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ISLAND WINDJAMMERS

Mar 8, 2021 | 0

Island Windjammers

Remember Windjammer Barefoot Cruises? Enormously popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s for its ultra-casual, rum-fueled Caribbean sailing adventures, the line folded in 2008, leaving thousands of loyal passengers sad and landlocked. Enter Island Windjammers.

Launched in 2009 by and for Windjammer Barefoot regulars when they got together to buy the 101-foot brigantine schooner Diamant , the line is a more mature version of its barefoot predecessor, operating truly intimate sailing adventures that tootle around the quieter corners of the Caribbean, far from the megaship mega-crowds.

Sure, there’s still plenty of rum punch and Red Stripes consumed, but the volume of the party has been turned way down to just the perfect level. (Island Windjammers is not to be confused with Sail Windjammer, a now defunct one-ship line that used to operate the 72-pax Mandalay , formerly of the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises fleet.)

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Diamant in all her glory. * Photo: Island Windjammers

Diamant (built 1978 & 10 passengers) – Windward Islands, Caribbean

Vela (b. 1988 & 26 p) – British Virgin Islands, French West Indies & Leeward Islands, Caribbean

Note: the 24-passenger 1960-built Sagitta is no longer a part of the Island Windjammers fleet.

Island Windjammers has started offering yacht charters in Europe; they did Croatia in 2023 and in 2024, it’s the Greek Isles aboard the 8-pax Lyra doing 10-night itineraries. More info HERE.

Island Windjammers Passenger Profile

Young-at-heart mostly American couples, singles and groups of friends 45+ who crave a carefree Caribbean getaway with zero pretension.

Summers and holiday weeks see occasional families with children; though the minimum age is 8 and it’s probably better for kids to be at least 10 or 12+.

Note : Island Windjammer’s ships are not accessible for people with restricted mobility, as staircases are steep, doorways narrow and door sills high.

RELATED: Island Windjammers Reviews from Passengers.

Included Features

• All on-board meals
• Locally brewed beer, wine & rum punch*
• Soft drinks & juice
• Use of ship’s snorkel gear
• Port taxes & government fees

*You’re also invited to bring along your own booze and the ships provide the mixers (there is no cash bar on board). Internet is not available, and some island locations will have to make do.

The fleet calls on great little places like Tobago Cays. * Photo: Island Windjammers

Island Windjammers Itineraries – Cruises Year-Round

• 6- and 12-night Leeward Island cruises round-trip from St Martin or St. Lucia, calling on some combination of Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica (Portsmouth & Roseau), Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, Martinique, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Barths, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and Tintamarre
• 6-, 9- and 12-night Windward Island cruises round-trip from Grenada or St. Lucia, calling on some combination of Bequia, Canouan, Carriacou (Tyrell Bay & Hillsborough), Grenada, Mayreau, Mustique, Petit St. Vincent, Sandy Island, St. Lucia, St Vincent, Tobago Cays, Union Island and Young Island
• 6- and 12-night British Virgin Islands (BVIs) & Leeward Island cruises round-trip from St. Martin or Tortola, visiting some combination of Anguilla, Jost Van Dyke, Nevis, Norman Island, Salt Island, St. Barths, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Tortola or Virgin Gorda
• 6- and 12-night French West Indies cruises round-trip out of St. Lucia, visiting some combo of Dominica (Portsmouth & Roseau), Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, Martinique and St. Lucia

Sample Itinerary

In the British Virgin Islands, most 6-night cruises embark at Road Town on Tortola.

A typical round-trip itinerary will include calls at Cooper Island, Jost Van Dyke, Norman Islands and Virgin Gorda.

RELATED: A First Timer Falls in Love with Island Windjammers

Each day is more gorgeous than the last. * Photo: Island Windjammers

To let your hair down, work on your tan and hang out with like-minded others who operate on island time.

When to Go?

All year around, though remember hurricane season in the Caribbean is officially June through November.

Activities & Entertainment

The day starts with the captain’s story time when he explains what’s happening for the day; the ships spend part of every day in port somewhere. The pace is easy going and free — while away the day swimming off the side of the ship (when conditions permit), take the ships’ kayaks for a spin nearby, try paddle boarding, or sip rum punch with new friends in an inflatable “floating island.”

There are a handful of shore excursions offered on most itineraries, but many passengers are content to find a good beach or wander around on their own. Sometimes lunch is served on a quiet beach somewhere, otherwise meals on are on board.

Occasionally passengers will arrange their own diving trips, and spend part of a day deep down under looking at the colorful fishies.

RELATED: Combining an Island Windjammers Cruise with Some Scuba Diving. by Elysa Leonard

Happy hour is a big thing and drinks on deck are a favored pastime for many; you’re free to bring aboard your favorite spirits or mixers, though why bother when beer, wine, rum punch and soft drinks are on the house.

Evenings, the crew may start a bonfire on a nearby beach or organize a pub-crawl.

Theme cruises from time to time focus on rum (with a rum expert on board to educate and do tastings), solo cruisers (no kids or couples allowed!), pirates (with costume contests, pirate trivia and visits to spots where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed), local food tasting, and yoga. Om shanti! 🙏🏼

Swing from the rigging, yipeee! * Photo: Island Windjammers

Meals are served at one very social open seating at a few tables, with local dishes to the tune of chicken roti, conch soup, pumpkin soup, callaloo and fresh fish as well as continental standards the likes of cheeseburgers and salads.

Fresh island fruits are part of the picture, from passion fruit to guava, star fruit, sour oranges and bananas.

Vegetarian and Gluten Free diets are catered for but not Kosher nor Vegan.

The whole point of an Island Windjammer cruise is to be outside on deck soaking up the sun and fresh Caribbean air, and enjoying the sailing ship experience and the quirkiness of the vessels — each has a very interesting background. — Heidi Sarna

The 10-passenger Diamant was built in 1978 in Taiwan and then later spent two decades sailing in the Galapagos Islands before Island Windjammers purchased her in 2009. She’s been the fleet favorite ever since.

She got a facelift in fall 2016 that reduced her capacity to 10 passengers in five cabins and created an overall spiffier look (“sophisticated not stuffy” the line’s website points out).

Of the two passenger decks, the top deck has both covered and open-air dining tables, plus a bar and deck chairs. The cabins are on the lower deck; there’s no elevator

Diamant sports four cabins with double beds below and single bunk above, and with full bathrooms with separate showers; and a fifth cabin is a suite with a queen bed, sitting area and a full bathroom.

Small as you’d expect on sailing ships, but charming, wood-paneled and the perfect cozy nests to catch up your beauty rest; otherwise, life is lived up on deck or on shore.

All cabins have 110v outlets, blow dryers, shampoo/soap, portholes and private bathrooms with separate shower stall.

A cozy and very nautical Diamant cabin. * Photo: Island Windjammers

The 26-passenger Vela was built in 1988 in Puget Sound, Washington, and deployed in the Marshall Islands as a floating medical clinic called Tole Mour , or “Gift of Life and Health.” Later she was used as an education vessel for students studying sailing, oceanography and marine biology.

