Belfast Forum: Maine Windjammer Cruises

I know it's too late because Christmas has come and gone but I can't help but responding to let you know that you can't go wrong with a Maine windjammer cruise. There are over a dozen in the Rockland/Camden area and which one is best for you depends on what you are looking for.

If you are looking for speed....the Mary Day and the Heritage are good choices.

If you are looking for history...the four oldest (and all National Historic Landmarks!) are Stephen Taber, Lewis R. French, Grace Bailey, and Isaac H. Evans

If you are looking for a family oriented trip...the Nathaniel Bowditch and the Isaac H. Evans

If you are looking for great food...all of them fit the bill with award winning chefs preparing meals on wood stoves! Also an island lobster bake is included in the fare.

If you are looking for creature comforts...the American Eagle, Heritage, and Isaac H. Evans all have hot and cold running water in the cabins. Some boats even have private heads in select cabins (try the Heritage, Victory Chimes, and Mistress).

I could go on but it really just depends on what you have in mind. I don't think there are any ships to avoid but I would suggest that you make sure you book one that is owner/operated. Having the owner on board is always better than sailing with a hired captain that maybe doesn't have the same interest in whether you return for another trip someday or not.

I suspect you've found them already but http://www.sailmainecoast.com lists all the ships in the Maine Windjammer Association and there's even a link to order the brochures from each vessel.

Which one did you choose?