A view of Portland’s waterfront with boats moving across teal water and rows of colorful houses rising on a green hillside below a sky filled with soft white clouds.

Portland, Maine

Cruises to Portland, Maine

View cruises

Things to do in Portland

In Portland, the lobster’s fresh, the streets are cobblestone and the Old Port somehow smells faintly of salty sea shanties. This is where Maine’s biggest city flexes its historic charm and coastal grit — equal parts artsy, outdoorsy and unapologetically crustacean‑obsessed. Expect lighthouse views, boutique treasures and seafood that basically puts landlocked restaurants to shame.

Explore things to do in Portland
01 / 04
  • A quiet street corner in Portland’s Old Port with a weathered redbrick building, outdoor café tables, cobblestone pavement and leafy trees glowing in soft afternoon light.

    Sample craft beers at small‑batch breweries tucked between redbrick buildings and boat slips.

  • View of Peaks Island from the water featuring a small ferry dock, tree-covered hills and scattered homes along the bright blue shoreline.

    Eat at a floating restaurant or tuck into a traditional lobster bake on nearby Peaks Island.

  • Portland Head Light perched on rocky cliffs overlooking a calm blue ocean, with a red-roofed keeper’s house beside it under a clear sky.

    Visit historical landmarks like Portland Head Light (the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S.).

  • A man sits at a small outdoor table beside an old brick building with large windows and leafy trees nearby.

    Explore the Old Port District, packed with quirky shops, galleries and New England character by the barrelful.

01 / 04

Shore excursions to explore in Portland

Portland, Maine cruises serve up lighthouse tours, schooner sails, scenic railroads and one very serious lobster obsession. Pick your adventure and let Princess excursions do the rest.

01 / 06
  • View of Portland Head Light on a rocky coastline with red-roofed buildings, parked cars and the ocean stretching into the distance.

    Kennebunkport & Scenic Cruise

    This half‑day hits the sweet spot of salty air and star‑studded nostalgia. You’ll cruise past Walker’s Point (the Bush family’s oceanfront compound) and get a wave of presidential history while hugging Maine’s rugged coast. Dock Square gives you time for shopping, café‑hopping or just people‑watching in Kennebunkport before heading back.

    Learn More
  • Overlook of Casco Bay with scattered sailboats floating on bright blue water bordered by green and early autumn trees.

    Easy Portland Highlights & Lighthouse

    Roll through Portland’s historic neighborhoods and along the Eastern Promenade, where Casco Bay views practically slap the phone out of your hand. The big finish? A stop at Fort Williams Park and the iconic Portland Head Light: 1797 vintage, George Washington approved and likely to make your inner lighthouse enthusiast very, very happy.

    Learn More
  • View of the Peaks Island ferry landing with a green dock structure, calm blue water and a cluster of shoreline homes framed by summer trees.

    Maine Lobster Bake on Peaks Island

    Hop a ferry across Casco Bay to Peaks Island, past House Island’s former quarantine station, for a ‘Downeast’ lobster bake with the works. We’re talking clam chowder, mussels, potatoes, corn, dessert and, of course, a 1¼ lb lobster cooked to perfection. After lunch, cruise back to the mainland or linger downtown and let your waistband regret nothing.

    Learn More
  • Upward view of tall wooden masts and rigging on a schooner set against a partly cloudy sky.

    Portland Highlights & Schooner Adventure

    Cruise Casco Bay aboard an 88‑foot tall ship after a narrated drive through Portland’s greatest hits, including Portland Head Light. Join the crew and help hoist the sails or just sit back and watch the harbor seals. Bonus: the pier is a five‑minute walk from the schooner, giving you time for one more beer or bakery stop on the way back.

    Learn More
  • Aerial view of forested hills in fall colors beside a wide stretch of ocean.

    The White Mountains by Conway Scenic Railroad (Fall Sailings)

    All aboard for a 7.5‑hour jaunt through New England forests, rivers and trestle bridges. After a scenic ride to North Conway, hop on a 1950s railcar for a two‑hour narrated journey up to 1,886 feet of pure mountain majesty. Peak fall foliage, small‑town charm and zero cell reception (which, trust us, is a good thing).