In late 2014, Island Windjammers purchased the ship and rechristened her Vela , and a year later did major renovations, replacing the dormitory-style cabins with en suite single and double cabins; there’s also a new pilot house, large enclosed bar and dining saloon on the top deck.

Vela ’ s cabins include two tiny Cadet Cabins with raised small double beds (for one or two people) each with a private all-in-one bathroom (no separate shower stall).

There are a pair of Solo Cabins, one with a porthole and one without, that share one bathroom with a separate shower stall (each cabin can accommodate one or two people).

The two Standard Cabins are a bit larger with a double lower bed and a single bunk above, while six Deluxe Cabins have a larger double bed with single bunk above.

A pair of Compass Cabins at the aft of the ship has a queen size bed (and no upper bunk) and the one and only Topsail Cabin has a queen bed and larger bathroom.

Finally, the relatively spacious Owner’s Suite has a king size bed, mini-fridges, and a large bathroom — both cabin and bathroom have portholes.

All cabins have 110v outlets, blow dryers, shampoo/soap, portholes, and all but two solo rooms, cabins have private bathrooms with showers.

Vela’s Owner’s Suite, not too shabby! * Photo: Island Windjammers

Along the Same Lines

Star Clippers is in the ballpark, though its passengers are more international and its ships are much larger, and the overall experience is more high-end. The Maine Windjammers — one of which is reviewed on QuirkyCruise.com, the J&E Riggin — have a similar vibe, though the Island Windjammers’ ships offer more of a “cruise” experience with more amenities.

Island Windjammers Contact

Georgia-based Island Windjammers ; 1-877-772-4549,

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

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The Experience

Experience the most authentic windjammer cruise available today.

Maine Windjammer Cruises offers a glimpse into a bygone era when life and recreation were more leisurely.  Our schooner sails the Maine coast as the traditional ships did over 100 years ago. Passengers are welcome to take the wheel or help with other deck duties.

Led by the winds and tides, you are propelled through our island chain on the sailing vacation of a lifetime.

A World Class Sailing Vacation in Mid-Coast Maine

Have you ever heard the sea rush past a real sailing ship – felt the salt breeze in your  hair –  watched the moon rise over an island anchorage?   

You will, when you set sail on Swift this summer!

What's It Like?

Life aboard our  schooner swift.

A Maine Windjammer Cruise is a refreshing escape from the pressures of our modern world. Nature’s winds and tides determine your day’s events. Enjoy the serenity and camaraderie of a simpler time. We sail with no inboard power, as they did a hundred years ago, with wind and canvas still providing this unique way to travel.

Sail with us to experience the magic!

The Music of the Wind

The cold mist of salt blowing in your face, the beautiful

ocean, the waves dancing in the wind. the great ships

of wood that sail these oceans. The beautiful

architecture of the great ships.  They seem to have their

own personality, an attitude, a look to them that

hypnotizes anybody that sets their eyes upon it.  The

large, flapping sails,  the song of water parting a the

bow, the whistle of the wind.  The sounds create

music.  The music, the art, of sailing. 

The music of the wind. 

A Day Aboard

Here at Maine Windjammer Cruises, shipboard routines quickly become a comfortable pattern.

Rise early, perhaps in time for an exhilarating sunrise. Relax on deck with a hot cup of coffee and baked goods still warm from the galley, as you take in the splendor of a new day and the fresh sea air. Slowly, the schooner comes to life as passengers are tempted from their cabins by the aroma of a hearty Maine breakfast wafting from the galley.

Soon, the clanking of the anchor chain signals that it’s time to leave your serene anchorage and set out on the bay. Guests who wish can lend a hand, and in no time the anchor breaks free, the sails are set and you are underway.

Experience the wonders of the Maine Coast, get to know your fellow passengers or simply sit back and relax as the wind propels you through one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. Don’t forget your binoculars- Nature is all around you on the bay. Curious harbor seals watch as they sun themselves on rocky island points and graceful porpoises arch through the water. Gulls, ospreys and eagles soar above the evergreens.

Late afternoon brings you to your evening’s destination. Where appropriate, island shore excursions are available. Go for a row in the Whitehall or Peapod or take a refreshing swim. Gather with your shipmates in the galley for an amazing home-cooked meal prepared on our wood fired stove.

Enjoy an evening of music, laughter, camaraderie and star gazing before turning in for the night.

Depending on the length of your cruise, one night will include a Lobster Bake on an island, or a Lobster Feast aboard your schooner.

HOME-STYLE COOKING FRESH FROM THE GALLEY & LOBSTER BAKES

MEALS ON OUR WINDJAMMER ARE COOKED TO PERFECTION DAILY BY YOUR GALLEY CREW!

Ann’s cookbook filled with recipes created over her 28 years of windjammer cooking is your cook’s guide in preparing delicious meals and unsurpassed baked goods from scratch.

Menus reflect our Maine heritage. Heirloom recipes are tweaked to make them especially healthy and are accompanied by an array of fresh fruits, salads and vegetables. Tempting breads and desserts are baked fresh daily.

NO MAINE WINDJAMMER VACATION IS COMPLETE WITHOUT OUR FAMOUS MAINE LOBSTER!           

Depending on the length of your cruise, you will enjoy a traditional Maine Lobster Bake cooked over a driftwood fire on a deserted island, or you’ll be treated to a Lobster Feast with all the trimmings on board the schooner.

We are committed to using fresh locally-sourced ingredients and enjoy introducing you to local Maine products from nearby food artisans.

Lobster Bake

Our traditional New England Lobster Bake, cooked over a driftwood fire on a deserted island, is a highlight on our longer cruises – Steamed Lobsters, Corn, Hot Dogs, Cheeses, Salads and Vegetable buffet…all topped off with roasted marshmallows and S’mores!

The Captain’s BBQ

This festive meal is usually on the last night of our longer cruises. The grill is hot and there is a feast of steak, chicken, ribs and an assortment of vegetarian dishes.  Of course there is always a mouthwatering desert fresh from the galley stove.

Surf & Turf BBQ

Plenty of steamed lobster and steak cooked just the way you like them! Weekend & three-day cruises enjoy our Surf & Turf Bar-B-Q onboard your schooner.

Accommodations

Windjammer accommodations are rustic by cruise ship standards. The warm glow of varnished wood and unique features of each cabin offer an atmosphere of comfort far different from a luxury liner.

Swift’s three cabins are double-occupancy, with one that can accommodate 3 twin beds.  Singles wishing to sail on the Swift would need to pay the full cabin price unless another single is available to share the cabin.  We do have a wait list for persons wishing to travel alone.

The galley is a large room with heavy wooden tables sculpted to fit the space and surrounding comfortable settees that invite you to linger. It is your dining room, living room, and family room – a welcoming place to eat, read, play cards, or just relax.

Each cabin has a private enclosed head; hot-water shower is below decks.

