Epic Portland, Maine Port Day | Majestic Princess New England Cruise
Our day in Portland, Maine started with the smell of fresh donuts and the buzz of the busy harbor. We spotted The Holy Donut and couldn’t resist trying their famous potato donuts. The line was long, so we decided to explore the city first and catch the duck tour that promised views from both land and water. The tour gave us a new look at Portland’s lighthouses, cobblestone streets, and quiet charm.
After wandering through local shops and picking up a few handmade souvenirs, we headed back to the ship for lunch at Alfredo’s Pizzeria. The food, friendly crew, and relaxed atmosphere made it easy to unwind. Watching the city fade as we sailed away, we felt grateful for the small discoveries and the calm of the sea after a full day of exploring.
Key Takeaways
- We explored a lively coastal city known for its local flavors and charm.
- We enjoyed a mix of sightseeing, unique food, and relaxing moments on board.
- We left with memories of friendly people, scenic views, and a smooth sail onward.
Discovering Portland, Maine
Downtown Favorites
We started our day by joining a duck boat tour, which took us through both Portland and South Portland. From the water, we spotted two lighthouses, including the well-known Portland Head Light. The views of the harbor looked even better once we recognized all the landmarks later from our ship’s balcony.
After the tour, we walked through downtown and stopped by popular spots like The Holy Donut, known for its potato-based donuts. The line was long, but it was worth it for the unique flavors. We grabbed a few varieties for everyone to try.
Charming Stone-Paved Paths
Not far from the main streets, we found quiet alleys with cobblestone walkways. These paths gave the area an older, cozy feel. We stopped here to take a few photos and enjoyed how peaceful it felt compared to the busier sections of town.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface | Cobblestone |
| Atmosphere | Quiet and relaxed |
| Location | Just off the main street |
| Perfect for | Photos and short breaks |
Local Makers and Handcrafted Goods
Near the pier, a row of local vendors sold handmade crafts, art, and souvenirs. Unlike markets we’ve seen in other ports, these stalls offered unique items that actually reflected Maine’s style. The vendors greeted us kindly without being pushy, which made browsing enjoyable.
A few favorite finds:
- Hand-carved wooden ornaments
- Small paintings of Maine’s coast
- Locally made jewelry
We appreciated being able to support local artists before heading back to the ship for lunch at a waterfront restaurant.
The Holy Donut Experience
Unique Potato Treats
We finally made it to The Holy Donut after our duck boat ride around Portland. The line stretched down the street, but we knew it was worth the wait. Their donuts are made with potatoes, one of Maine’s main crops. The mix of potato and dough gives the donuts a soft, rich texture that feels different from regular ones.
| Flavor | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maple | Sweet glaze | Smooth and light |
| Old-Fashioned | Classic | Simple and firm |
| Chocolate Sea Salt | Specialty | Sweet with a hint of salt |
Sampling New Donut Flavors
We grabbed a box with a mix of donuts to split between us. Everyone picked one to claim—I called maple, which turned out great. Each bite felt fresh and warm, and we could tell they used real ingredients. We compared favorites, laughed, and shared bites just to be sure we didn’t miss anything.
Flavor favorites so far:
- Maple for its sweetness
- Chocolate Sea Salt for balance
- Old-Fashioned for that classic feel
Visiting Tips
If there’s a line, we suggest doing a short walk or a quick tour first, then returning when it slows down. The shop sits near a cobblestone alley filled with small booths that sell handmade crafts. Vendors are friendly and don’t push you to buy anything, which makes browsing easy. It’s a good stop to grab souvenirs before heading back to the ship or hotel.
Portland Duck Tour Adventure
What the Tour Included
We joined a fun duck boat ride that took us all around Portland and across to South Portland. The vehicle rolled through the streets and then splashed right into the harbor. It gave us a different look at the area, showing both the city and the coast from one trip.
Highlights:
- Drove through downtown streets
- Entered the water smoothly
- Passed by the ship docks and bridges
Waterfront Views
Once on the water, we saw beautiful sights all around us. The harbor felt calm, and the view stretched across to South Portland. We spotted our cruise ship in the distance and recognized the spots we had walked earlier that day.
| Location | What We Saw |
|---|---|
| Harbor | Ships, docks, calm blue water |
| South Portland | Duck boats launching |
| Waterfront | Bridge views and open sky |
Coastal Lights and Landmarks
Out on the water, two main lights caught our attention. They stood across from where our ship was docked. Later, when we returned to our balcony, we spotted the same lights again from another angle. As we sailed away, we passed the well-known Portland Head Light, which stood out on the rocky coast with crowds gathered around it. It was a great way to end the day before moving on to our next stop.
Dining Onboard the Majestic Princess
Midday Meal at Alfredo’s
After a full morning exploring Portland, we went back on board and headed straight for Alfredo’s. We ordered minestrone soup to start and decided to share a few pizzas. The space felt relaxed, and sitting down with cold drinks after walking around was a relief.
Delicious Pizza Options
We tried the Cal Italia pizza topped with gorgonzola, parmesan, and a drizzle of balsamic. It had a nice mix of flavors—sweet, tangy, and cheesy. One of us ordered a pan Siciliano, sort of like a tuna melt with mozzarella. Another grabbed a classic pepperoni pizza, and our friend went big with a huge calzone that looked amazing.
