{"id":7076505,"date":"2026-10-05T05:23:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T05:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7076505"},"modified":"2026-10-05T05:23:22","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T05:23:22","slug":"explore-maines-coast-and-harbors-aboard-american-cruise-lines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7076505","title":{"rendered":"Explore Maine’s Coast and Harbors Aboard American Cruise Lines"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Cruise the Maine coast aboard American Cruise Lines\u2019 American Maverick, with lighthouses, lobster, Acadia National Park, and historic harbors.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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

Just as we raised our glasses to toast the week ahead, the captain announced: \u201cWe\u2019re approaching Cape Elizabeth<\/strong> and the Portland Head Light<\/strong>, Maine\u2019s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1791.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Portland<\/p>\n

Portland Head Lighthouse, Maine\u2019s oldest lighthouse, as we passed it on our first evening aboard the American Maverick. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2019s 65 lighthouses, along its 5,000 miles of coastline. \u201cThere\u2019s another,\u201d he said, pointing out Bug Light<\/strong>, also known as Portland Breakwater Light<\/strong>. \u201cAnd we just passed Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ram<\/p>\n

Ram Island Edge Lighthouse, Casco Bay. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

By week\u2019s end, I had managed to see five more. I was in lighthouse heaven.<\/p>\n

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What’s in This Article:<\/p>\n

Toggle<\/span><\/svg><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cMaine Coast & Harbors\u201d on the American Maverick<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This was my first time sailing with American Cruise Lines\u2014a 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<\/a><\/strong> from Pittsburgh, PA, to St. Louis, MO, can even visit Evansville on several excursions.<\/p>\n

\"American<\/p>\n

The 130-passenger American Maverick was newly christened in June 2026. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

That led me to poke around the American Cruise Lines<\/a><\/strong> website, where I found an itinerary\u2014far from my Indiana home\u2014that intrigued me. The Maine Coast & Harbors<\/a><\/strong> cruise aboard the 130-passenger American Maverick<\/em>, newly christened in June 2026, was scheduled to begin in Portland<\/strong>, Maine\u2019s largest city, then continue to Boothbay Harbor<\/strong>, Bath<\/strong>, Rockland<\/strong>, Bar Harbor<\/strong>, and Bucksport<\/strong>, and end in Bangor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"AmericanCruiseLines-MaineCoastAndHarborsItinerary-2027\"\n<\/picture>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Although my husband and I have sailed aboard other small ships on cruises to Europe<\/strong><\/a> and French Polynesia<\/strong>, this year we agreed we wanted to see more of America. Doing so as a passenger aboard one of American Cruise Lines\u2019 newest ships seemed like the perfect way to do it.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Included on an American Cruise Lines Voyage?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Although cruising with American Cruise Lines may seem more expensive than some other lines, its cruises are virtually all-inclusive<\/strong>. In addition to a pre-cruise hotel night<\/strong>, all packages include meals<\/strong>, unlimited snacks<\/strong>, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)<\/strong>, and at least one excursion in each port<\/strong>. Some \u201cpremium\u201d excursions cost extra, but all taxes, port charges, Wi-Fi, and gratuities are included<\/strong>. Discounts and promotions (sometimes including airfare) can lower the cost, too.<\/p>\n

Arrival in Portland<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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

\"Duo<\/p>\n

Views of the American Maverick ship in Portland\u2019s harbor and Casco Bay in the Old Port District. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Our pre-cruise hotel, the AC Hotel Portland Downtown\/Waterfront<\/a><\/strong>, was conveniently located near the historic Old Port District<\/strong> overlooking Casco Bay. Soon after checking in, we headed out for an early dinner at Old Port Sea Grill<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0Afterward, we strolled along the waterfront past our hotel and caught our first glimpse of the American Maverick<\/em>, anchored in Casco Bay.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Welcome Aboard the American Maverick<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As soon as we boarded, the Hotel Manager and other crew members welcomed us. Because we\u2019d already received a Welcome Packet with our room keys at the hotel in Portland, we didn\u2019t need to go through an embarkation process.<\/p>\n