What To Bring

As you plan for your cruise, consider the possible weather for your time aboard.  Remember sensible shoes, sunblock, hat and something to block the wind or rain.  You will be comfortable no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

Suggested Items to Bring

• Soft canvas or nylon bags to slide under your bunk
• Informal clothes that can be layered
• Jeans & shorts
• T-shirts (both long and short sleeves)
• Sweatshirt or sweater, and windbreaker
• Bathing suit, beach towel
• Rubber soled shoes or sneakers
• Sun glasses
• Rain gear (jacket or poncho)
• Coat, hat, gloves for early and late season trips
• Sleeping bag for sleeping on deck
• Prescription medications & Inverter for your CPAP
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, etc.)
• Sun tan lotion
• Disposable wipes
• Camera, film, extra batteries
• Small flashlight
• Clip-on book light for avid readers
• Musical instrument
• Book, journal, sketchpad
• Favorite board game
• Ear plugs for light sleepers
• Folding soft canoe seat (esp. if you have back problems)
• Carbonated beverages, alcohol in moderation, juice.
• Carefree hairdo, sense of humor, & singing voice.
• Insect repellant (for walks ashore)
• Ginger candy, sea bracelets, Dramamine only if you are prone to motion sickness.
• Inverter for a 12 v battery if you use a CPAP machine.  (We provide the battery).
• Battery for your cell phone.  We have limited charging on deck.

Things to forget

• Hair dryers and electric razors
• Hard or bulky suitcases
• Radios (except with headphones)
• Fancy clothing & makeup
• Cell phones & laptops (If you must bring them, please use discreetly)

Known as “where the mountains meet the sea,” Camden is a charming village and safe harbor with easy access to an archipelago of over a thousand islands.  It has been a long-time destination of vacationers and yachtsmen.

Sailing from this magical home port is an important part of what we have to offer. We hope you spend some extra time before or after your cruise to enjoy the area’s many scenic, cultural and culinary offerings.

Camden Maine, located in the heart of Mid-Coast Maine

Our storybook village has much to offer residents and visitors alike. Downtown is a charming blend of commercial, historic and green spaces. The harbor is the heart of the community. Standing at the Public Landing, you can watch the comings and goings of 100-year-old vessels and watch the Megunticook River cascade from beneath the stores into the harbor.

Its historic landscapes, Harbor Park and the Amphitheater offer visitors serene surroundings to picnic or just lie on the grass and watch the fishing boats, windjammers, small craft and large yachts going in and out of the harbor.  Designed by Fletcher Steele and the Olmstead Brothers, they were designated National Historic Landmarks  in 2013.

Drive or walk less than a mile to Camden Hills State Park with over 5,000 acres of hiking trails and a road to the summit of Mt. Battie, where you can have a panoramic view of Penobscot Bay with its many evergreen islands. Or go down by the rocky seashore and soak in the sunshine and smell of the fresh salt-water ocean air.

Our charming downtown offers many unique and locally owned establishments. With its many shops, fine restaurants and charming accommodations, there is sure to be something for everyone’s tastes.

Sailing from this magical home port is an important part of what we have to offer. We hope you spend some extra time before or after your cruise to enjoy the area.

Camden is on Route 1, about four hours by car from Boston, less than two hours from Portland or Bangor, a half-hour north of Rockland Airport, and a half hour south of Belfast. Additional information is available in our FAQs, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions mwc @mainewindjammercruises.com  (800) 736-7981 or (207) 236-2938

AIR – PORTLAND

The majority of our passengers find it convenient to fly to  Portland International Jetport , which is a 1½ -2 hour drive from Camden. You can arrange for a rental car or ride with Concord Bus Lines or a hired limo.

  AIR – BOSTON

From  Logan International Airport , it’s a 4-hour drive north to Camden. It can take a bit longer if traffic is heavy.

AIR – BANGOR

You can fly into  Bangor International Airport , which is about 1½ hours north of Camden. Bangor is a less active airport than Portland, and limo, van and bus service to Camden is limited. You can arrange for a rental car.

AIR – ROCKLAND

Connections with Boston are available through  Knox County Regional Airport via Cape Air.  You should arrange for a rental car in advance. Taxis are usually available with a phone call.

BUS – BOSTON TO CAMDEN

Concord Coach (800) 639-3317  operates scheduled service between Boston and Camden. They pick up passengers at South Station and the terminals at Logan Airport. The bus is express to Portland, but between Portland and Camden, it follows their “Maine Coastal Route” and makes frequent stops. From Logan the ride is approximately 5 ¼ hours, and from South Station, it is approximately 4 ½ hrs. They do not take reservations, so you are asked to be at the station 15-30 minutes before travel time. The Camden terminal is just over a mile from the public landing. Taxis are usually available.

BUS – BANGOR TO CAMDEN

Concord Coach (800) 639-3317 operates scheduled service between Bangor and Camden. It follows their “Maine Coastal Route” and makes stops in Searsport, Belfast, and Lincolnville before arriving in Camden. The trip from Bangor to Camden is approximately 1 ½ hours. They do not take reservations, so you are asked to be at the station 15-30 minutes before travel time. The Camden terminal is just over a mile from the public landing. Taxis are usually available.

BUS – PORTLAND TO CAMDEN

Concord Coach  (800) 639-3317 operates scheduled service between Portland and Camden. The bus leaves from the Portland Transportation Center, so if you arrived in the city by air, you’ll need to take a short taxi ride to the transportation center.  This bus follows their “Maine Coastal Route” and makes frequent stops. The trip from Portland to Camden is approximately 2 ½ hours with stops. They do not take reservations, so you are asked to be at the station 15-30 minutes before travel time. The Camden terminal is just over a mile from the public landing. Taxis are usually available but call ahead for pick-up.

CAR – DIRECTIONS The entire length of the Maine Turnpike from Kittery to Augusta via Lewiston (an inland route) is now designated I-95. Also, the entire section of interstate roadway from Scarborough to Gardiner via Brunswick (a coastal route) is now designated I-295.

Exits and interchanges on both routes have been renumbered to reflect distances from Kittery at the New Hampshire border.

NORTHBOUND (FROM KITTERY, MAINE)

• Follow Route I-95 North (Maine Turnpike) to Exit 44
• Take Route I-295 Northeast toward Portland, Freeport, Brunswick
• Take Exit 28 and follow coastal Route 1 northbound.
• To save about half an hour, take Maine Route 90 at the flashing yellow traffic signal in Warren. Route 90 meets Route 1 again in Camden. Take a left at the traffic light there, and you’ve only got a about 2 miles to your destination. (Note that if you miss the turn in Warren and stay on Route 1, you’ll go through downtown Thomaston and Rockland, but you’ll get here nevertheless.)
• As you enter Camden from the south, note that Stop sign! Then watch for Camden National Bank. Turn right onto Bay View Street with the brick bank to your right and Sea Dog restaurant to your left. Immediately head straight down the ramp to the public landing. Many pedestrians walk on this short, paved roadway, so extra caution is needed. Our loading area is straight in front of you, to the left of the harbormaster’s office.
• Please note: Maine law requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians within any part of a marked crosswalk that is not regulated by a traffic control device. When you’re walking in Camden, we suggest that you stop at the curb, wait until traffic stops for you and then follow the local tradition of a quick and friendly wave for the driver.

