Bar Harbor, Maine stands apart as a cruise port because it blends the elegance of a 19th century resort town with the rugged drama of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. Here, guests don’t just pass through a marina; they step into a living Maine experience: strolls along Main, Mount Desert, and Cottage streets, a harbor cruise to glimpse historic mansions, and doorstep access to Cadillac Mountain’s sunrise and the park’s scenic loops. Signature experiences center on Acadia’s granite coast and wildlife-rich waters—guided hikes and carriage rides through the park's carriage roads, whale and seal watching cruises in the Gulf of Maine, lighthouse vantage points at Bass Harbor Head Light, and table side seafood feasts that celebrate lobster and lobster stew. Destinations beyond Bar Harbor include Schoodic Peninsula’s quieter shores and the island’s rocky shoreline, all connected by a network of inns, boutique shops, and fine dining. Fleet features for Bar Harbor port calls favor intimate, expedition and boutique cruise itineraries that dock with minimal disruption to the town, offering guests easy transfers to shore and a mood of refined, low key adventure. Onboard services associated with a Bar Harbor call emphasize local expertise—shore excursion specialists who pair Maine sea routes with food, history, and nature—plus sustainable experiences, enhanced culinary programming, and relaxed, comfortable amenities that reflect the harbor town’s welcoming spirit.
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Language
English
Time Zone
EDT (UTC-4)
Best Time to Visit
Jun–Oct
Typical Duration
8-10 nights
Price Range
From $50 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Gateway to Acadia National Park and the stunning Maine coast, offering scenic cruises through New England's picturesque harbors and coastal towns.
Cruises that visit Bar Harbor, Maine
- cruises to Bar Harbor, Maine
- Bar Harbor, Maine sailings
- Bar Harbor, Maine cruises
- 7-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 7-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 8-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 8-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 8-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 8-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 8-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 8-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 10-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 10-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 10-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 12-night Seabourn cruise
- 12-night Seabourn cruise
- 14-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 14-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 42-night American Cruise Lines cruise
- 49-night American Cruise Lines cruise
Build Your Day in Bar Harbor, 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
Getting around:
Acadia National Park
It is beautiful, with many trails, beaches and near Bar Harbor
Open 24 hours
Bass Harbor Head Light Station
USLHS stamp available at Bar Harbor visitor center.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Side Street Cafe
Cheerful spot for pub food & light fare
Open · Closes 9 PM
Geddy's
This was a unique place to eat in the heart of Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 9:30 PM
Thunder Hole
What a view.. a must see if you are in Bar Harbor.
Open 24 hours
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co
Offers tour of islands surrounding bar harbor along with wildlife.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Thirsty Whale Tavern
The best food we had in Bar Harbor proper.
Open · Closes 1 AM
Stewman's Lobster Pound
Stewman’s Lobster Pound served the best lobster roll I had in Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Bar Harbor Lobster Pound
Dinner at Bar Harbor Lobster Pound was an unplanned, unexpected delight!
Open · Closes 8 PM
Galyn's
Food was fantastic our best meal in Bar Harbor the entire time we were here.
Open · Closes 9:30 PM
The Travelin Lobster, LLC
Lobster rolls were the best we had in the Bar Harbor area.
Open · Closes 6:30 PM
The Chart Room
Easygoing seafood spot with water views
Open · Closes 9 PM
Testa's Bar & Grill
GREAT lunch on 7/8/24 in Bar Harbor with views of the water!
Open · Closes 10 PM
Agamont Park
A must do in Bar Harbor to watch the Sunrise or just enjoy a nice night cap
Open 24 hours
Route 66 Restaurant
Clam chowder was chunky and buttery-one of the best I tried in Bar Harbor!
Open · Closes 9 PM
Paddy's Irish Pub & Restaurant
Great place to get a drink, a bite and take in the Bar Harbor views.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Cadillac Mountain
The view of Bar Harbor and surrounding islands and mountains are amazing.
Open · Closes 9:30 PM
Acadian Boat Tours
Great tour for photos of the many Bar Harbor islands.
Open · Closes 7 PM
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
It's pirate themed with historical pirate information at each hole.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Havana
This was the best meal I’ve had in Bar Harbor.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Leary's Landing Irish Pub
The atmosphere is fantastic, best place to get a pint in Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Bar Harbor Lobster Co.
They have the best lobster Mac and cheese we've had in Bar Harbor!
Open · Closes 9 PM
Debbahs
Spacious and well lit with a broad assortment of Bar Harbor themed gifts.
Open · Closes 11 PM
McKay's Public House
$12-16 for most local beers that are $8 down the street.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Dog & Pony Tavern
Absolutely the most generous, delicious lobster roll in Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 12 AM
Sand Beach
Kids had great time swimming and playing in the sand.
Wild Gardens of Acadia
Gorgeous, accessible, there is so much to do in ANP!
Reading Room Restaurant
This is by far and away one of the best meals we’ve ever had in Bar Harbor.
Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Stadium, Bar Harbor - Lobster Rolls, Popovers,Coffee
Popovers, Chowder and Coffee were the best we've had in Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 4:30 PM
Project Social Kitchen & Bar
Alex gave us the best service we've had in Bar Harbor, no questions asked!
