Cruise the Maine coast aboard American Cruise Lines’ American Maverick, with lighthouses, lobster, Acadia National Park, and historic harbors.

I stood at the railing on the top deck of our ship, the American Maverick. The Sailaway Celebration had drawn everyone outdoors to take in the sights along the rocky Maine coast as we departed Portland. It was our first chance to mingle with our fellow American Cruise Lines passengers who had chosen this Maine coast cruise aboard the American Maverick.

Just as we raised our glasses to toast the week ahead, the captain announced: “We’re approaching Cape Elizabeth and the Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1791.”

Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, as we passed it on our first evening aboard the American Maverick. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

After capturing a few photos as we passed, I mentioned to a crew member how much I loved lighthouses. I told him I hoped to see more of the state’s 65 lighthouses, along its 5,000 miles of coastline. “There’s another,” he said, pointing out Bug Light, also known as Portland Breakwater Light. “And we just passed Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse.”

Ram Island Edge Lighthouse, Casco Bay. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

By week’s end, I had managed to see five more. I was in lighthouse heaven.

“Maine Coast & Harbors” on the American Maverick

This was my first time sailing with American Cruise Lines—a company that had been on my radar for a while, ever since I learned one of its ships stops in Henderson, Kentucky, just across the river from my home in Evansville, Indiana. Passengers on the 16-day Grand Ohio River Cruise from Pittsburgh, PA, to St. Louis, MO, can even visit Evansville on several excursions.

The 130-passenger American Maverick was newly christened in June 2026. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

That led me to poke around the American Cruise Lines website, where I found an itinerary—far from my Indiana home—that intrigued me. The Maine Coast & Harbors cruise aboard the 130-passenger American Maverick, newly christened in June 2026, was scheduled to begin in Portland, Maine’s largest city, then continue to Boothbay Harbor, Bath, Rockland, Bar Harbor, and Bucksport, and end in Bangor.

Beginning in 2027, the Maine Coast & Harbors cruise will sail round-trip to and from Portland. The 9-day/8-night sailings will begin on June 1, 2027, and continue through September 17, 2027. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

I had always wanted to return to Maine since visiting Bar Harbor on a cruise 12 years ago. I longed to see more lighthouses and to eat my fill of lobster and other shellfish.

Although my husband and I have sailed aboard other small ships on cruises to Europe and French Polynesia, this year we agreed we wanted to see more of America. Doing so as a passenger aboard one of American Cruise Lines’ newest ships seemed like the perfect way to do it.

What’s Included on an American Cruise Lines Voyage?

Although cruising with American Cruise Lines may seem more expensive than some other lines, its cruises are virtually all-inclusive. In addition to a pre-cruise hotel night, all packages include meals, unlimited snacks, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and at least one excursion in each port. Some “premium” excursions cost extra, but all taxes, port charges, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included. Discounts and promotions (sometimes including airfare) can lower the cost, too.

Arrival in Portland

We booked our cruise for the week of August 1-8, and planned our flights to arrive in Portland the day before boarding.

Views of the American Maverick ship in Portland’s harbor and Casco Bay in the Old Port District. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Our pre-cruise hotel, the AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront, was conveniently located near the historic Old Port District overlooking Casco Bay. Soon after checking in, we headed out for an early dinner at Old Port Sea Grill. Afterward, we strolled along the waterfront past our hotel and caught our first glimpse of the American Maverick, anchored in Casco Bay.

The next morning, we met other cruise guests in the hotel lobby after breakfast, waiting for transportation to the ship on an American Cruise Lines coach. Our tagged luggage, collected from our room, would be delivered directly to our stateroom.

Welcome Aboard the American Maverick

As soon as we boarded, the Hotel Manager and other crew members welcomed us. Because we’d already received a Welcome Packet with our room keys at the hotel in Portland, we didn’t need to go through an embarkation process.

Our Vista Balcony suite (cabin #314) on the American Maverick. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

We headed straight to the elevator to reach our Vista Balcony suite (#314) on Deck 3, where we checked out our spacious 300-square-foot stateroom. Sliding glass doors opened onto our private balcony. A closet, desk, and drawers provided ample storage for our belongings.

The American Maverick’s 69 staterooms on Decks 2 and 3 are the same size. Those on Deck 4 are larger, including two 500-square-foot Grand Suites and four 400-square-foot Sky Suites. To meet growing demand from solo travelers, eight single staterooms are available.

The Grand Suite on the American Maverick. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

After unpacking, we stowed our luggage under the bed, then headed downstairs for lunch in the Dining Room.

Download the American Explorer App

Passengers are encouraged to download the American Explorer mobile app as soon as they board. The app provides a full rundown of each day’s scheduled activities aboard ship and provides information about shore excursions.