SOUTHBOUND (FROM BELFAST, MAINE)

• Take Route 1 south from Belfast. A blinking yellow traffic signal at the north end of Camden indicates that you are almost here. Don’t miss the view of the harbor on your left as you pass the library. Continue past one long block of village stores to the first intersection.
• Take a left onto Bay View Street with Sea Dog restaurant to your left and the brick Camden National Bank on your right. The ramp to the public landing will be immediately on your left. Many pedestrians walk on this short, paved roadway, so extra caution is needed.

EASTBOUND (FROM AUGUSTA, MAINE)

• Take Maine Route 17 to the traffic signal at Maine Route 90 in Rockport, where you should take a left. Continue to Route 1 in Camden. Follow directions above for entering Camden northbound.

CAR RENTALS Budget  (888) 594-0842 or 207-594-0822  and  Avis Car Rental  207-594-2691 ares available by reservation from nearby Knox County Regional Airport.  Enterprise Car Rental  (207) 594-9093  is available from Rockland. Please note: Maine law requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians within any part of a marked crosswalk that is not regulated by a traffic control device.

TRAIN – AMTRAK TO PORTLAND Amtrak runs the “ Downeaster ” (800) 872-7245 or (207) 780-1000 between Boston and Brunswick. You can then rent a car , take the  Concord  Coach  bus via the “Maine Coastal Route” or reserve a ride from Camden’s  Mid-Coast Limo . LIMO-VAN – PORTLAND TO CAMDEN Camden’s  Mid-Coast Limo (800) 937-2424 or (207) 236-2424 recommends that you make reservations as soon as you know your travel itinerary.

Vacation Info

Including suggestions for places to stay, restaurants, transportation, specialty shops, and worthwhile activities our passengers have enjoyed in the past. Each of these businesses has the personal recommendatoin of Capt. Ray & Ann Williamson.

• Accomodations
• Gift & Specialty Shops
• On-Line Services
• Transportation
• Traveling Links of Interest
• Various other links that link to us
• Windjammer, All things

ACCOMODATIONS

• Camden Maine Stay Inn 22 High St., Bob & Juanita Tupper welcome you with a cozy fire-lit parlor and a glassed-in porch overlooking the garden and woods, where you can walk the woodland path or find a peaceful bench by the brook. Phone 207-236-9636.
• Hawthorn Inn 9 High St., offers Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, private decks and more with your host Maryanne Shanahan. Phone 207-236-8842.
• Towne Motel 68 Elm St., Neil & Patty Courtney will offer you a clean, comfortable stay with telephone and color cable TV and a complimentary continental breakfast. Phone 207-236-3377 or for reservations 1-800-656-4999.
• Lord Camden Inn 24 Main St., built by Stuart & Marianne Smith within the business buildings in town and from the top floor harbor side, you have a view of the activities in the harbor. Phone 207-236-4325 or 1-800-755-7483
• High Tide Inn on THE OCEAN 7 acres with an Inn, Motel, & Cottages. You will be offered homemade pop-overs by Jo Freilich, served on the glassed-in porch overlooking the Penobscot Bay. You can gaze at the islands, listen to the waves or walk on the private beach. (800) 778-7068
• The Country Inn Only minutes away from downtown Camden, each suite is furnished in an elegant country theme. Air conditioing, iron, refrig and private deck or patio area, library, pool, fitness room, and guest laundry. High-speed wireless internet access. 888-707-3945
• Cedar Crest A plesant walk to downtown Camden. Air-conditioning, irons, coffee maker and cable TV. Adjoining Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Heated outdoor pool, internet access, wake-up calls available. Motels rooms, suites or a cabin. 800-422-4964
• Camden Windward House 6 High St., Kristen Bifulco, Innkeeper, welcomes you to this Historic District 1854 Greek Revival style home. Steps from the harbor and downtown shops and restaurants. 207-236-9656 or for reservations 877-492-9656
• Birchwood Motel Camden’s Best Value ~ Ocean View. Family owned and operated, 2.5 miles north of downtown Camden. Motel rooms, cottage, efficiencies and vacation rentals. Discount packages and internet access available. 207-236-4204
• Cappy’s Chowder House 1 Main St., whether it’s breakfast at their famous bakery, a bowl of chowder, salad for lunch or a full dinner, Cappy’s is convenient with great food. 236-2254

GIFT & SPECIALTY SHOPS

• Camden Custom Embroidery 2 Main St., this store has a full service computerized embroidery shop. Over 20,000 in-stock designs. Customized logos. A great place for that Camden souvenir or gift.
• French & Brawn Marketplace Main St., a deli counter with soups, sandwiches, salads and baked goods. Pack a picnic lunch and go across the street to the park. Also meats, live and cooked lobsters and full grocery line with beer and wine. 207-236-3361
• Russels of Camden A variety of custom-made and stock jewelry in 14k, 18k and sterling silver; repair and restoration services, stone cutting. Homeport for designer nautical jewelry. 207-236-4367 Russell’s of Camden, PO Box 598, Camden, ME 04843.
• State of Maine Cheese Company Route 1 south of Camden, a delicious variety of made in Maine cheese and dairy products and speciality gift items. 207-236-8895
• Sleepy Hollow Rag Rugs Located on Route 173, 1 1/4 mile off Lincolnville Beach. Visit O’Brien’s shop where you can watch rugs of all sizes being weaved on their specialty looms good for small homes and mansions alike. 207-789-5987
• All About Games Located in Belfast, owner’s Ray & Pat Estabrook believe in the interactive, social enhancement provided by non-electronic games in general. During the summer they run “Learn to play” nights. Visit anytime. 207-338-9984 or 1-877-604-2182
• Dolphin Designs Enrich your life with a piece of lovingly created jewelry. A selection including earrings, necklaces & bracelets inc. dolphins, lobsters, starfish, sand dollars, seahorses, crabs, octopus; Boats, anchors, propellors, sextant, lighthouses & more.
• Lincolnville Historical Society Photographs, early settlers tools, everchanging displays, archeology and Native American artifacts. Historians and genealogist, check out their online publications and cemetary listings. 207-789-5445 1/4 mile on Rt. 173 from Lincolnville Beach.
• Penobscot Marine Museum Twenty miles north in the seaport village of Searsport is an extensive maritime museum and genealogy library; 18th, 19th & 20th century merchant sailing craft. Visit many of their buildings including a sea Captain’s home and boat barns. 207-548-2529.
• Farnsworth Art Museum Just a few miles south of Camden is one of the finest art museums in the country with a specialized collection focusing on Maine’s roll in American art including the Wyeth Center. 207-548-2529.
• Owls Head Transportation Museum One of the finest collections of pioneer-era aircraft and automobiles in the world. More than 100 historic aircraft, automobiles, carriages and engines are on permanent diplay. Weekly special events. 207-594-4418.
• Maine Maritime Museum Either on your trip from the south or upon your return stop in Bath, Maine. Founded in 1962, Maine’s maritime heritage is told through gallery exhibits, an historic shipyard site and narrated excursions along the Kennebec River. 207-443-1316.

