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From here, cruise passengers can visit Abbotsbury Swannery (nesting Mute Swans colony), Bovington Camp's Tank Museum, and the seaside resort Weymouth (Dorset). For the best views of the harbor, visit the Portland Observatory, America’s last remaining maritime signal tower. Discover the best shore excursions, explore local landmarks, savor delicious cuisine at restaurants, enjoy family activities, and immerse yourself in nature at the parks. Pioneer Courthouse Square at 701 SW 6th Avenue is another seven tenths of a mile from the waterfront park, but this time it is southwest of the park. Pioneer is an open-space urban park with shops, restaurants and more than 300 annual events. The city’s Arts District is full of galleries and antique shops, while the Old Port area has everything from clothing boutiques to homewares.
Cruise Port Overview: Portland, Maine
Port Isle of Portland cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Isle of Portland, Weymouth, Dorset England. Cruise visitors may find that taking a general tour is a good option for seeing everything that Portland and the surrounding area have to offer. We work with the city, Visit Portland, Visit Freeport, and other organizations to support the local economy and promote responsible tourism practices.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock at Portland Maine Cruise Port?
Roughly 60% of the Oregon state's population resides within the Portland metro area. The settlement was named after Portland ME, and began to be populated during the 1830s close to the end of the Oregon Trail. The timber industry was an important force in the early economy of the city. At the turn of the 20th century, the city of Portland had a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous port cities, a hub for racketeering and organized crime. It's hard to imagine this crustacean was once deemed poor man's food, but it's true -- lobsters would wash up on Portland's shores after a storm and be used primarily as fertilizer and bait.
Shore Excursions
For those who enjoy cycling, Portland has several bike rental shops that offer a variety of bikes to choose from. Biking is an excellent way to explore the city’s scenic trails and parks while getting some exercise at the same time. Some popular biking destinations include Back Cove Trail, Eastern Promenade Trail, and Fore River Sanctuary. In addition to shopping and dining, visitors can also enjoy the arts scene in Portland. The city is home to numerous galleries and museums showcasing local talent. For example, the Portland Museum of Art features collections ranging from contemporary works to historic pieces by Maine artists.
Best Southern Caribbean Ports
Alternatively, if you are staying in one of the many hotels near the airport, you can arrange for transportation directly from your hotel. But Portland isn’t just a great place to start your vacation – it’s also a gateway to other popular destinations in Maine. Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are just a short drive away, offering visitors breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Following the COVID crisis, in 2022 Portland Port had scheduled a total of 62 cruise ship calls.
Maine’s oldest lighthouse was built during George Washington’s presidency. In George’s time, the 80 foot tower had been lit with 16 whale-oil lamps. Portland, Maine is a hidden gem that every cruise passenger should add to their itinerary. This charming coastal city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will leave you mesmerized.
Learn About Maine’s Maritime History at the Maine Maritime Museum

In 2017, Port Portland completed a GBP 3 million cruise pier extension project to allow docking of larger vessels. The upgraded terminal facility allows berthing of boats with max LOA length 340 m (1115 ft). The previous berth had capacity to dock vessels with max LOA length 300 m (985 ft). The first cruise ship to dock at the extended pier was Disney Magic (on May 23, 2017).

A highly enjoyable way to get around is on two wheels, with bike rentals available close to the port. Portland, Maine is known for two culinary treats—fresh lobster and craft beer—although the city’s highly-rated food scene extends far beyond these two. As well as beer, you can try locally produced mead and cider, as well as wines from Maine’s own vineyards.
UK's Portland Port breaks multiple cruise records in 2023 - Cruise and Ferry
UK's Portland Port breaks multiple cruise records in 2023.
Posted: Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Portland has a reputation as a foodie destination, with many restaurants serving fresh seafood and local ingredients. One way to experience this culinary scene is through a food tour of the city. These tours take visitors to some of Portland’s best eateries, where they can sample dishes like lobster rolls, chowder, and craft cocktails.
You’ll also find classy coffee roasteries, mouth-watering bakeries, and traditional pubs that reflect the town’s strong Irish heritage. The port had once been a major shipbuilding center and one of the busiest fishing ports on the Atlantic. Unfortunately, this success also made the port a target for the British during the War of 1812. The coastline still has many of the forts that were built to protect the city.
Literature buffs will enjoy a visit to the Wadsworth-Longfellow House — the childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow — which is now a museum and Colonial Revival-style garden. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. The city averages less than one inch of rain in July and August and only about four days with rain each month.
The new ship docking facility is actually an upgrade of the Outer Coaling Pier that was extended by adding a 74-m/243-ft long solid quay. The Outer Coaling Pier was expanded to 250 m (solid berth face) and water depth 11 m/36 ft. Piling works started in October 2022, and the project was completed in April 2023 (fully operational by May 1st). Final quay surface finishing works were scheduled for the period Oct 2023 thru Feb 2024. For the project were used ~380K tonnes of infill material (locally sourced) and ~4800 tons of steel. Large cruise ships dock either at the Portland Ocean Terminal, which is also known as the Maine State Pier, or the Ocean Gateway Terminal.
Visitors can take a short ferry ride over to Peaks Island and explore its quaint streets lined with colorful cottages. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is located just outside downtown Portland and offers stunning ocean views along with their delicious seafood. Their lobster dinners are served with all the classic sides including buttery corn on the cob and creamy coleslaw. The city boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the country, and lobster is undoubtedly a crowd favorite.
The Ocean Gateway Pier is another great starting point for shore excursions in Portland. Visitors can choose from a variety of scenic tours that showcase Maine’s natural beauty. One popular option is a lighthouse tour that takes guests along the coast to visit several historic lighthouses, including Portland Head Light. The Portland Maine Cruise Port is located in the heart of downtown Portland, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.
If you’re looking for a free walking tour map, take a 3 min. walk along the waterfront to The Portland Encyclepedia, where they rent bikes, but also offer free walking tour maps. As soon as you disembark from your cruise ship at the terminal, hop on a scenic train ride that will take you through Portland’s most picturesque areas. The tour takes passengers through the Eastern Promenade, where they can enjoy stunning views of Casco Bay, and Congress Street, which is lined with historic buildings and landmarks. Portland, Maine is a vibrant city that offers many exciting attractions and activities. Fortunately, getting around the city is easy with the help of METRO, the local public transportation system. The METRO bus service provides visitors with an affordable and convenient way to explore various destinations in the city.
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