The state has several major ports such as Portland, Bar Harbor, and Eastport that are popular departure points for cruises. These ports offer a variety of cruises, including:
- Coastal cruises: These cruises depart from Portland and sail along the Maine coast, visiting destinations such as Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and the Penobscot Bay.
- Island cruises: These cruises depart from Portland and sail to destinations such as the Casco Bay Islands and the Cranberry Islands.
- Whale-watching cruises: These cruises depart from Bar Harbor and sail to the Gulf of Maine, where passengers can watch whales, dolphins, and other marine life.
- Lighthouse cruises: These cruises depart from Portland and sail to destinations such as Portland Head Light and Owls Head Light, where passengers can learn about the history of lighthouses and the maritime industry in Maine.
- Lobster boat cruises: These cruises depart from Portland and sail to destinations such as Casco Bay, where passengers can learn about lobster fishing and can taste fresh lobster.