Portland OR Oregon cruise port schedule

Table Of Content

• Ocean Gateway International Marine Passenger Terminal
• Featured Shore Excursions
• Ocean Gateway Pier: Lighthouse Tours, Island Visits, and More
• Excursions to Nearby Attractions such as Longfellow House, Lighthouses and Peaks Island
• MSC Meraviglia starts an inaugural voyage from NYC to Bermuda
• Explore the Historic Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park

If you don’t want a sit-down experience, they also have a walk-up window location on Washington Ave, about a 15 min. walk from the pier. If you are really hungry, try the Downeast Feast which includes lobster, steamed clams, corn on the cob, coleslaw and fries. Located just down the street from Ports of Call on Commercial Street, Edgecomb Potters create one-of-a-kind pieces with distinctive colors and shapes. While it is beautiful pottery, they aim for their pottery to be for everyday use, not just show pieces. Portland isn’t really known for its shopping, but there are a few shops that offer some interesting items. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged if you are wanting to rent a car in Portland.

Ocean Gateway International Marine Passenger Terminal

The Portland Head Light is one of the most famous, having stood on the lonely, rocky peninsula of Fort Williams Park since 1791. Visit the museum in the former Keeper’s Quarters to learn about the history of the light and see displays of navigational aids and old photographs. After your tour, you can hike the coastal trails in the park, taking in magnificent views as waves pound the rocks. Explore one of the prettiest coastal towns on the East Coast on a cruise to Portland, Maine. Perched on a peninsula jutting out into the island-specked Casco Bay under vast skies, the scent of the ocean on the breeze, this enchanting spot is rich in history.

Featured Shore Excursions

No trip to Portland is complete without indulging in some fresh seafood. There are many places where you can find the best lobster in town such as Eventide Oyster Company or J’s Oyster Bar. You can take a scenic train ride for lunch or go on a lobster boat tour where you can catch your own lobster dinner. For those who prefer their lobsters served whole with all the fixings, there are plenty of restaurants throughout Portland that serve traditional lobster dinners. If you prefer more flexibility and convenience when traveling around Portland, consider using taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.

Ocean Gateway Pier: Lighthouse Tours, Island Visits, and More

Portland is Maine's second largest cruise port - following Bar Harbor. This port city is located on a peninsula (Maine USA's east coast) and north of Boston MA. Vigor Industrial's Vigor Shipyard is on Swan Island (Swan Island Industrial Park on Willamette River, land area 174 hectares/430 acres), approx 4,5 mi / 7 km from downtown Portland. In 2020, they marked the return of container service including an agreement with SM Line.

The downtown, too, is walkable with plenty of places to stop for a rest. If you’re looking for a free walking tour map, take a 3 min. walk along the waterfront to The Portland Encyclepedia, where they rent bikes, but also offer free walking tour maps. We work with the city, Visit Portland, Visit Freeport, and other organizations to support the local economy and promote responsible tourism practices. The Portland Maine Cruise Port is conveniently located near downtown Portland, allowing visitors easy access to local shops and restaurants.

MSC Meraviglia starts an inaugural voyage from NYC to Bermuda

Bite Into Maine is a food truck that has gained national recognition for its award-winning lobster rolls. They offer several different varieties including classic Maine-style with just mayo or Connecticut-style with hot butter. Finally, for those interested in learning more about Maine’s rich maritime history, a visit to the Maine Maritime Museum is a must. Located just 30 minutes north of Portland in Bath, this museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, lobstering, navigation, and more.

Get Started

Alternatively, if you are staying in one of the many hotels near the airport, you can arrange for transportation directly from your hotel. To stretch your legs, head to the northern end of the city to connect with the Back Cove Trail. The trail completely encircles the Back Cove — a tidal basin — and offers great views of the Portland skyline. A good starting point for visitors is the Ocean Gateway Visitor Information Center at 14 Ocean Gateway Pier. THE place for souvenirs and really nice apparel, Ports of Call is located near the cruise terminal on Commercial Street. The city’s Arts District is full of galleries and antique shops, while the Old Port area has everything from clothing boutiques to homewares.

Explore the Historic Portland Head Light and Fort Williams Park

This scenic park offers breathtaking views of Casco Bay along with walking trails and picnic areas perfect for families. For beer lovers, there are plenty of breweries near the terminal that offer tours and tastings. One popular option is Shipyard Brewing Company – they’ve been brewing craft beer in Portland for over 25 years and offer daily tours of their facility. If you’re in search of souvenirs or gifts to take home, head to some of Portland’s local street shops.

Cruise ship fire in Portland, Maine leads to evacuation newscentermaine.com - NewsCenterMaine.com WCSH-WLBZ

Cruise ship fire in Portland, Maine leads to evacuation newscentermaine.com.

Posted: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Kayaking tours of Casco Bay offer a unique perspective on the coastline and allow guests to see wildlife like seals and seabirds up close. There are also hiking trails in nearby state parks like Bradbury Mountain State Park that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For those interested in trying local craft beer, brewery tours are also available from the pier. These tours take visitors to some of Portland’s top breweries, such as Allagash Brewing Company and Shipyard Brewing Company. Visitors can sample different beers and learn about the brewing process from knowledgeable guides. But Portland isn’t just a great place to start your vacation – it’s also a gateway to other popular destinations in Maine.

Visitors can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries inside the market, such as Kamasouptra or Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe. Another must-see attraction just outside of downtown Portland is the iconic Portland Head Light. This lighthouse has been guiding ships into Portland Harbor since 1791 and remains one of Maine’s most photographed landmarks. As mentioned earlier, the terminal offers everything you need to ensure a smooth embarkation process. When it comes time to set sail from Portland Maine Cruise Port , you’ll be treated to stunning views of Casco Bay as your ship heads out into open waters. It’s the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable vacation in one of America’s most charming cities.

It is not the first time the port has had problems with its container operations. In 2010, it made a deal with ICTSI to operate the container terminal but the company became embroiled in a labor dispute that dragged on for years. The labor slowdown began in 2012 and by 2015 carriers were leaving the port. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) filed for bankruptcy in 2023 due to the dispute but finally reached a settlement agreement with ICTSI in 2024. Port executive Keith Leavitt wrote to shippers saying they had decided to suspend the operation after negotiations with a potential third-party operator collapsed last week.

Some of the most popular flavors include maple bacon, pomegranate, ginger-glazed sweet potato, and some surprise seasonal favorites. During the early 19th century, Portland became an important shipbuilding center and one of the most prosperous fishing ports on the Atlantic. Situated on a peninsula on Casco Bay in southern Maine about 100 miles north of Boston, Portland is Maine’s most populous city and a highlight of New England cruises.