Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine

United States

Wander through charming cobblestone streets lined with fresh seafood restaurants and browse galleries in the historic Old Port district.

Currency US Dollar (USD)
Language English
Time Zone EDT (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit Jun–Oct
Typical Duration 8-14 nights
Price Range From $50 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to New England's scenic coastline and maritime heritage, offering access to charming coastal towns, lighthouses, and the natural beauty of Maine and the Canadian Maritimes.

Cruises that visit Portland, Maine

Build Your Day in Portland, Maine

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Portland Head Light There is an Admission fee of $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-18. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 17k Open now
The Maine Mall Enough parking, all sorts of stores...has a great ambience. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 8k Closes soon · 7 PM
DiMillo's On the Water From the service, to the atmosphere, to the food and drinks. Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 6k
Duckfat The food is top notch, and the people behind the bar were super friendly. Belgian · ★ 4.6 · 5k
Fort Williams Park There is a stone slide, treehouse, and butterfly garden around a small pond. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 4k Open now
The Porthole Restaurant & Pub A dog friendly, outdoor restaurant with memorable food and service! Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 4k
Scales Warm greeting, relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, and delicious food. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Bug Light Park Bug Light Park is amazing! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Portland Museum of Art Wonderful art museum with an eye to educate and encourage new artists. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Casco Bay Lines It's a fun thing to do when you visit Portlad and super affordable. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Fore Street Restaurant Amazing service, exceptional crafted farm to table food. New American · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Fort Allen Park There's a mini train that you can ride on for a ticket fee. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Street & Co Great cocktails, delicious food, and beautiful space. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Blyth & Burrows Friendly staff and great drinks in a cool setting! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 2k
The Thirsty Pig Great selection of beers, friendly staff, plenty of outside space. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine They have 3 floors of fun stuff to do and a children's theater. Children's museum · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Honey Paw Community vibe, amazing food, wonderful cocktails, stellar service. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Victoria Mansion My grandson who is 6 loved the scavenger hunt!! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Bonfire Country Bar Portland Fair priced fun cocktails AND it’s a fun environment with music. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
ViA VECCHiA everything was fantastic, drinks, food, dessert, service, atmosphere! Italian · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Maine Crossing Great items and great prices as well!! Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Arcadia - Portland, Me Great drinks, quality bartenders, good vibe. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Mallside Plaza Best location to buy marijuana, guitars, hamburgers, and shoes. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closes soon · 7 PM
Duluth Trading Company Great store with a lot of variety, and very helpful staff. Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Pine Tree Shopping Center Good well lit, clean, well-organized, store. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Portland Observatory For $10 this was a very cool thing to do while visiting Portland. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Temporarily closed
Hunt & Alpine Warm and friendly service with top notch, creative cocktails. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Union Station Plaza Shopping Center Good staff at all stores and clean Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Bramhall Great cocktails, friendly service, deep and intimate atmosphere. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Luna Rooftop Bar Our friends got us a corner room after my proposal and we had a blast Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse The walk out is a bit of a challenging workout. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Twelve The food, drinks, service, and atmosphere was phenomenal. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Monument Square The premiere spot for any and all entertainment! Plaza · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Quack N' Cruise Portland Maine (Maine Duck Tours) This seemed like a fun thing to do with an 8 and 12 year old. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Temporarily closed
Fort Preble Quick and easy for an hour outside with the kids. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Visit Portland, Maine Information Center Lots to Do in Portland Visitor center · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Salt Yard Cafe & Bar Service, atmosphere, food, and drinks all amazing!! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Portland Flea-for-All amazing store, nice reasonable prices. Flea market · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Westgate Shopping Center Great selection and affordable. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
The Maine Souvenir Shop - Portland Amazing selection, well organized, and exceptional customer service. Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Room for Improvement Great vibe, amazing drinks, and lovely people. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Armory Lounge Love the ambiance, amazing cocktails and such good food! Lounge bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Fort Gorges I went via the Kayak tour from Portland Paddle, highly recommend! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Portland Dry Goods Best selection of quality men’s clothing in Maine. Clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Umbrella Cover Museum Incredible free museum! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k Opens Sat May 23
The End of Portland Maine A perfect selection of drinks to choose from with a tasteful dive aesthetic. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Southworth Planetarium Very educational and entertaining shows! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Marquis Lounge Great cocktails, great vibes, great service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Portland, Maine is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Portland, Maine

About Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine has emerged as a vibrant cruise destination, with nine major cruise lines calling at this picturesque New England port. Whether you're embarking on an eight-night adventure or enjoying Portland as a port of call, you'll find excellent options for exploring the rugged Maine coastline and beyond. With 240 upcoming cruises, the port offers consistent sailings throughout the peak season from June through October, when the weather is ideal for coastal exploration.

From Portland, cruise itineraries typically venture to neighboring maritime gems like Bar Harbor, Rockland, and Bangor, while many voyages also include stops in Boston and Halifax. During your time ashore, you can experience Portland's thriving culinary scene and charming Old Port district, or venture out to discover the natural beauty that defines Maine's coastline. The port's convenient location makes it an ideal starting point for New England and Canada cruises that showcase the region's maritime heritage and coastal splendor.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Portland's Historic Old Port District

Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century brick buildings, galleries, and boutiques in the charming Old Port neighborhood. This walkable waterfront district showcases Portland's maritime heritage with working fishing boats, historic lighthouses, and the iconic Portland Observatory offering panoramic city views from its 86-foot tower.

2

Fresh Lobster & Local Seafood

Indulge in Maine's most famous export at waterfront restaurants and casual shacks serving impossibly fresh lobster rolls, clam chowder, and grilled fish. Portland's thriving food scene celebrates local catches daily, with many establishments sourcing directly from the working harbor just steps from your ship.

3

Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse & Coastal Trails

Visit the picturesque Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse, perched dramatically on rocky cliffs with stunning Atlantic Ocean vistas. The scenic Two Lights State Park offers accessible walking trails through pine forests and along rugged coastline, perfect for capturing quintessential New England coastal beauty.

4

Portland Public Market & Local Artisans

Browse Maine-made crafts, local artwork, and fresh produce at the vibrant Portland Public Market, a year-round indoor marketplace celebrating regional producers. Discover handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and specialty foods while supporting local artisans in this community-focused gathering space near the waterfront.

5

Craft Beer & Distillery Scene

Experience Portland's thriving craft beverage culture at local breweries and distilleries within walking distance of the port. Sample award-winning IPAs, small-batch spirits, and unique cocktails while mingling with locals in welcoming taprooms that showcase Maine's creative brewing and distilling traditions.

Cruise Lines at Portland, Maine

Cruises Departing From Portland, Maine

Cruises Visiting Portland, Maine

Ship Schedule at Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine Location

Other Cruise Ports in United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Portland, Maine known for?

Maine's largest city, known for Old Port, shipbuilding heritage, and coastal culture.

What are must-see sights in Portland?

Old Port Exchange District, Portland Museum of Art, Portland Observatory, Fort Williams Park, and Portland Head Light.

What is the local currency in Portland?

The U.S. dollar.

How can cruise passengers access Portland from the port?

Port is docked at the Portland Ocean Terminal, a short walk to Old Port; taxis are available.

When was Portland founded?

Portland was founded in 1632 on the Casco Bay Peninsula.