TRANSPORTATION

• Midcoast Limo If you need a ride they offer reliable and economical transportation from the Portland Jetport and bus stations. 207-236-2424 or 1-800-937-2424
• Schooner Bay Taxi Taxi & Van Service Local Transportation – Also providing service to an from Rockland Regional Airport and Portland JetPort  207-594-5000

TRAVELING LINKS OF INTEREST

• Windjammer Festival, Camden Harbor Celebration of our windjammer heritage. Windjammer Parade, boat tours, concerts, fireworks, nautical events and more! Join the fun book a Labor Day Weekend Cruise!  http://www.mainewindjammercruises.com/schedule
• Bay Chamber Concerts Bay Chamber Concerts brings to the midcoast some of the most respected names in classical, jazz, world music and dance. For newcomers to a live performance, we invite you to explore this year’s highly diverse offerings.
• Camden Rotary Club Sometimes we need to step back and get a broader view of who we are and what we are doing. We need to let our awareness of what’s important seep in. — Anna Louise Strong AND what is better than a windjammer cruise to do this!
• Maine Lobster Festival Enjoy this special event before or after your special windjammer cruises: 58th Annual Maine Lobster Festival – August 3-7, 2005
• Camden Opera House Schedule This grand building surprises many that walk off the streets of bustling downtown Camden and find themselves in the halls of a Victorian opera house. Check out our schedule to enjoy before or after your windjammer cruise.
• Fishing in Maine In a world beset by countless trying problems Maine stands out among other areas as a sanctuary for fishing lovers, still rugged, beautiful and unspoiled. Nearly 6000 lakes and ponds and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams along with some of the nicest peo
• Maine Genealogy Info The Maine State Archives maintains approximately 95 million pages of official State records considered to be permanently valuable. The earliest dates from 1639.
• Golf An 18-hole oceanside golf course (6,600 yds., Par 70) is one of the most beautiful in New England, boasting seven holes bordering the ocean and ocean vistas from fourteen of the eighteen holes.
• Maine Lighthouses Every windjammer cruise gives you the opportunity to take pictures of Maine’s beautiful lighthouses, the longer the cruise the more you see. Many you can tour by land or by sea.
• Maine Lobster Info There’s a reason that wherever you go, or however you cook it, America’s favorite crustacean is called “Maine” Lobster.
• Maine State Parks & Lands Designed to harmonize with mountain, lake, and seashore, Maine’s state park system is as varied as the state’s landscape.
• Marriage License Maine laws have now made it easier for out-of-state residents to marry here.
• Whale Watching Going on a windjammer you have a “chance” of seeing a whale. But, if you’d like a better opportunity spend some time before or after your trip and take a power boat for your whale watch.
• Ocean Wildlife In Maine A summer program in Marine Studies for students age 12 to 18.
• Salmon Commission, Maine Atlantic The purpose of the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission is to protect, conserve, restore, manage and enhance Atlantic salmon habitat, populations and sport fisheries within historical habitat in all (inland and tidal) waters of the State of Maine.
• Bark Europa Ask Captain Ray Williamson about his trip!
• Puffins in Maine Atlantic Puffins, seabirds of the Auk family, are well-known for their clown-like features and throaty calls. Icons of coastal Maine, they are frequently captured in post cards, calendars and picture books.
• Acadia National Park Celebrating 100 Years! Only 1 1/2 hours north of Camden. The second most visited National park in the United States of America. Well worth the visit either before of after your windjammer cruise.

VARIOUS OTHER LINKS THAT LINK TO US

• Great American Inns

WINDJAMMER, ALL THINGS

• All Things Windjammer We will be listing here (until we get enough for a new page) all things that have the name “Windjammer” in it. With approval from Capt. Ray, link to our company and we will link to you in return. Companies helping companies in this ocean of cyberspace….

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7 Things To Know Before Taking A Windjammer Cruise

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• United States

A windjammer cruise around the coast of Maine is the relaxing vacation of your dreams. Sailing past rocky islands, the azure sky above, the sails billowing in the wind, and lobsters with melted butter: you couldn’t ask for more. Even if you’ve never been to Maine, you might know the state is famous for lobster. 90 percent of the United States lobster supply comes from Maine. Still, you’d be surprised to learn that before the crustacean became an iconic delicacy, lobsters were fed to prison inmates or ground up and used as fertilizer. 

I’ve traveled to the Pine Tree State before but never spent time on the water. When offered the opportunity to sail around the tiny coves and into Penobscot Bay for four idyllic days, I jumped at the chance. After all, it’s a place with a long maritime history . Schooners from Maine carried cargo along the Eastern seaboard and as far away as Asia in the 1800s. The Lobster and Lighthouses sail on the J. & E. Riggin , a historic schooner departing from Rockport, Maine, was an experience I couldn’t pass up. If you love historic ships and want to experience the romance of sailing along coastal Maine, here are some things to know before embarking on a Maine Windjammer Cruise .

Note: I was a guest on the J. & E. Riggin for the four-day Lobster and Lighthouse Cruise. All opinions are my own.

1. Windjammers Are Powered By Sails

Also referred to as tall ships, windjammers are commercial sailing ships with multiple masts. They have no engines and are powered by the wind and tides. Today, this provides a relaxing sailing experience with no real destination. When you sail, you go where the wind takes you around Maine’s rocky coast. If there’s no wind (the doldrums ) there’s a yawl boat, a small gas-powered boat rigged or tugged behind the sailboat for assistance. The yawl boat is used for runs to shore and when there’s no wind. When we hit the doldrums, the Riggin used its 16-foot diesel yawl boat to push the schooner along. When there was a strong wind, we sailed around 9 miles per hour, or 8 knots, which was a thrill.

2. Many Windjammers Are National Historic Landmarks

The Riggin was built in 1927 as an oyster dredger in the Delaware Bay. She was built by Charles Riggin in Dorchester, New Jersey and named for his sons Jacob and Edward. The Riggin finished first ahead of all the other oyster-schooners in the only formal race ever held in 1929. She was registered as a National Historic Landmark Vessel in 1991. There’s a plaque on the deck commemorating her status. Most of the windjammers in the Maine Windjammer Association are National Historic Landmarks . With the wind in her sails, the Riggin is as graceful as ever.

3. Windjammers Are Eco-Conscious

Sailing is a sustainable way to travel. The Riggin was given the Environmental Leadership in Hospitality award by the State of Maine —the first and only windjammer to be given the honor. Many sustainable practices are in place for sailing. We were welcomed to select a mug for the trip, ours to wash and use for the journey. We scraped our leftovers for composting after meals. Each passenger washed plates and utensils in dedicated buckets on deck. Paper plates were used during our beach lobster bake, but composting was implemented, stainless utensils were washed, and paper products recycled.