Every day’s schedule begins at 6:30 AM with the Early Riser’s Breakfast at the Sky Lounge and ends at 8:30 PM, when the Nightly Entertainment kicks in. Throughout the week, there were cocktail demonstrations, crafts, and stretch-and-dance fitness, along with other options we didn’t have time to try.

Cocktail demonstrations were held in the Sky Lounge on the top deck. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

A 360° SkyWalk walking track on the top deck was well used on our sailing, and a Fitness Center is on Deck 4.

The American Maverick’s top deck includes a 360-degree walking path. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Dining Aboard the American Maverick

One thing is certain: you won’t go hungry (or thirsty) on an American Cruise Lines voyage.

The American Explorer mobile app also includes dining menu information. Passengers can indicate their meal choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Main Dining Room in advance, which helps the onboard chef gauge quantities and prepare fresh ingredients. However, waitstaff confirm final orders at mealtimes. The app also lets you note special dietary restrictions or order half-portions.

Main Dining Room

As a self-described “foodie,” I looked forward to reviewing the day’s menu choices every morning.

Interior of the Main Dining Room on American Maverick. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Lunch menus offer three entrée options and two desserts. For the evening meal, there were two appetizer choices (usually a salad and a soup), four entrées (including a meat, poultry, fish or seafood, and vegetarian option), and two desserts, plus a selection of ice creams.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the blueberry ice cream; it’s truly special!

Of all the tasty seafood entrees I had throughout the week, the Atlantic Poached Seafood Salad, available at lunch on our first day, was one of my favorites. It featured Maine lobster, pink shrimp, blue crab, and scallops.

When in Maine, eat as much lobster as possible. How about a poached seafood salad with lobster for lunch and a boiled lobster dinner the next evening? Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Since my goal was to eat lobster as often and in as many ways as possible, I happily chose the lobster roll for lunch another day. On our second evening aboard, the New England Lobster Boil was a popular menu item. It was served with corn on the cob, new potatoes, mussels, and cheddar-chive biscuits.

Hotel Manager Caleb cracking my lobster in the dining room. Now that’s personalized service! Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

In addition to lobster, the menu featured a range of fish and seafood during our sailing, including scallops, swordfish, Atlantic cod, salmon, and tuna.

Back Porch Café and Sky Lounge

In addition to the three multi-course meals served in the Main Dining Room, passengers can order more casual fare (hamburgers, hot dogs, and wraps) at the Back Porch Café on Deck 5. Enjoy your meal on the open deck or in the Sky Lounge.

The Back Porch Café on American Maverick’s top deck serves casual fare. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines and by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

One day, after returning from an excursion, we had lunch there—my husband enjoyed a burger with fries, while I had a chicken salad wrap with slaw and fresh fruit. We often chose the Back Porch Café for breakfast, too. Besides the hot-off-the-grill breakfast sandwiches, I liked smoked salmon (lox) with a bagel and cream cheese, or yogurt with wild Maine blueberries, all in a relaxed setting on the top deck, where you can sit inside or outside.

Choose to sit inside the Sky Lounge (above) or outdoors at a table on top deck. Top photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines and bottom photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Anytime Snacks

Outside of mealtimes, a wide variety of snacks (both salty and sweet) are available in the Sky Lounge, including fresh-baked cookies twice daily. During the entertainment hour, the Chesapeake Lounge offers popcorn and milkshakes.

The Chesapeake Lounge: A Hub of Activity

The Chesapeake Lounge, directly across from the Main Dining Room, is the main hub of activity from mid-afternoon through the evening.

Interior of Chesapeake Lounge, American Maverick. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

We especially enjoyed the Enrichment Presentations by local lecturers, usually held at 4 PM, which covered various aspects of Maine’s history, geography, and culture. A preview of the following day’s port followed, leading into the 5:30 Cocktail Hour.

Cocktail Hour: Beverages and Bites

My husband and I are accustomed to having “happy hour” together every evening around 5 PM, so I looked forward to Cocktail Hour in the Chesapeake Lounge before dinner. A tempting selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres is served, along with your favorite beverage—beer, wine, a cocktail, or a non-alcoholic drink.

Cocktail hour in the Chesapeake Lounge. A Semiquincentennial Signature Cocktails list was available, featuring all American-made wine and spirits. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

My favorite—a dry rosé—wasn’t on the wine list, but two bottles were procured for me after I submitted my request to American Cruise Lines before our cruise.

Anaya, Asst. Hotel Mgr., American Maverick, brought me a bottle of my favorite: a dry, French-style rosé. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

However, this wasn’t only for me. Staff actively accommodate special requests from cruise passengers, whether it’s a drink, a food item, or anything else needed in the stateroom.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Happy Birthday, America! On the last evening of our cruise, passengers were asked to wear patriotic red, white, and blue apparel for a special party to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial—250 years. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Games and Entertainment

The place to be after dinner was once again the Chesapeake Lounge. Our energetic Cruise Director kept us entertained with trivia and bingo games before the entertainment began.

