Maine's liveliest port city puts cobblestoned streets, craft breweries, and legendary lobster rolls within a 10-minute walk of the ship. Portland Head Light is a short drive away — one of the most photographed lighthouses in America.
Portland is a docked port — no tender needed. Both terminals are right in the Old Port and the city center is an easy walk.
💡 Pro move: Check which pier your ship uses — both terminals are within a few hundred yards of each other on Commercial Street.
Portland has two docked berths in the Old Port — no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most major cruise lines (Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean) | Ocean Gateway Terminal, Pier 2, Commercial Street📍 | Docked |
| Smaller and expedition ships | Maine State Pier, Commercial Street📍 | Docked |
Portland excels at lighthouse tours, fresh seafood experiences, and scenic Casco Bay boat trips — most easily done in a half-day, leaving time to explore the Old Port independently.
Maine's oldest lighthouse (1791) sits in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth — a 20-minute drive from the pier. The keeper's quarters is now a museum. The park's rocky shoreline offers dramatic views of Casco Bay.
Find lighthouse tours →Hop aboard a Casco Bay Lines ferry or a scenic cruise to explore the bay's islands, spot harbor seals, and pass lighthouses including Ram Island Ledge Light. Some tours include a lobster bake on Peaks Island.
Find Casco Bay boat tours →Portland is consistently ranked among the best food cities in the US. Guided tours through the Old Port sample lobster rolls, craft beer, local cheeses, and specialty sweets at spots on Exchange Street, Wharf Street, and the waterfront.
Find food tours →Narrated trolley tours cover Portland's history, Victorian architecture, the Arts District, the Old Port, and make stops at Portland Head Light. A popular and convenient option departing near the cruise terminals.
Find trolley tours →The town of Freeport, 20 miles north, is home to L.L. Bean's flagship campus (open 24/7) and a strip of outlet shops. A half-day excursion that combines shopping with a scenic coastal drive.
Find Freeport tours →Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Light) in Bug Light Park, South Portland, is a charming Greek-column-style lighthouse you can walk right up to, celebrating the area's shipbuilding heritage. A short taxi ride from the pier.
Find South Portland tours →Portland's Old Port is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in New England — cobblestone streets, galleries, breweries, and the waterfront all within a few blocks of the pier.
The classic cruise-day walk. Head west on Commercial Street past the working waterfront fish piers, turn up Exchange Street into the heart of the Old Port for shops and cafés, then weave through Wharf Street and Milk Street back to the waterfront. Every block has something — galleries, breweries, bookstores.
A paved trail along the bluffs above Casco Bay, starting near the Maine State Pier and stretching to East End Beach. Sweeping views of the harbor, islands, and passing ships. The beach itself is small but scenic.
Climate normals for Portland, Maine, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47°F / 8°C | 36°F / 2°C | 18 |
| Feb | 48°F / 9°C | 35°F / 2°C | 16 |
| Mar | 54°F / 12°C | 38°F / 3°C | 17 |
| Apr | 59°F / 15°C | 42°F / 6°C | 16 |
| May | 68°F / 20°C | 49°F / 9°C | 10 |
| Jun | 75°F / 24°C | 53°F / 12°C | 8 |
| Jul | 83°F / 28°C | 58°F / 14°C | 2 |
| Aug | 84°F / 29°C | 60°F / 16°C | 3 |
| Sep | 75°F / 24°C | 55°F / 13°C | 8 |
| Oct | 63°F / 17°C | 48°F / 9°C | 13 |
| Nov | 52°F / 11°C | 40°F / 4°C | 17 |
| Dec | 45°F / 7°C | 36°F / 2°C | 20 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Portland, Maine, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.