4. Guests Help Sail The Schooners

I read that hoisting the sails and sailing the historic schooner is part of the experience on Maine windjammer cruises. Our initiation began on the first day. The first mate gave us a lesson on how to help raise the sails and split guests into two groups. One group helped raise the throat on one side, and one group helped raise the peak on the other. Our crew yelled out, “Heave,” and we called back, “Ho,” and as the sails were raised, the Riggin was underway. Other passengers volunteered to hoist the anchor (a demanding job). Some of the youngest passengers watered the anchor chain or raised the American flag. If you don’t want to assist, that’s up to you, but on a smaller boat, it’s all-hands-on-deck. The Riggin ‘s crew needed help, and guests jumped in to support. Every passenger agreed they enjoyed this aspect of windjamming. I asked Captain Justin if I could take a turn at the wheel and was surprised by the power of the schooner. I enjoyed it, and soon many of the guests steered the Riggin . 

5. Windjamming Is Elegant Camping

If you like camping, you’ll love windjamming. I liked the prospect of sleeping on a boat, especially under the stars, and brought a sleeping bag to try it. The Riggin is 90 feet long on deck, 120 feet overall, and 23 feet wide with a large galley. There are two bathrooms on deck, and one has a shower. It’s a smaller vessel and usually accommodates 24 passengers, but for our sail, we had 14. The crew kept it spick-and-span, shining the brass and swabbing the deck. It truly is an elegant form of camping as the ship is an antique. The berths are cozy and include a small sink and window. The room allows for rest and storage, and you are meant to spend your time up top admiring the gorgeous scenery. Relaxing pursuits such as reading, sketching, crafting, using binoculars to scope out ospreys or eagles, or watching the waves for porpoises and seals take up the day. We saw a lot of wildlife on our journey, and the sightings never got old. There’s a canvas tarp that allows for shade on the deck. It was up most of the day but removed other times for maximum sailing pleasure. 

6. The Food Is Ultra-Local 

When I say local, I mean just-plucked lobster from Stonington, Maine. On our second day, we stopped off in the charming coastal town. Passengers got off the boat to explore while the crew purchased our dinner for later that evening. Then we sailed to Hell’s Half Acre Island and anchored. Captain Justin used the yawl boat to transport us to the campground for a generous spread of lobster, corn, potatoes, paella, and a traditional dessert of s’mores roasted over the fire. For the entire voyage, we were treated to family-style, made-from-scratch meals crafted by Chef Mark Godfrey and Sous Chef Kat Highley. Everything is prepared on the Crawford Cottage wood-burning cookstove in a tiny kitchen. Ingredients are farm-to-table, including Captain Jocelyn’s garden. Maine’s blueberries were a highlight on our trip, as well as bespoke oysters from Adam Campbell’s North Haven Oyster Company . Adam came aboard to teach us how to shuck and slurp the fresh, briny oysters he cultivates in the salt ponds in North Haven, Maine. The food was delicious, plentiful, and there were always extra snacks if needed.

7. Windjammers Are Owner Operated And Unique

Even though the boats belong to an association of windjammers, each ship is owner-operated. It’s their independent business, and they take pride in making sure you have the best experience possible. To pick the appropriate boat for your vacation, you should review the description of each windjammer and the layout of the cabins. The overall experience is the same; expect a relaxing cruise in and around the waters of coastal Maine. Each cruise serves a lobster bake either on a beach or in the galley of the boat. Some cruises offer different options for entertainment, crafts, photography, or stargazing. Some are multi-generational or adults only. Read the biography about each captain as well. It’s important to know who you are sailing with and to feel comfortable with their credentials. Captains Justin and Jocelyn of the Riggin are married with many years of experience sailing and crewing on windjammers and private yachts.

Windjammer Pro Tips

Windjammers offer the chance to unplug and leave electronics behind. There’s electricity on the schooners and Wi-Fi in port, but cell service is spotty, especially when sailing. It’s geared for relaxation.

The berths are meant for sleeping. There’s not a lot of space to hang out in your room. So socializing, reading, scoping wildlife, or napping on deck is the daily routine. 

Wine, beer, and liquor are not provided, but storage and ice are. Bring your own. 

Special diets should be discussed before planning a sail. 

People with mobility issues may find it challenging to navigate a sailboat. Steep ladders and tight spaces make it difficult to get up and down to sleeping cabins, or on and off the boat for excursions. Review the specifications for each windjammer.

Windjammers offer a specific type of experience. Check to make sure you have reviewed the activities included. For example, active travelers may want to have options for exercise, while other travelers may want more passive pursuits. 

Many cruises sail with families. You might be interested in a cruise with multi-generational opportunities. Check with the boat of your choice to make sure children are permitted.

Sunny days and smooth sailing call for hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Weather changes require layers that you will peel off and reapply throughout the day. Rainy days and fog are also common.

Jeanine Consoli is a freelance travel writer, photographer, and foodie based in Washington Crossing, PA. A retired elementary school teacher, she used her summers to feed her passion for travel and kept journals of all the destinations she explored. Today, Jeanine is working as a writer full-time. She loves uncovering the history and understanding the culture of each location, including the local flavors of each unique place. She has traveled extensively in the United States and Europe and is excited to keep adding to the list, finding special places that are off the beaten path both at home and abroad. Follow along with her travels on Jeanine Consoli Travels .

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SOLO SAILORS

SAILING SOLO? We welcome solo travelers year-round!

Snug Cadet Solo Cabins aboard VELA feature a twin-sized bed, a private “all-in-one” bathroom, and a porthole.

You may also call to reserve a private Standard Cabin as a solo guest for a single-occupancy rate.

Private Occupancy / Single Supplement All double occupancy cabins are available for private occupancy on any cruise, by reserving both berths at the published double occupancy rates.

ALWAYS ON ISLAND TIME

• United States

Best Caribbean Island Cruise: Sail Windjammer

This is the Mandalay . A 236-foot schooner with a nose for Caribbean islands that few travelers can even identify. Mayreau. Union. Happy. Those islands. But here's the kicker: There's no real itinerary. On this seven-day Sail Windjammer cruise, Islands photographer Jon Whittle and editor Robert Stephens weren't sure where the captain would be going or what they were about to witness.

Best of the Caribbean | Best Cruise Trips | Best Island Cruises Guide

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Maine Unplugged: Our Windjammer Cruise Sailing Experience + Review

Sailing in Maine on a Windjammer Cruise

In early August, we departed muggy New York City for an entirely different type of adventure: sailing!

We’ve always taken predominantly ‘urban’ vacations so when the chance arose to unplug and explore Maine’s beautiful coastline, we jumped at the opportunity.

Neither of us are particularly outdoorsy, but we love trying new things.

The sailing itinerary we picked centered around lobsters and lighthouses, which sounded right up our alley. We rented a roomy SUV, charted a road trip along some of Maine’s most famous towns, and set off.

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Our ultimate destination?

Rockland, Maine.

Rockland is famous for its lobster fishers and up and coming art scene, but it’s also where Maine’s windjammer fleet docks each summer.