A mentalist and several musical acts entertained passengers throughout the week on the American Maverick. We loved the games, too. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Entertainment throughout the week featured a rockin’ 50s–60s band that got everyone dancing, a country singer/guitarist, a banjo player, a duo performing 70s hits, and an incredible mentalist, who left us all wondering, “How did he do that?”

Ports and Excursions on Our Maine Coast Cruise

Multiple excursion options are available at each port; most are complimentary, with some Premium excursions requiring an additional fee.

Boothbay Harbor: Maritime History and Ghost Stories

Our Boothbay Harbor tour included both maritime history and ghost stories. The Burnt Island Lighthouse, pictured in the distance, is said to be haunted. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Boothbay Harbor boasts the largest harbor north of Boston. On our “Historical Walk Through Boothbay Harbor” tour, we explored the Boothbay Shipyard and learned about its rich maritime history as a shipbuilding hub since the late 1800s. Our guide also recounted several ghost stories, including spooky experiences at the Boothbay Opera House and the Burnt Island Lighthouse. You can book ghost tours through several local companies.

Rockland: Lobster and Lighthouses

Rockland, our second port, is one of the largest lobster-exporting ports in the country, shipping more than 100 million lobsters each year, and hosts an annual Lobster Festival during the first weekend of August.

After donning our bibs, we were ready to sit down to a lobster feast. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

One highlight of our week was the Traditional Lobsterbake Luncheon, held under a tent at Rockland’s waterfront marina. We feasted on fresh lobster and mussels, along with corn on the cob, potato salad, and coleslaw.

Freshly steamed Maine lobsters, along with mussels and other sides, were prepared for American Cruise Lines passengers. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Before our luncheon, we enjoyed a personal guided tour of the Sail, Power, & Steam Museum by its founder, Captain Jim Sharp.

The Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland is home to the nation’s largest collection of lighthouse, life-saving, and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

When I learned the Maine Lighthouse Museum was in downtown Rockland, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit. It houses the nation’s largest collection of lighthouse and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts. If you are a lighthouse lover like me, it’s worth seeking out.

Bath: Oyster Farming and Sailing Penobscot Bay

A popular excursion in Bath, the shipbuilding capital, is the Maine Maritime Museum. It sits on the Kennebec River, where ships have been built since the American Revolution.

However, we chose to immerse ourselves in Oyster Farming 101 instead, visiting Eros Oyster, a family-owned oyster farm on Georgetown Island’s Robinhood Cove. Mike Gaffney, who opened the farm in 2016 with his son, introduced us to its history and the technology used to cultivate oysters.

Scenes from our visit to Eros Oyster, a family-owned oyster farm in Robinwood Cove on Georgetown Island near Bath. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Maine’s growing oyster industry includes more than 150 individual oyster farms, which collectively produce over 3 million oysters annually.

An Eros Oyster Company employee sorts freshly harvested oysters by size. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Next, we walked to the waterfront to see how the oysters are sorted at each stage of growth. Finally, it was time to learn how to “shuck and slurp” freshly harvested and chilled Eros oysters.

We capped off the day with a relaxing sailing cruise on Penobscot Bay aboard the Schooner Heron. The classic, family-owned 65-foot schooner, launched in 2003, operates daily trips along the Maine coast and then moves to the Caribbean for the winter season. The ship was featured as an “extra” in Johnny Depp’s movie The Rum Diary.

Raising sails on the Schooner Heron, a 65-foot classic wooden schooner yacht. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Bar Harbor: Acadia, Revisited

Our tour day in Bar Harbor included a guided drive through Acadia National Park, which welcomes 2.5 million visitors annually.

Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Before reaching the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard at 1,530 feet, we stopped at Thunder Hole, a natural inlet known for the “thunderous” sound of ocean waves crashing into the rocky channel.

We made it to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on a clear day. Photo provided by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

During my visit to Cadillac Mountain 12 years ago, fog rolled in and obscured the view. This time, we enjoyed clear 360-degree views of the offshore islands below and even spotted our American Cruise Lines ship in the distance.

Bar Harbor: Lunch and a Nature Cruise

Our day continued with lunch (lobster roll for me!) at Geddy’s By the Sea in downtown Bar Harbor.

At Geddy’s in downtown Bar Harbor, we enjoyed a lobster roll and fish ‘n sweet potato fries. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

A two-hour nature cruise on the protected waters of Frenchman Bay was a relaxing way to end our all-day excursion. Aboard the Friendship V, a 112-foot jet-powered catamaran operated by Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, we spotted bald eagles, harbor seals, and other sea life as we cruised past the islands and shorelines of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.

