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Portland harbour © edwardschultz2000
Overview: A cruise around the North Atlantic isn't complete without stopping in the New England port of Portland, Maine. Tucked away on a stretch of picture perfect coastline, Portland was called a 'Jewel by the Sea' by famous local poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and over 50,000 cruise passengers visit this port annually.

Key attractions include the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, which was built in 1785, as well as the Portland Observatory, where views of Portland and Casco Bay can be enjoyed. There are also countless lighthouses to view, the most notable being the Portland Head Light.

Cruise ships docks at the Portland Ocean Terminal, which is adjacent to Commercial Street, which runs along the length of the waterfront and features restaurants, shops and fishing boats.
Contact:

Portland Convention & Visitors' Bureau
Tel: +1 207 772 5800

www.visitportland.com

A visitor information booth is located just outside the cruise terminal

Transport: Shops, restaurants and attractions are all within easy walking distance of the port. Trolleys are also available. Hertz car rental has an office at the cruise terminal and rentals start from $60 per day with unlimited mileage.
Attractions: There is no shortage of things to see in Portland with the main attractions being The Portland Head Light, Portland Observatory, the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Victoria Mansion, Maine Historical Society Museum, and a plethora of lighthouses to explore.
Restaurants:
  • Lobster Shack at Two Lights - fresh and affordable food with breathtaking views
  • The Front Room - Serving New England fare and overlooks the Eastern Promenade
  • Eve's at the Garden - Located in the Portland Harbor Hotel and serves delicious fresh seafood

Best dish: Lobster

Shopping: Nearby Freeport is a great place to do a spot of shopping, but cruise passengers will find that there are many shops within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Many major chain stores can be found here as well as lots of antique and specialist shops. The Arts District is a great place to spend a day shopping and many bargains can be found as well as the cobblestone streets of the Old Port shopping district on Portland's waterfront.

Best buy: Antiques

Excursions:
  • Visit the lighthouses of Maine
  • Explore the seaside town of Kennebunkport
  • See the Portland Head Light
  • Shop in nearby Freeport
  • Take a trip to Peaks Island