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 Iconic 1791 lighthouse & museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 17k Open now
Becky's Diner Great food at very reasonable prices for downtown Portland, Maine. Diner · ★ 4.6 · 8k
The Maine Mall Brand-name stores in a comfy setting Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 8k Open · Closes 7 PM
DiMillo's On the Water Landmark floating seafood restaurant Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 6k
Duckfat Panini, Belgian fries & milkshakes Belgian · ★ 4.6 · 6k
Portland Lobster Company Seasonal lobster shack by the water Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 4k
Luke's Lobster Portland Pier Airy A-frame for seafood specialities Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 4k
Fort Williams Park Seaside park with old fort & lighthouse Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 4k Open now
Gilberts Chowder House Humble but hopping chowder joint Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 4k
The Porthole Restaurant & Pub Wharfside hangout for seafood & drinks Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 4k
The Great Lost Bear This place has been a Portland staple for decades, and for good reason. American · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Scales Waterfront bistro for local seafood Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 3k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Flatbread Company Wood-fired pizzas made in clay ovens Pizza · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Bug Light Park Open green space & a historic lighthouse Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k
Portland Museum of Art Portland's premiere art museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Hot Suppa Among the best southern style breakfast not only in Portland, but anywhere! Southern · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closes soon · 2 PM
Fore Street Restaurant Acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant New American · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Popham Beach State Park Long, sandy beach plus picnic areas State park · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Fort Allen Park Historic, tranquil waterfront promenade Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Central Provisions Eclectic small plates & cocktails Small Plates · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closes soon · 2 PM
Tandem Coffee and Bakery Gourmet coffee & sweets in vintage digs Bakery · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed
Street & Co Refined seafood in rustic quarters Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Blyth & Burrows Nautical cocktail bar with small bites Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 4 PM
The Thirsty Pig Hip joint for housemade sausages & brews Bar · ★ 4.4 · 2k
Cheese Louise Portland Needed a quick lunch in Portland, and this was perfect. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 2k
The Honey Paw All of the food was outstanding, very fresh, local, & well-executed. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k
Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine Hands-on learning for kids Children's museum · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Terlingua Portland has some fantastic restaurants but this sets the bar even higher. Barbecue · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Bard Coffee Coffee shop with house-roasted beans Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open
Victoria Mansion Grand historical landmark with tours Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Nosh Kitchen & Bar Hefty American pub grub & craft beers Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
ViA VECCHiA Stylish choice for classic Italian eats Italian · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Crescent Beach State Park Expansive sand beach & trails State park · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Arcadia - Portland, Me Arcade bar with beers & vintage games Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Front Room Contemporary American comfort fare Brunch · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Maine Crossing Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
David's Restaurant Inspired fish dishes in an upscale spot Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Evo Kitchen + Bar Upmarket choice for Middle Eastern fare Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Mallside Plaza Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 7 PM
Portland Observatory Historic maritime signal tower & museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Pine Tree Shopping Center In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Luna Rooftop Bar Sophisticated lounge with harbor views Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Hunt & Alpine Craft cocktails & Scandinavian bites Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse Small lighthouse built in the late 1800s Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Twelve Dine-in·Curbside pickup·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Kettle Cove State Park State park · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Coffee ME Up Compact, cozy stop for coffee & bites Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open
Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours Onsite services Boat tour agency · ★ 4.8 · 1k
East End Beach Shoreline trails, boating & sandy beach Beach · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Bramhall Bites & brews in an underground hideaway Grill · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Union Station Plaza Shopping Center Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 6 PM
Crispy Gai Hands down some of the best food in portland, a real hidden treasure! Thai · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Monument Square Onsite services Plaza · ★ 4.5 · 1k
UNION Restaurant New American cuisine in a sleek setting New American · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closes soon · 2 PM
Scarborough Beach Saltwater swimming & sunbathing State park · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Western Promenade Elevated park with trails & scenic views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Quack N' Cruise Portland Maine (Maine Duck Tours) Onsite services·Online appointments Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Mackworth Island State Park Island refuge with trails & seabirds State park · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Willard Beach Dog-friendly beach with island vistas Beach · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Salt Yard Cafe & Bar Airy locale with industrial-chic decor Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Visit Portland, Maine Information Center Onsite services Visitor center · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Ferry Beach, Scarborough, ME Onsite services Park · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open now
Portland Flea-for-All Cool source for vintage goods & clothes Flea market · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Battery Steele World War II fort set in a land preserve Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Westgate Shopping Center Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Bite Into Maine Friendly service and delicious local food. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Ugly duckling Maine The Best Restaurants In Portland, Maine Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open
The Maine Souvenir Shop - Portland In-store shopping Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
REGARDS Dine-in·No delivery Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Lucky Cheetah Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Rigby Yard Casual brewpub with a rustic vibe Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Room for Improvement Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Knotted Apron Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Double Great Coffee Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open
Shaghf cafe Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open
Moonday Coffee Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open
Fort Gorges Boat-accessible former military fort Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine In-store pickup Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Hugo's Elevated local cuisine in a posh space Event venue · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Umbrella Cover Museum Whimsical locale with a big collection Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 2 PM
The End of Portland Maine Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Flat Iron Coffee Bar Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open
Southworth Planetarium Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Earthbound Trading Co. Onsite services Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Marquis Lounge Dine-in·No delivery Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Little Beach Beach · ★ 4.8 · 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.