Scenes from our two-hour Nature Cruise aboard a catamaran in the waters of Frenchman Bay. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Meeting American Cruise Lines’ President in Bar Harbor

While we were in Bar Harbor, we had an unexpected, special encounter with American Cruise Lines’ President/CEO, Charles B. Robertson, who came aboard the American Maverick with his wife and two daughters.

My husband, Stephen, and I pictured with American Cruise Lines President/CEO, Charles B. Robertson, who came aboard that evening along with his wife and daughters. Photo provided by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

After dinner, my husband and I ran into them on the top deck as we watched the sunset. We briefly chatted and took some photos. Later, crew members mentioned that it’s not unusual for “Charlie” Robertson to pop in for brief visits when he’s in the area. Robertson succeeded his father, Charles A. Robertson, the founder of American Cruise Lines, as President/CEO after his father’s passing in February 2020.

A spectacular sunset, viewed from the top deck of our ship in Bar Harbor. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

Bucksport: Sky-High Views and Fort Knox

Our day in Bucksport, Maine, began with a visit to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory. We rode Maine’s fastest elevator up 420 feet for 360-degree views of the Penobscot River and the Maine countryside. It’s the world’s tallest bridge observatory open to the public.

Approaching Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory; a view of Fort Knox from our ship; a child looks at a cannon inside the fort. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

The second part of the tour featured a guided exploration of Fort Knox, named after General Henry Knox, not its more famous sister fort in Kentucky. Built in the 19th century, this fort protected the Penobscot River Valley from naval attack during the Spanish-American War.

Bangor: Lumber, Lore, and Stephen King

Our final port, Bangor, is Maine’s third-largest city. A former lumber capital for much of the 19th century, Bangor is perhaps better known as the hometown of author Stephen King and as the inspiration for the town of Derry in several of his novels.

Don’t leave Bangor without stopping by Stephen King’s home and the 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette and Julia Bayly

We made a photo stop at Stephen King’s home, but could only view it from the outside (interior tours are not available). Our tour also included stops at two museums: the Maine Air Museum and the Cole Land Transportation Museum. As we passed through the town center, we caught a glimpse of the 31-foot-tall Paul Bunyan statue, erected in 1959. It commemorates Bangor’s claim as the birthplace of the legendary Paul Bunyan and its rich logging heritage.

More About American Cruise Lines

• American Cruise Lines now offers more than 50 cruise itineraries across 35 states
• Most passengers are “Baby Boomers,” who fall into the 55+ age category
• In 2026, 24 ships were in service, with more on the way
• All ships, accommodating 100-200 passengers, are built, crewed, and registered in the USA
• Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD, can build new ships within four months
• ACL staterooms are the most spacious on any river cruise vessel worldwide

The Eagle Society Loyalty Program

Passengers can join the Eagle Society after completing their first voyage. After three cruises, premium shore excursions are complimentary, and after 10 cruises, the eleventh cruise is complimentary. Members also receive priority booking for new ships and itineraries.

Ken and Alice Perrigin, Eagle Society members, have sailed on American Cruise Lines 23 times to date. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

During the week of our sailing, Ken and Alice Perrigin of Greer, South Carolina, were recognized for completing 23 American Cruise Line cruises since their first in 2017. By the end of the week, they had booked several more. And they weren’t the only ones. More than half of passengers are repeat cruisers, according to Caleb, our Hotel Manager aboard the American Maverick.

The American Cruise Lines tender boat taking passengers back to the ship. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette

It’s easy to see why so many book another cruise even before leaving the ship. The crew’s hospitality stood out all week. I was especially struck by how patient and attentive the crew was with passengers who needed extra help, whether navigating tender boats at each port or getting around the ship. It says a lot about the kind of experience American Cruise Lines is committed to providing.

Until Next Time, “Fair Winds and Following Seas”

After our weeklong cruise along the Maine coast with passengers from 23 US states, we returned to our Indiana home feeling enriched by more than the lighthouses I photographed and the lobster I ate. In the end, it’s all about the people we met and connected with through our shared experiences.

So, is another cruise in our future? We’re already eyeing American Cruise Lines’ expanding list of itineraries and discussing where it might take us next. The Columbia and Snake Rivers cruise, perhaps? Or the Southeast Sea Islands? No matter what ship or destination we choose, we’ll make new memories on America’s waterways.

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Discover More Cruises and Coastal Adventures

A small-ship cruise along the Maine coast offers a different way to experience New England, from historic harbors and rocky shorelines to lobster feasts, lighthouses, and Acadia National Park. As you plan your next getaway, explore more of our favorite cruises, Maine travel experiences, and New England adventures on Wander With Wonder.

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