The Experience

Table Of Content

• You’ll Get Used to Everything Very Quickly
• Authentic Maine Vacations
• The Food Is Ultra-Local
• 10 of 154 Island Windjammers Caribbean Cruise Reviews
• Sailing on a Maine Windjammer Cruise: Everything you Need to Know
• Explore by Schedule
• Below is the schedule of our Maine sailing adventures for 2023, All trips depart from Rockland Maine.

Wake up each day ready and hoping for an adventure and I’m pretty sure you’ll get your wish. Each day, when the crew of the Riggin raised the sails or heaved the anchor, they asked for volunteers. I never volunteered for the anchor raising…grown men seemed to quiver in their boots after that arduous task. But I did help out with raising the mainsail a few times. You’ll also have to share a single shower with all other passengers aboard.

You’ll Get Used to Everything Very Quickly

I picked the Bar Harbor Blueberry Ale by Atlantic Brewing Company. Dessert was an excellent cheesecake with salted caramel drizzle, which we ate while watching the colorful sunset. A baby shark near the schooner led to crew members breaking out in song and dance. And porpoises and a pair of puffins were also seen—my investment in binoculars paid off. Everyone on board the J & E Riggin was excited by the spotting, including Justin, Jocelyn, and the crew.

Authentic Maine Vacations

During lunch, as we cruised east past Little Green Island, we spotted the first of several fin whales, the second-largest whale species on Earth. Further south, we could see Tenants Harbor Lighthouse and Jamie Wyeth's home on Southern Island. The island is private property, and Jamie Wyeth, an artist like his renowned father, the painter Andrew Wyeth, lives there full time.

The Food Is Ultra-Local

Crew rooms aboard Royal Caribbean's upcoming Icon of the Seas cruise ship - Business Insider

Crew rooms aboard Royal Caribbean's upcoming Icon of the Seas cruise ship.

Posted: Fri, 07 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Enjoying great food (I promise, I’m almost there!) and savoring the breathtaking views of water, pine, and sails were the undisputed highlights of my journey. During the day, we sailed routes through Penobscot Bay and its litany of lighthouses, expensive homes, and gorgeous pine. If you’ve been cruising before, you’re probably familiar with most of these policies. BUT there was one big difference when it came to sailing on a windjammer. Sunny days and smooth sailing call for hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Weather changes require layers that you will peel off and reapply throughout the day.

2 of America's most scenic small-ship cruises are in New England - Boston.com

2 of America's most scenic small-ship cruises are in New England.

Posted: Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

10 of 154 Island Windjammers Caribbean Cruise Reviews

The grill is hot and there is a feast of steak, chicken, ribs and an assortment of vegetarian dishes. Of course there is always a mouthwatering desert fresh from the galley stove. Depending on the length of your cruise, one night will include a Lobster Bake on an island, or a Lobster Feast aboard your schooner.

As we began sailing, I asked the Captain about the gear he used to navigate. He walked me through it all, pointing out the radar and radios. Once the mainsail was raised, the crew and guests raised the three other sails, each requiring less effort and people than the one before it. Despite playing a small part in raising those sails, I felt proud every time I looked at them. A few minutes before 5 p.m., I rolled my luggage from the B&B to Windjammer Wharf.

I had asked Justin about the potential for us to see whales before we got underway on Day 1. My expectations were low after hearing whale sightings were possible but not routine. Luke, a passenger with 30 years of experience on windjammer cruises in Maine, said he'd only seen whales three times. Buttermilk pancakes with Maine maple syrup, blueberry syrup, whipped cream, lemon curd, and fruit toppings were available. Plus, bacon, homemade granola, Greek yogurt, and fresh fruits. As this first breakfast would attest, we wouldn't go hungry on this windjammer cruise.

Maine Windjammer Cruises

Our beds were wedged into the wall, and though we had plenty of storage space for our things, my initial reaction was that I was not looking forward to sleeping there. The decks, especially where passengers gather, are made of a gleaming, vibrant wood. Welcome to the only place in the world where schooners play in abundance. Where steady breezes, glittering bays, and literally thousands of islands make Penobscot Bay one of the most revered cruising grounds on earth. Charters are nonrefundable, so we recommend trip insurance through a sailing insurance specialist such as Seven Corners. Sea Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Military Units, Summer Campers, foreign exchange students, and specialized travel groups have also enjoyed trips with us.

Our iconic windjammers offer multi-day, all-inclusive, sailing adventure cruises in one of the most acclaimed cruising grounds in the world. 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. Rise early, perhaps in time for an exhilarating sunrise. Relax on deck with a hot cup of coffee and baked goods still warm from the galley, as you take in the splendor of a new day and the fresh sea air.

The Penobscot Bay, where the J&E Riggin sails, is breathtaking. During the trip we were constantly passing islands of all sizes and descriptions. Rocky coasts, pine-covered hills, and even treeless islands where the seabirds gather. But I can also surmise that all cruises offered are likely vastly different. No two journeys are the same, and that’s part of what makes this so amazing. Simply put, windjamming is about reconnecting with our essential enjoyment of life.

To reduce the odds of clogging, you're asked to use only 6-8 squares. Since Kel couldn't join me for the cruise, I used the extra bed to lay out my clothes. Two USB ports are available to charge electronic devices like cell phones, and a 12V outlet is helpful for CPAP machines (for guests with sleep apnea). Watch tiny model boats, built by a loving grandfather for his adoring grandchildren, bob in a cove. Swim in the clear, indigo blue sea, and dry yourself under the warm rays of the Mediterranean sun.

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. Known as “where the mountains meet the sea,” Camden is a charming village and safe harbor with easy access to an archipelago of over a thousand islands. It has been a long-time destination of vacationers and yachtsmen. This festive meal is usually on the last night of our longer cruises.

Accommodation | Maine has some beautiful boutique hotels along its popular coastal towns. Summer is peak season in Maine, so book hotels in advance to save, or check here for last-minute deals. Alternatively, get a fun group together and rent a house on AirBnB for a slightly more budget friendly option.

Two beautifully-appointed luxury suites feature king beds, while two equally comfortable staterooms offer queen beds. All accommodations include en-suite bathrooms, plenty of storage, portholes, and air conditioning. I felt grateful to have such a beautiful setting to myself, if only for a few minutes. The morning dew coated the seating areas, so I stayed on my feet, gingerly walking around the main deck and shooting photos.

On our cruise, we stopped at Warren Island State Park, where we had our traditional lobster bake, as well as the town of Castine, which we were able to explore for a few hours. We sailed on the J&E Riggin, a 3-masted schooner built in 1927. The excitement begins even as you board the boat, because it’s unlike anything you’ve traveled on before. Use our cruise finder below to explore sailing options that fit your schedule.