park bench and watch classic schooners sail through the harbor.

4 Bar Harbor, ME Lobstering is a centuries-old industry that continues to thrive in Bar Harbor as well as boat building, another traditional business that is important part of the local economy. Though Bar Harbor region is best known for its outdoor activities, it is also home to small museums, cultural attractions, and historically significant landmarks.

5 Bath, ME Long known as the "City of Ships," Bath finds its identity in shipbuilding. From its architecture and cultural offerings to its urban downtown, Bath's shipbuilding roots define its character. Walk Bath's streets and admire the seaport's tree-lined avenues, graced with classic examples of American Architecture. Explore the nationally acclaimed Maine Maritime Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits about Maine's nautical history.

6 Castine, ME Castine, Maine is one of the oldest communities in North America, Continuously occupied since the early 1600's. Canopied under century-old elms, the city boasts pristine, well-preserved 18th and 19th century Georgian and Federal homes, complemented by a walkable village of shops, galleries, restaurants, and historic sites. Known for its rich maritime tradition, Castine is also home to the renowned Maine Maritime Academy, a nationally-recognized college which provides training for world-class mariners and engineers, scientists and other career professionals. For those who love the outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities, both inland and along the coast, to enjoy the natural beauty of woodlands and rolling hills, as well as the scenic splendor of the harbor.

7 Boothbay Harbor, ME Known as the "Boating Capital of New England," Boothbay Harbor overflows with fishing vessels and pleasure crafts in equal numbers. Walk along Boothbay Harbor's flower-lined streets, dotted with art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops. Don't forget to visit the famous Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

8 Bangor, ME Your journey comes to an end in Bangor.

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*Prices may vary due to seasonality

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Schedules, terminals, wiki, news, live port maps,  dubrovnik , croatia, port gruz.

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Jeju Island (aka Jejudo/Chejudo) is located in Korea Strait, approx 130 km (80 mi) to the south of mainland South Korea. Jeju is among the country's top island resort destinations and is often...

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 Shimizu , Japan Shizuoka

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 Katakolon , Olympia, Greece

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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