Windjammer Northeast Cruises
In the days when steamships shared the ocean with tall sailing ships and schooners, crews of the steamships coined the term "windjammer" to insult the sailors. Today, it identifies ships that are highly sought after for adventurous cruise vacations, particularly in the northeastern United States. Take your pick of cruises that range from a two-hour sail to see the sunset to a six-day cruise to help your ship win the annual Great Schooner Race.
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Two-hour Morning, Afternoon or Sunset Cruise
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Try out a windjammer on a 90-minute or two-hour cruise if you're not yet ready for a full-fledged windjammer vacation. Downeast Windjammer Cruises in Cherryfield, Maine's most popular two-hour cruise is its Sunset Sail aboard the Margaret Todd Schooner, which sometimes features live music. The company also hosts an afternoon sail, and a morning sail, which features a narrator from the National Parks Department and a search for bald eagles, seals and other ocean wildlife.
Weekend to Five-day Cruises
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Opt for a weekend cruise or one as long as five days and you will find a plethora of choices, such as Maine Windjammer Cruises, which offers a weekend, three-day, four-day and five-day cruise on The Grace Bailey, the Mercantile and the Mistress. The Grace Bailey and the Mercantile are National Landmark schooners that retired from the cargo trade. Highlights of these cruises include exploring the islands and the coast of Maine, a New England lobster bake on shore and plenty of sailing.
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Special Interest Cruises
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Board the schooner J.& E. Riggin, owned by another company named Maine Windjammer Cruises, for a three-day or six-day knitting windjammer cruise, a six-day schooner race sponsored annually by the Maine Windjammer Association, a kids and family cruise, six days of music, a six-day culinary cruise or a fall photography cruise. Choose the Isaac H. Evans for a drawing and painting cruise, a chocolate lovers cruise, a pirate adventure or a cruise to see puffins.
What to Take and What to Leave Home
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Bring casual clothes for layering to be comfortable in all weather conditions, such as shorts, T-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, sweat pants and a windbreaker. Wear rubber-soled athletic shoes or sneakers. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, rain gear, and a coat if you go late in the season. For Special Interest Cruises, bring your knitting or other specific gear. Bring your digital camera but leave your laptop and other digital devices at home. If you must bring them, use them discreetly with headphones and ear buds. Check with your cruise provider ahead of your trip for their specific recommendations.
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Resources
- Photo Credit margaret todd schooner in bar harbor maine image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com