\"Our<\/p>\n

Our Vista Balcony suite (cabin #314) on the American Maverick. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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

The American Maverick\u2019s<\/em> 69 staterooms on Decks 2 and 3 are the same size. Those on Deck 4 are larger, including two 500-square-foot Grand Suites<\/strong> and four 400-square-foot Sky Suites<\/strong>. To meet growing demand from solo travelers, eight single staterooms are available<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"American<\/p>\n

The Grand Suite on the American Maverick. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

After unpacking, we stowed our luggage under the bed, then headed downstairs for lunch in the Dining Room.<\/p>\n

Download the American Explorer App<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Passengers are encouraged to download the American Explorer<\/em> mobile app<\/strong> as soon as they board. The app provides a full rundown of each day\u2019s scheduled activities aboard ship and provides information about shore excursions.<\/p>\n

Every day\u2019s schedule begins at 6:30 AM with the Early Riser\u2019s Breakfast<\/strong> at the Sky Lounge and ends at 8:30 PM, when the Nightly Entertainment kicks in<\/strong>. Throughout the week, there were cocktail demonstrations<\/strong>, crafts<\/strong>, and stretch-and-dance fitness<\/strong>, along with other options we didn\u2019t have time to try.<\/p>\n

\"Cocktail\n<\/picture>\n

Cocktail demonstrations were held in the Sky Lounge on the top deck. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A 360\u00b0 SkyWalk walking track<\/strong> on the top deck was well used on our sailing, and a Fitness Center is on Deck 4<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Top<\/p>\n

The American Maverick\u2019s top deck includes a 360-degree walking path. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Dining Aboard the American Maverick<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One thing is certain: you won\u2019t go hungry (or thirsty) on an American Cruise Lines voyage.<\/p>\n

The American Explorer<\/em> mobile app also includes\u00a0dining menu information<\/span>. Passengers can indicate their meal choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Main Dining Room in advance<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Main Dining Room<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As a self-described \u201cfoodie,\u201d I looked forward to reviewing the day\u2019s menu choices every morning.<\/p>\n

\"Interior<\/p>\n

Interior of the Main Dining Room on American Maverick. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Lunch menus offer three entr\u00e9e options <\/strong>and two desserts<\/strong>. For the evening meal, there were two appetizer choices <\/strong>(usually a salad and a soup), four entr\u00e9es <\/strong>(including a meat, poultry, fish or seafood, and vegetarian option), and two desserts, <\/strong>plus a selection of ice creams.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Insider\u2019s Tip: <\/strong>Don\u2019t miss the blueberry ice cream; it\u2019s truly special!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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

\"Lobster<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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

\"Hotel<\/p>\n

Hotel Manager Caleb cracking my lobster in the dining room. Now that\u2019s personalized service! Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In addition to lobster, the menu featured a range of fish and seafood<\/strong> during our sailing, including scallops, swordfish, Atlantic cod, salmon, and tuna.<\/p>\n

Back Porch Caf\u00e9 and Sky Lounge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In addition to the three multi-course meals served in the Main Dining Room<\/strong>, passengers can order more casual fare (hamburgers, hot dogs, and wraps) at the Back Porch Caf\u00e9 on Deck 5<\/strong>. Enjoy your meal on the open deck or in the Sky Lounge.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Back Porch Caf\u00e9 on American Maverick\u2019s top deck serves casual fare. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines and by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

One day, after returning from an excursion, we had lunch there\u2014my husband enjoyed a burger with fries, while I had a chicken salad wrap with slaw and fresh fruit. We often chose the Back Porch Caf\u00e9 for breakfast<\/strong>, too. Besides the hot-off-the-grill breakfast sandwiches<\/strong>, I liked smoked salmon (lox) with a bagel and cream cheese<\/strong>, or yogurt with wild Maine blueberries<\/strong>, all in a relaxed setting on the top deck, where you can sit inside or outside.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Anytime Snacks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

The Chesapeake Lounge: A Hub of Activity<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Chesapeake Lounge<\/strong>, directly across from the Main Dining Room, is the main hub of activity from mid-afternoon through the evening.<\/p>\n