We booked 4 days on board the J & E Riggin schooner and set off for a leisurely journey in and around Penobscot Bay, Maine. If you’ve ever been curious about taking an unplugged vacation or wanted to set sail wherever the wind takes you, taking a windjammer cruise might be for you!

Here’s everything to know about sailing aboard a Maine windjammer, covering:

• Maine’s Windjammer Fleet
• The J&E Riggin
• Cabins & Life on Board
• Windjammer Meals & Food

Keep reading or save this article for later:

Maine’s Historic Windjammers

Windjammers were originally large sailing ships built in the 19th and early 20th century to carry bulk cargo.

Today, most windjammers have been converted to small ship passenger cruises, carrying anywhere from 10-30 passengers on intimate sailing journeys either in the Caribbean or around Maine.

The experience is refreshingly intimate compared to huge ocean liners. We spent most of our time aboard getting to know the other passengers, helping with the sails or relaxing on deck.

It’s also quite an unplugged vacation.

We left our phones in our cabins for the entire journey, got up at sunrise to watch the sun come up with a warm mug of coffee, read a book on deck or gazed out on the Maine coastline.

Sailing on a windjammer is perfect for travelers who like to savor a destination leisurely!

Fishing vessels have filled Maine’s harbors since the late 1800s, so sailing aboard a windjammer is a bit like journeying back in time. Many of the schooners in Maine’s windjammer fleet were originally commercial vessels and are considered national historic landmarks.

The Unique Way to See Maine’s Coast

Sailing offers an unforgettable experience to soak in Maine’s rustic, scenic coastline.

With hundreds of miles of rocky shore, tiny inlets and isolated islands, one of the best ways to savor Maine from sunrise to sundown is from the sea.

The J & E Riggin

Our windjammer for the week? We were invited to sail by husband and wife team Jon Finger and Annie Mahle on their beautiful schooner, the J & E Riggin.

The family-run cruise is led by Captain Jon and fed by Chef Annie and their seasoned crew each summer. They offer journeys to suit any interest and varying journey lengths.

We opted for the 4 day Lobsters & Lighthouses traditional journey and arrived to Rockland in the early evening. The first night is docked in the harbor, so you have some time to get acquainted with the other passengers and with the schooner!

Our cabins were below the main deck, near the bow.

Although quarters are tight, we had just enough room to stow our duffel bags, make our bunk beds and wash up at the small sink.

We figured out how to operate the ‘heads’ (the schooner’s bathrooms) and then munched on a fabulous fruit and cheese plate while the crew welcomed us aboard and set out the experience for the week.

Our Windjammer Cruise Itinerary

There’s no set itinerary that the ship follows. Instead, Captain Jon chartered our course each day depending on the direction of the wind and weather. Here’s how our week looked:

Day 1: Warren Island

On our first night, we visited Maine’s most remote state park, Warren Island.

This beautiful, isolated island has a handy access ramp from the sea so we piled into the schooner’s yawl boat and easily walked to shore. The calm, glassy shores, crunchy crustacean shells and towering green spruce trees were everything we had pictured when we envisioned our Maine sailing trip.

We dipped our toes in, took in the views on a short hike, and settled around the campfire while the crew prepared a smokey sausage and pepper paella.

Then we settled in to feast on an epic all-you-can-eat lobster boil, slow cooked with salty seaweed pulled right from the shoreline. Afterwards, just before sunset, we each experimented with making our own smores and chocolate concoctions.

Day 2: Castine

On our second day, we had a pit stop at Castine, one of the oldest towns in New England and home to Maine’s Maritime Academy.

Day 3: At Sea

Our last day was sunny and windy – the perfect atmosphere for a day of full sails. We over-nighted in a calm bay along a couple other schooners and spent the next morning paddle boarding, row boating and swimming.

For longer journeys, the ship has more wiggle room to sail farther along Penobscot Bay.

Life On Board a Windjammer

Life on board gradually fell into a rhythm.

We’d wake up early, grab our mugs of coffee and sleepily greet the sunrise. Breakfast was always a hearty feast, and then we’d all pitch in to assist with setting up the sails.

Overall, sailing on a windjammer felt a bit like camping on a boat. Our cabin quarters were cozy, with a small window and sink, but the twin bunks left no room for lounging about.

Showers were limited as fresh water needs to be carried on board, but one of the bathroom ‘heads’ doubled as a hose shower if we really needed.

Who It’s Best For

There’s also no electricity or outlets, so we took advantage of the harbor electricity on the first night to charge up our camera batteries and left our phones in our rooms for the trip.

In the end, we settled into a comfortable rhythm on deck, watching the waves pass us by and shouting out whenever we caught sight of a porpoise or lighthouse. Some well-planning passengers brought outdoor chairs to relax in while others packed books to pass the time.

Overall, the experience is perfect for avid campers or adventurous spirits, who don’t mind roughing it a bit in exchange for beautiful ocean views, the salty sea breeze and spectacular sunrises.

Sailing with the Crew

The J & E Riggin is a two masted schooner that can hold up to 24 passengers and 6 crew members. Luckily, our voyage is at near capacity, with around 30 people on board, so there’s ample hands to help with sailing!

Each morning, the crew guides us in helping to raise the sails and each evening, the men assist with the weighty task of lowering the anchor chain.

The daily rituals don’t take too long and in the process, we all become well acquainted with just how heavy the ship’s horsepower can weigh.

It’s tough work!

Food on a Maine Windjammer

Luckily, Chef Annie Mahle kept our energy levels high with delicious cuisine.

Each day we were treated to a gloriously decadent 3 meals a day and hot coffee and tea were always at the ready. Not only was the menu varied, with influences from cuisines around the world, it was also healthy – no mean feat!

Here’s a sample of what our menu looked like throughout our journey.

Buttermilk Pancakes / Bagels with Lox / Hearty spiced oatmeal

Mexican-style Tacos / Bibimbop Rice Bowls / Italian-style Stromboli

Wild Scottish Salmon / Sausage Paella / Seaweed Steamed Lobster Boil

Peaches and Cream / Espresso Crème Brûlée / Chocolate Tart

Maine Food & Cookbooks

Chef Annie’s cooking is truly incredible.

We often couldn’t stop ourselves from grabbing seconds and were delighted to find that we could attempt to recreate our favorite dishes with her cookbooks !

She has 3 fantastic cookbooks  filled with her recipes, stories and sailing traditions which you can pick up here .

After 4 nights, we had arrived back to our starting point.

We disembarked in Rockland harbor and continued on with our Maine road trip, but with a newfound appreciation for Maine’s pristine natural beauty and the joys of sailing.

Maine’s windjammer cruises range from 2 to 7 day voyages beginning in late May until the end of the season in early October. You can try the classic itinerary we chose, or opt for a specialty voyage. Themes range from music to photography, cooking to knitting.

Have you ever gone sailing before? 

Visiting Maine – Trip Planning Checklist

Road Trip |  We rented a car for our 10 day road trip. It ended up being a great and cost-effective way to explore Maine, as our hybrid Volvo XC 60 really maximized every mile of the 800 mile route. We only had to fill up on gas twice! Check the latest deals on car rentals here .

