Partners In Cruise: Maine
Working Together to Share Maine’s Beauty and Maintain Vital Economic Support from Cruise
CLIA member cruise lines are committed to responsible tourism. Travelers from around the world cruise to Maine to enjoy the natural beauty, lighthouses, coastal towns and culture. The cruise industry is dedicated to safeguarding these experiences for generations to come. We collaborate with local communities, city officials and other stakeholders on solutions that help preserve great resident and visitor experiences while protecting the economic benefits of cruise tourism that many local businesses rely on.
Protecting Maine’s Ports:
The cruise industry works closely with Coastal Maine communities for responsible tourism solutions and managed growth. In 2023, cruise contributed more than $30 million in economic impact to coastal Maine communities. An estimated 454,000 cruise passengers visited Maine in 2023, from 379 ship visits across eight ports, during the April to November season.
Canada/New England cruises generally include Bar Harbor and/or Portland – two of North America’s highest-rated cruise destinations. Eastport and Rockland have also opened their doors to more cruise visitors, with additional towns such as Searsport considering the opportunity. Most Maine ports currently have fewer than 5,000 cruise passenger arrivals a year.
Maine’s cruise schedule can be viewed at Cruise Maine.
Renowned for stunning fall foliage, lighthouses and lobster, Maine also offers award-winning restaurants, artisanal shops, historic sites and a wide variety of outdoor activities including access to Acadia National Park.
Explore Maine’s Ports
Click the links below to learn more about Maine's Ports
Romance and Adventure
Bar Harbor
One of Maine’s largest ports, Bar Harbor is surrounded by Acadia National Park and located at the edge of the sea.
Maine's Cool Little City
Bath
Long known as the “City of Ships” Bath has quickly evolved into “Maine’s Cool Little City”.
Where Community and Creating Meet
Belfast
Belfast is a rare combination of small seaside village with an active social and cultural scene.
The Boating Capital of New England
Boothbay Harbor
Winner of the “People’s Choice” for Best Harbor in Maine (DownEast Magazine), Boothbay Harbor is iconic coastal Maine.
Rooted in Folklore and Mystery
Bucksport
Across the river from Fort Knox, the town of Bucksport offers stunning views of Penobscot Bay and the Narrows Bridge.
Maritime Tradition
Castine
Castine is one of the oldest communities in North America.
Where the Sun First Rises
Eastport
Consisting entirely of islands, the City of Eastport is the easternmost city in the United States.
Authentic by Nature
Portland
As the largest city in Maine, Portland is a historic seaside port community with a vibrant downtown, an authentic working waterfront, and hundreds of one-of-a-kind shops.
The Arts Capital of Maine
Rockland
Located on the clear waters of Penobscot Bay, this small city is increasingly known for its arts scene -- fine art, culinary and performing.
Home of the Famous Sea Captains
Searsport
Searsport was the port of choice for more shipmasters than any town of its size in the world.
Newsroom
CruiseMaine
2023 Annual Report
National Park Service
Tourism to Acadia National Park contributes $685 million to the local economy
News Center Maine
Rockland caps off record-breaking cruise ship season
Bangor Daily News
Midcoast ports see opportunity as Bar Harbor limits cruise ships
Midcost Villager
Queen Mary 2 Brings Thousands to Rockland Area
Maine Public
Portland exploring ways to reduce emissions of cruise ships docked in port
Community Voices
How Cruise Tourism Sustains Local Businesses