\"Interior<\/p>\n

Interior of Chesapeake Lounge, American Maverick. Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

We especially enjoyed the Enrichment Presentations by local lecturers<\/strong>, usually held at 4 PM, which covered various aspects of Maine\u2019s history, geography, and culture. A preview of the following day\u2019s port followed, leading into the 5:30 Cocktail Hour.<\/p>\n

Cocktail Hour: Beverages and Bites <\/strong><\/h3>\n

My husband and I are accustomed to having \u201chappy hour\u201d together every evening around 5 PM, so I looked forward to Cocktail Hour in the Chesapeake Lounge<\/strong> before dinner. A tempting selection of hot and cold hors d\u2019oeuvres is served, along with your favorite beverage\u2014beer, wine, a cocktail, or a non-alcoholic drink.<\/p>\n

\"Trio<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

My favorite\u2014a dry ros\u00e9\u2014wasn\u2019t on the wine list, but two bottles were procured for me after I submitted my request to American Cruise Lines before our cruise.<\/p>\n

\"Anaya,<\/p>\n

Anaya, Asst. Hotel Mgr., American Maverick, brought me a bottle of my favorite: a dry, French-style ros\u00e9. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

However, this wasn\u2019t only for me. Staff actively accommodate special requests from cruise passengers<\/strong>, whether it\u2019s a drink, a food item, or anything else needed in the stateroom.<\/p>\n

Happy 250th Birthday, America!<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Collage<\/p>\n

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\u2019s semiquincentennial\u2014250 years. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Games and Entertainment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Collage<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Entertainment throughout the week featured a rockin\u2019 50s\u201360s 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, \u201cHow did he do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ports and Excursions on Our Maine Coast Cruise<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Multiple excursion options are available<\/strong> at each port; most are complimentary, with some Premium excursions requiring an additional fee.<\/p>\n

Boothbay Harbor: Maritime History and Ghost Stories<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Boothbay<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Boothbay Harbor<\/strong><\/a> boasts the largest harbor north of Boston<\/strong>. On our \u201cHistorical Walk Through Boothbay Harbor\u201d tour, we explored the Boothbay Shipyard<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Rockland: Lobster and Lighthouses<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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

\"Duo<\/p>\n

After donning our bibs, we were ready to sit down to a lobster feast. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

One highlight of our week was the Traditional Lobsterbake Luncheon<\/strong>, held under a tent at Rockland\u2019s waterfront marina. We feasted on fresh lobster and mussels, along with corn on the cob, potato salad, and coleslaw.<\/p>\n

\"Freshly-steamed<\/p>\n

Freshly steamed Maine lobsters, along with mussels and other sides, were prepared for American Cruise Lines passengers. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Before our luncheon, we enjoyed a personal guided tour of the Sail, Power, & Steam Museum<\/a><\/strong> by its founder, Captain Jim Sharp.<\/p>\n

\"Collage<\/p>\n

The Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland is home to the nation\u2019s largest collection of lighthouse, life-saving, and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

When I learned the Maine Lighthouse Museum<\/a><\/strong> was in downtown Rockland, I couldn\u2019t pass up the opportunity to visit. It houses the nation\u2019s largest collection of lighthouse and U.S. Coast Guard artifacts<\/strong>. If you are a lighthouse lover like me, it\u2019s worth seeking out.<\/p>\n

Bath: Oyster Farming and Sailing Penobscot Bay<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A popular excursion in Bath, the shipbuilding capital, is the Maine Maritime Museum<\/a><\/strong>. It sits on the Kennebec River<\/strong>, where ships have been built since the American Revolution.<\/p>\n

However, we chose to immerse ourselves in Oyster Farming 101<\/strong> instead, visiting Eros Oyster<\/a><\/strong>, a family-owned oyster farm on Georgetown Island\u2019s Robinhood Cove<\/strong>. Mike Gaffney, who opened the farm in 2016 with his son, introduced us to its history and the technology used to cultivate oysters.<\/p>\n