Accommodation |  Maine has some beautiful boutique hotels along its popular coastal towns. Summer is peak season in Maine, so book hotels in advance to save, or check here for last-minute deals . Alternatively, get a fun group together and rent a house on  AirBnB  for a slightly more budget friendly option.

Insurance | Lastly, be sure to visit Maine with  travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, or your phone gets stolen, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Maine Vacation Planning Articles

A Classic Maine Road Trip : Lobsters, Lighthouses & Coastal Views

What to Wear in Maine : The Ultimate Packing List

Where to Stay in Portland, ME

Coastal Maine

Our Windjammer Cruise Sailing Experience : J&E Riggin Review

7 Things to Know Before Joining a Windjammer Cruise

Where to Stay in Portland

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What an amazing time this must have been!! I’m from Owls Head which is right next to Rockland. I’ve always wanted to do this. So glad to hear you had such a great time. Midcoast Maine is absolute magic in the summer and early fall!

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Love your work! Super artistic. I think your outfits for the windjammer cruise were perfect! I have always wanted to do one in the Caribbean. My heart is happy that C is travelling the world!

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Dump out your bucket list.

This is the adventure you’ve been looking for..

Windjamming is, quite literally, like nothing else on Earth. By turns exhilarating, relaxing, surprising, and nurturing, it’s like no other vacation you’ve ever experienced.

Wake up to the quiet solitude of Maine’s coast, find renewal in the wind and sun, and surprise yourself as you help steer the ship. Aboard our vessels, with itineraries tossed to the wind, our guests find both a spark of adventure and time to reflect.

Is there a sailor in your soul?

Welcome to the Maine Windjammer Association – the largest fleet of traditional tall ships in the Americas. Our iconic windjammers offer multi-day, all-inclusive, sailing adventure cruises in one of the most acclaimed cruising grounds in the world.

When you sail aboard a Maine Windjammer Association vessel, you can be sure that your hosts hold themselves to the highest standards of safety and quality. As your captain and guide they will treat you to honest, heartfelt Maine hospitality and personalized attention.  Explore our fleet and offerings to find your perfect cruise.

The Windjamming Experience

Simply put, windjamming is about reconnecting with our essential enjoyment of life. It’s about gorgeous scenery, human connection, soul-nourishing meals, and taking time for both adventure and reflection. Our playground is the sparkling sea and the spruce-clad granite islands that rise from it.

Whether you join us for a three-night cruise or a week, we promise you a total escape from the ordinary. Be prepared to get closer than you ever have before to breathtaking wildlife like eagles, seals and porpoises, to visit some of North America’s most spectacular coastal scenery, charming villages and unspoiled islands, and to savor the freshest, fire-cooked Downeast fare. With only 16-31 guests on our ships, you’ll experience the kind of honest, heartfelt hospitality that keeps our guests coming back year after year.

Welcome to the only place in the world where schooners play in abundance. Where steady breezes, glittering bays, and literally thousands of islands make Penobscot Bay one of the most revered cruising grounds on earth.

On our small ship cruises, we have complete liberty to explore secret anchorages, remote fishing villages, and charming gallery towns. Schooners have been an intrinsic part of the Maine Coast for centuries, and there is something very special about rounding the point and arriving at anchorage under sail. Come touch this culturally distinct, pristine and physically breathtaking part of America.

Explore by Schedule

Use our cruise finder below to explore sailing options that fit your schedule. If your dates are flexible, or you just want to learn more, visit our fleet page and each vessel’s website. Reservations can be made directly with the Windjammer of your choice. Have fun exploring! Whichever vessel you choose, you are sure to have the sailing adventure of a lifetime.

Find My Trip

The sailing adventure was just beautiful! Great company, comfortable cabins and lovely Maine islands and harbors to explore! The best kind of vacation as the cooking is all done for you!

Stay in the Know

With our monthly newsletter, you’ll receive tips and hints from folks who have sailed as well as information about the best dining and attractions the area has to offer, special packages, windjammer history, events, and more!

You can request a mailed or digital packet of brochures, or you can find individual ships’ brochures under each listing on the fleet page.

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Grace Bailey

2023 adventures, below is the schedule of our maine sailing adventures for 2023, all trips depart from rockland maine. .

We board between 5 & 6 p.m. the night of your trip's start date. We arrive back in Rockland before noon on the day of your trip's end date. 

Click Month or Scroll to Explore ​ ​

** Cancellation Policy **

SUN 3rd - SAT 9th

Standard Cabin Price $1,870 pp

6 Night Adventure

Featuring Mike and Amy Aiken

SUN 10th - SAT 16th

Standard Cabin Price $1720 pp

Wooden Boat Sail-In, Featuring The Chivalrous Crickets

SUN 17th - THU 21st

Standard Cabin Price $1410 pp

4 Night Adventure

Hosted by Marc Evan Jackson

FRI 22nd - MON 25th

Standard Cabin Price $1210 pp

SOLD OUT - 3 Night Adventure

Explore Secret Maine

SUN 1st - WED 4th

Standard Cabin Price $1110 pp

3 Night Adventure

Fall Foliage

THU 5th - MON OCT 9th

SOLD OUT - 4 Night Adventure

Fall foliage, featuring the musical trio, Skylark

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The Alternative to Huge Cruises? 3 Masts, 28 Sails and Wind Power.

We checked out the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit on a Mediterranean cruise. In this era of gargantuan ships, its elegant clipper design, wooden decks and relatively small size stands out.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

From the bridge of the three-masted windjammer, the Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain called out the words we’d all been waiting for.

“Let’s set the sails!” he cried, after turning off the engines, while maneuvering to maintain an optimum angle for his 18 deckhands to climb into the shrouds and unfurl the ship’s 44,132 square feet of sails by hand.

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us. The ship’s captain, Vukota Stojanovic, later insisted that none of it was for show. “Whenever there is an opportunity to sail, we sail,” he said.

For the next hour, the crew hauled the ropes until the 28 sails were billowing in the wind, propelling the 452-foot-long ship — the world’s largest passenger sailing vessel on which the sails are raised by hand — toward its first port of call, Portofino, Italy.

At a time when cruise lines are packing their ever-more-gargantuan ships with water parks and basketball courts, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, with its old-fashioned clipper design and wooden decks, stands out. It is the newest ship from the Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises , and while it is the company’s biggest, Sea Cloud said it wanted to leave space for passengers to connect to the surrounding elements.

“Wherever you are on the ship, it feels like you are sitting on the water,” said Amelia Dominick, 71, a retired real estate agent from Cologne, Germany, who was on her third cruise onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit.

I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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Windjammer Landing Resort And Residences

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" Service was amazing! Spa was great! Loved the pools, beach and restaurants! "

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" Wiring this in May - don't worry too much about any rain showers, they blow over in 15 mins max! "

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WINDJAMMER LANDING RESORT AND RESIDENCES - Updated 2024