A Maine windjammer cruise is one of the most distinctive travel experiences available anywhere in the United States — a multi-day voyage aboard a traditional wooden sailing schooner through the islands, coves, and harbors of the Maine coast, with no fixed itinerary, no phones, and no schedule beyond the wind and tide. The Maine windjammer fleet is centered in Camden, with additional vessels based in Rockport, Rockland, and other midcoast ports.
What Is a Maine Windjammer Cruise?
A windjammer cruise is a multi-day sailing voyage on a traditional wooden schooner, typically carrying 20-40 passengers plus crew. Cruises run 3, 4, 5, or 6 days, departing from Camden or Rockland. No fixed itinerary — the captain decides each morning where to sail based on wind and weather. Traditional vessels — some built in the 19th century, several listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Simple but genuine — small cabins, meals from a wood-burning galley stove, passengers encouraged to help raise sails.
The Fleet
Schooner Grace Bailey — Built in 1882, one of the oldest vessels in the fleet. Schooner Stephen Taber — Built in 1871, one of the oldest sailing vessels in continuous use in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. Schooner Victory Chimes — The largest vessel at 170 feet, a three-masted ram schooner built in 1900 and a National Historic Landmark. Schooner Mary Day — Built in 1962 specifically for windjammer cruising. Schooner Angelique — A 95-foot topsail ketch with comfortable accommodations. Schooner Mercantile — Built in 1916, a traditional Maine coasting schooner. Each vessel has its own character and captain — repeat passengers often have strong loyalties to specific schooners.
Choosing the Right Cruise
Cruise length: Three-day cruises are good for first-timers. Five and six-day cruises allow more territory and more time for the rhythms of life aboard to develop — most experienced windjammer passengers prefer the longer cruises. Vessel size: Larger vessels carry more passengers and have more deck space; smaller vessels are more intimate. Theme cruises: Many schooners offer photography, birding, music, food and wine, and lighthouse themed cruises.
The Daily Rhythm
Morning: Most vessels anchor overnight in a protected cove. Morning begins with coffee from the galley and the captain’s decision about the day’s course. Underway: Help with sail handling or simply sit on deck and watch the coast go by. Meals: Three meals per day included, prepared on a wood-burning stove. Communal and a significant part of the social fabric of the voyage. Evenings: Anchored in a quiet cove, evenings are extraordinary — phosphorescence in the water, conversation on deck under the stars, and often music from passengers and crew.
Booking a Windjammer Cruise
Book early — midsummer and themed cruises fill well in advance. The Maine Windjammer Association (sailmainecoast.com) provides information on all member vessels and links to individual booking pages. Most cruises include all meals and berth. Alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and crew tips are typically extra. Understand the cancellation policy before booking.
When to Go
July and August: Peak season, most reliable weather, highest prices. June: Excellent weather by mid-June, fewer crowds, slightly lower prices. September: Many experienced passengers consider it the best month — excellent weather, no crowds, fall foliage beginning to develop. October: Some vessels operate into October for fall foliage cruises — spectacular on the Maine coast.
Getting to Camden
Camden is approximately 80 miles northeast of Portland via Route 1 — about 2 hours. Rockland, where several vessels are also based, is about 10 miles further on Route 1.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to book a Maine windjammer cruise? Visit sailmainecoast.com for the full fleet and booking information. For more on Camden and Rockland, browse our Camden city guide and our guide to Things to Do in Rockland Maine. For more on the Maine coast, see our Camden vs Bar Harbor comparison.
MaineGuide.com has been helping visitors plan their Maine trips since 1995.
📌 Also consider a Vinalhaven day trip. Read our complete Vinalhaven Maine Day Trip guide — a genuine island community experience accessible by state ferry from Rockland.