\"Eros<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Maine\u2019s growing oyster industry includes more than 150 individual oyster farms<\/strong>, which collectively produce over 3 million oysters annually<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Eros<\/p>\n

An Eros Oyster Company employee sorts freshly harvested oysters by size. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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 \u201cshuck and slurp\u201d freshly harvested and chilled Eros oysters.<\/p>\n

We capped off the day with a relaxing sailing cruise on Penobscot Bay<\/strong> aboard the Schooner Heron<\/em><\/a><\/strong>. 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 \u201cextra\u201d in Johnny Depp\u2019s movie The Rum Diary<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Raising<\/p>\n

Raising sails on the Schooner Heron, a 65-foot classic wooden schooner yacht. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Bar Harbor: Acadia, Revisited<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our tour day in Bar Harbor<\/strong>\u00a0included a guided drive through Acadia National Park<\/a><\/strong>, which welcomes 2.5 million visitors annually.<\/p>\n

\"Collage<\/p>\n

Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Before reaching the top of Cadillac Mountain<\/strong>, the highest point on the eastern seaboard at 1,530 feet, we stopped at Thunder Hole<\/strong>, a natural inlet known for the \u201cthunderous\u201d sound of ocean waves crashing into the rocky channel.<\/p>\n

\"Us<\/p>\n

We made it to the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on a clear day. Photo provided by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/strong> below and even spotted our American Cruise Lines ship<\/strong> in the distance.<\/p>\n

Bar Harbor: Lunch and a Nature Cruise<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our day continued with lunch (lobster roll for me!) at Geddy\u2019s By the Sea<\/a><\/strong> in downtown Bar Harbor.<\/p>\n

\"Trio<\/p>\n

At Geddy\u2019s in downtown Bar Harbor, we enjoyed a lobster roll and fish \u2018n sweet potato fries. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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

\"Collage<\/p>\n

Scenes from our two-hour Nature Cruise aboard a catamaran in the waters of Frenchman Bay. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Meeting American Cruise Lines\u2019 President in Bar Harbor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While we were in Bar Harbor, we had an unexpected, special encounter with American Cruise Lines\u2019 President\/CEO, Charles B. Robertson<\/strong>, who came aboard the American Maverick<\/em> with his wife and two daughters.<\/p>\n

\"My<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2019s not unusual for \u201cCharlie\u201d Robertson to pop in for brief visits when he\u2019s in the area. Robertson succeeded his father, Charles A. Robertson, the founder of American Cruise Lines, as President\/CEO after his father\u2019s passing in February 2020.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A spectacular sunset, viewed from the top deck of our ship in Bar Harbor. Photo by Debbra Dunning Brouillette<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Bucksport: Sky-High Views and Fort Knox<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our day in Bucksport, Maine<\/strong><\/a>, began with a visit to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory<\/a><\/strong>. We rode Maine\u2019s fastest elevator<\/strong> up 420 feet for 360-degree views of the Penobscot River and the Maine countryside. It\u2019s the world\u2019s tallest bridge observatory open to the public<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Approaching<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The second part of the tour featured a guided exploration of Fort Knox<\/a><\/strong>, named after General Henry Knox<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

Bangor: Lumber, Lore, and Stephen King<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Our final port, Bangor<\/strong><\/a>, is Maine\u2019s third-largest city. A former lumber capital<\/strong> for much of the 19th century, Bangor is perhaps better known as the hometown of author Stephen King<\/strong> and as the inspiration for the town of Derry<\/strong> in several of his novels.<\/p>\n

\"Stephen<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t leave Bangor without stopping by Stephen King\u2019s home and the 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue. Photos by Debbra Dunning Brouillette and Julia Bayly<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

We made a photo stop at Stephen King\u2019s home<\/strong>, 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<\/a><\/strong> and the Cole Land Transportation Museum<\/a><\/strong>. As we passed through the town center, we caught a glimpse of the 31-foot-tall Paul Bunyan statue<\/strong>, erected in 1959. It commemorates Bangor\u2019s claim as the birthplace of the legendary Paul Bunyan and its rich logging heritage.<\/p>\n

More About American Cruise Lines<\/strong><\/h2>\n