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cal Italia | Gorgonzola, balsamic glaze, parmesan | Sweet and savory mix |
| Pan Siciliano | Tuna, mozzarella | Warm and filling |
| Pepperoni Pizza | Tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni | Classic favorite |
| Calzone | Mixed fillings | Very large portion |
Cool Drinks and Sweet Treats
We ordered rounds of the 24 Karat Margarita, which had the right mix of sweetness and salt on the rim. It quickly became one of our favorite drinks of the trip. For dessert, some of us picked tiramisu, while others tried a warm apple tart with a flaky crust. Both matched perfectly with the relaxed mood and view from the ship.
Ship Amenities and Activities
Movie-Themed Garden Lounge
We stopped by the indoor pool area, which has a calm, fresh feel. It stays cool inside even though it’s fully enclosed. Families can relax here since it’s open to everyone, not just adults. A bar sits at the far end, and bathrooms are nearby. It’s a nice spot to unwind after a long day exploring on shore.
Features:
- Comfortable pool area
- Family-friendly setting
- Nearby restrooms
- Refreshing atmosphere
Life Jacket Borrowing Area
We noticed a neat station set up with life vests of different sizes. A clear sizing guide helps everyone pick the right fit before heading near the water. It’s an easy, safe option for passengers who might need a vest during certain ship activities.
Life Vest Sizes:
| Size | Recommended Fit |
|---|---|
| Small | Kids and petite adults |
| Medium | Most adults |
| Large | Broad or tall adults |
Nighttime Shows and Performances
Once evening comes, the ship lights up with live entertainment. We can choose from large theater productions or smaller lounge acts that run at several times through the night. It feels lively across the ship, and the shows make for a fun way to wrap up the day together.
Show Schedule Highlights:
- Main Theater: 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM
- Lounge Performances: 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM
Personal Memories and Helpful Travel Advice
Fun Shirts That Spark Conversations
We had people stopping us all day to talk about our shirts. One man in the elevator even gave a quick hug after reading the funny message printed on mine. Moments like that make travel more personal and lighthearted.
If you enjoy meeting new people, wear a shirt that stands out. It can turn a quiet elevator ride into a shared laugh. We found ours from Hollits at Sea, and we were impressed by both their shirt designs and their cruise videos.
Quick tip: Bright or funny shirts invite friendly comments and help start conversations naturally.
Buying from Local Makers
Right near the dock, we found a row of vendors selling handmade Maine crafts. Each booth offered different items, from woodwork to small souvenirs. Unlike markets in some tourist spots, no one pressured us to buy; they just greeted us warmly.
| Why We Liked It | Details |
|---|---|
| Unique finds | Every stall had something different and clearly made by hand. |
| Friendly sellers | Locals were polite and easy to talk to. |
| Good cause | Our purchases helped support small Maine artisans. |
If you have time before boarding, it’s worth strolling through the vendors. You can find memorable gifts and help local businesses thrive.
Sailing Out of Portland
The Coastal Beacon
As we sailed out, we spotted the tall white lighthouse standing firm along the rocky coast. The waves rolled against the shore while crowds gathered nearby for a closer look. From our balcony, we could clearly see the second light farther back, the same ones we passed earlier on the duck boat tour.
| Landmark | Location | View from Ship |
|---|---|---|
| Main Lighthouse | South Portland | Close and clear |
| Second Light | Further inland | Visible behind the first |
We talked about how different it looked now that we were at sea. The calm water gave us an open view of both lights and the shoreline stretching behind them.
The Last Glimpse of Town
Everyone came out to watch the harbor fade behind us. The air felt cool and quiet as the ship pushed forward. We could still make out the cobblestone alleys, rows of vendor booths, and the spot where we had donuts earlier.
- The Holy Donut: Maine’s famous potato donuts
- Street booths: Handmade local crafts
- Duck Tour launch: Right across the bay
We agreed that Portland turned out to be a fun stop. The mix of friendly locals, unique food, and calm harbor views made it memorable.
Heading Toward St. John’s
Once the shoreline disappeared, we turned our thoughts to the next port. We would reach St. John’s around 9:00 a.m. and stay until 6:30 p.m. Our plan was to explore the Bay of Fundy and see what made it so well-known.
We stood at the rail as the sun dropped lower, the lighthouse flashing behind us. The day’s schedule showed entertainment ahead, but for now, we just enjoyed the quiet start of the open sea.
Meet the Majestic Princess Crew
We gathered in the theater tonight where the lights dimmed, and the music started. One by one, the senior officers walked on stage, smiling and waving as the crowd cheered.
When Captain Paul S. from Wales appeared, everyone clapped louder. He stood tall, thanked us for sailing with them, and gave a short welcome before introducing the rest of the crew.
Below is a quick look at some of the team we met:
| Role | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Paul S. | Leads the ship with skill and a calm presence |
| Senior Officers | — | Manage daily operations and safety at sea |
| Entertainment Staff | — | Organize shows and activities for guests |
After the introductions, the host reminded us about the evening shows—Encore in the Princess Theater and live acts in The Lounge. We could feel the excitement all through the ship as the night officially began.