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Bar Island Land Bridge
Really cool feature of Bar Harbor… was fun to explore and bird ...
Open 24 hours
Island Take Out
The fish and chips were the best we had in Bar Harbor and on Cape Cod.
Open · Closes 8:30 PM
The Barnacle
The oysters (Bar Harbor Blondes) were fresh and very tender.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Bar Harbor Shore path
Great view of the Atlantic and the bar harbor islands
Open · Closes 9 PM
Lamoine Beach Park
Very calm water and shallow warer for a while.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Lunch Bar Harbor
The perfect spot for a quick reasonably priced lunch in Bar Harbour.
Open · Closes 3 PM
Cottage Street Pub
Excellent bartender, great music and what a spectacular drink menu.
Open · Closes 1 AM
Tap & Barrel Tavern
Hands-down, the best combination of beer, bourbon and food in Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 12 AM
Cool As A Moose
Great Bar Harbor gear, good quality.
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Terrace Grille
The blueberry salad and clam chowder were delicious.
Open · Closes 8 PM
Bubble Rock
Super fun and great views on a clear day.
Open 24 hours
The Loft Raw Bar and Seafood Grill
Best meal on our last of six days/dinners during our vacation in Bar Harbor.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Abbe Museum
Fantastic little museum in the center of Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 5 PM
Brasserie LeBrun
An excellent choice for dinner in Bar Harbor with an insane wine list.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Little Village Gifts
Great selection of all gear Acadia and Bar Harbor, particularly hats!
Open · Closes 9 PM
Oceanarium and Education Center
They also have indoor lobster boat to play on and a boat outside to play in.
Open · Closes 4 PM
Maine Chick
Can only eat so much seafood in Bar Harbor..excellent Chicken sandwiches!
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Ovens Restaurant
The cocktails were creative and delicious, and the dessert was outstanding.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Limon Grille
The food is absolutely incredible – fresh, flavorful, and true to tradition.
Open · Closes 9 PM
Dinner
Great cocktails
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Melt
Best fries and amaizing bread for the grilled crab sandwich.
Closed
Bar Island
The view of bar harbor from Bar island is pretty cool.
Echo Lake Beach
Changing rooms and a nice shallow water beach.
Acadia National Park Tours
A perfect experience for a 1st time to Acadia.
Open · Closes 5 PM
Frenchman Bay Lobster Rolls
This place tied for the best clam chower I have eaten while in Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 3:30 PM
Table Salt
Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·High chairs
Closed · Opens 5 PM
Dough Harbor
The best food in bar harbor and it is not even close!
Closed · Opens 4 PM
Egg Rock Lighthouse
Great spot to see while on a crab boat tour.
William's On The Green
Great bartender, good drink menu, coldest martinis!
Closed · Opens 3 PM
Veranda at Balance Rock Inn
A rare fine dining experience in a wonderful setting in Bar Harbor.
Closed · Opens 3 PM
A LITTLE MAD shop
This is a nice little shop, tucked away in Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 6 PM
The Acadia Country Store
Great store for all things Maine/Acadia/Bar Harbor.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Hadley Point Beach
Come early to get a spot so you can watch the epic sunsets!
Little Hunters Beach
Some small tide pools at low tide too.
Sand Beach Overlook
It’s a relaxing spot to stop and enjoy the Sandy Beach.
Open 24 hours
Seal Harbor Beach
Small beach with tide pools and crashing waves.
Great Head
Highly recommended to go do this hike if you're visiting Acadia!
Open 24 hours
Siren & Sailor
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Boulder Beach
You can walk right down to the beach.
The Acadia Shop
Prices are reasonable, staff was helpful.
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Maine Store
A charming and eclectic gift shop with a terrific little speakeasy!
Open · Closes 6 PM
Garden Lounge
Live music, good atmosphere, great service
Open · Closes 8 PM
The Bar
amazing cocktails and sports on the tv.
Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Salty Bite
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Open · Closes 9 PM
My Darling Maine Island Boutique
Excellent variety of items and an extremely friendly staff!
Open · Closes 7 PM
Otter Cove Overlook
Can do some tide pool action at low tide.
Town Beach
Although small and Rocky plenty of people on it and swimming.
Best of Bar Harbor
Super cute store with reasonably priced merchandise and souvenirs.
Open · Closes 6 PM
Acadia Park Company
Onsite services
Open · Closes 10 PM
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Bar Harbor, Maine
Cruise Lines at Bar Harbor, Maine
- American Cruise Lines (205 cruises)
- Seabourn (3 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (2 cruises)
- Viking Ocean Cruises (2 cruises)
Cruises Departing From Bar Harbor, Maine
Cruises Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine
Ship Schedule at Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine Location
Other Cruise Ports in United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bar Harbor known for?
Bar Harbor is known for its proximity to Acadia National Park, historic districts, and seaside charm.
When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor?
Late spring to fall offers mild weather and park access, along with festivals and events.
Is Bar Harbor a good base for exploring Acadia National Park?
Yes, Bar Harbor provides easy access to trails, Cadillac Mountain, and scenic coastal areas.
What wildlife might I see near Bar Harbor?
Whales, seals, and seabirds are common in the Gulf of Maine, with occasional offshore viewing.