    Learn More
  • View of Beehive Mountain partially hidden behind dense evergreens and bright green maple leaves under a vivid blue sky.

    The White Mountains by Conway Scenic Railroad (Summer Sailings)

    Same ride, different backdrop — the summer edition offers wildflowers, bright green hills and sun‑dappled forest views that look like someone turned up the saturation. Includes the same rail nostalgia, same elevation climb and same Instagram‑worthy final stop at Crawford Notch Station.

    Learn More
01 / 06
Explore all Portland shore excursions

Explore itineraries with cruises to Portland

Princess Cruises typically docks at the Ocean Gateway Terminal at 50 Commercial St, within walking distance of the historic Old Port District. There, you'll find a visitor information center, free guiding service from Downtown District Guides (during the summer) and easy access to walking trails like the Eastern Promenade Pathway. For guests exploring on their own, Lighthouse tours, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum and seafood spots ranging from upscale to straight‑off‑the‑dock keep your land legs busy. This port is also a gateway for New England cruise itineraries, so whether it’s your start, stop or somewhere in between, Portland pulls its weight.

01 / 06
view Canada

7-Day Canada & New England with Saint John

View cruise
A person walks through a historic stone archway illuminated by warm sunlight. The setting appears to be a coastal fort or castle, with cobblestone flooring and wooden gates. The silhouette of the individual and the golden light create a serene and timeless atmosphere.

10-Day Classic Canada & New England

View cruise

13-Day Canada & Colonial America

View cruises

Discover Portland on your next cruise

With cobblestone charm, invigorating sea air and just enough grit to make it real, Portland feels like a novel you never want to put down. It’s part salty maritime town, part hip micro‑city, with deep roots and an easygoing confidence. Princess Cruises adds polish and convenience — we dock you close to the action, offer excursions that go deep (and delicious) and make the journey just as appealing as the destination. Portland, Maine cruises deliver on the promise of New England without the crowds or clichés, with schooners over sightseeing buses, and real connections instead of tourist traps.

Cruises to Portland
A tall red-stone Gothic church lit by warm evening light, featuring two towers, pointed arches and a trio of wooden doors framed by ornate stonework beneath a bright blue sky.

Step into the glow of golden hour as this towering red-stone church rises against a brilliant blue sky.

Tall white lighthouse with a wide red band near the middle, set against a clear blue sky with small buildings at its base.

Stand at the edge of the coast as this bold red-and-white lighthouse watches over open seas.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

Explore ships visiting this port

Cruises to Portland FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

01 / 03
  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

    Learn more about Princess EZAir
  • airplane to ship transfer

    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

    Learn more about transfers
  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

    View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages
01 / 03

Cruise deals and promotions

Start planning the vacation of your dreams with a cruise you'll love at a price you can't beat. Explore our latest featured deals, snag some last-minute savings and see how our all-inclusive packages can make your getaway even better.

View all deals and promotions
Aerial view of a large cruise ship's top deck, featuring multiple pool areas, lounge chairs, and glass-domed structures, sailing through deep blue ocean waters.

Escape to the open sea with Princess Cruises.

Guests walking through a modern cruise ship atrium featuring a distinctive circular skylight with radiating panels and polished marble floors.

The beautiful Piazza lets the light shine in.

You may also like

Alaska view

Alaska Cruises

Experience glaciers, national parks and wildlife with Princess – the only way to truly see the Great Land.

LEARN MORE
Cape Elizabeth

Canada & New England Cruises

Discover Northeast fall beauty on Princess Cruises. See picturesque lighthouses, stunning autumn foliage & historic ports. Book your cruise today.

LEARN MORE
Athens

European Cruises

Explore Europe aboard Princess European Cruises and experience the beauty of the Mediterranean, British Isles, Scandinavia, Norway and Iceland.

LEARN MORE
01 / 06