Overview: Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine on a Cruise
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In November 2022, via voting (1780 vs 1273) was placed a daily limit of 1000 cruise tourists, effective January 2024. A fine of US$100 per person is imposed on the company/operator for every disembarking passenger over the daily limit. Touted as Maine’s #1 seafood restaurant in Bar Harbor, Geddy’s features fresh local ingredients and sustainably sourced seafood caught in the waters directly in front of the restaurant. The menu offers lobster roll, fresh fish, wood-fired pizza, burgers, steak, and vegetarian and gluten-free options. In the same location for over 40 years, Geddy’s has current and historical pictures of the town lining the restaurant’s walls and a view of the water.
Where You Dock in Bar Harbor – Maine
As of 2019, Ferry Terminal Visioning Committee has approved the state-owned property to be used as a multi-use terminal. The current deal includes a 5-year lease for the CAT ferry providing daily connections Bar Harbor-Yarmouth. Other terminal uses could include a possible yacht marina, boat storage, overflow parking (for tourists), cruise ship tendering.
Bar Harbor Set to Drastically Limit Cruise Ship Visits - Travel Market Report
Bar Harbor Set to Drastically Limit Cruise Ship Visits.
Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
(NEW) Bar Harbor cruise terminal "Marine Atlantic"
The schedule of cruise ships visiting Bar Harbor varies throughout the year, with peak season typically running from May to October. During this time, visitors can expect to see several cruise ships docked at the port each week. In 2021, over 150 cruise ships are expected to visit Bar Harbor, bringing in thousands of tourists to the area. This pedestrian-friendly town has plenty of unique shops and art galleries to peruse, as well as an array of restaurants serving up fresh seafood and classic New England fare. Take some time to stroll along the waterfront path or visit the Abbe Museum to learn about Native American history in Maine.
Take a Whale Watching Tour
Passengers waiting for their ferry or bus can stay connected with free WiFi service available at both terminals. This allows visitors to keep in touch with friends and family back home or catch up on work while they wait. The free WiFi service is just one example of how the Bar Harbor Cruise Port strives to provide a comfortable and convenient experience for its passengers. For those looking to explore beyond the town itself, Acadia National Park is just a short distance away. The park is known for its breathtaking views of the coastline and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. Bar Harbor ME is a tender cruise port, which means cruise liners anchor in Frenchman Bay and their passengers are transported to the pier via the ship's tender boats.
The sandbar is typically open for three hours and once on the island, you can hike to the highest point for a spectacular panoramic view of the town of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island. Visitors also enjoy exploring the bar’s tide pool area for sea stars, barnacles, and crabs. You’ll want to keep your eye on the tide to avoid getting stranded on the island until the next low tide.
Local Flavor
Urban oases such as the Village Green and seaside Agamont Park have also been prominent elements in Bar Harbor’s layout, which pays homage to the past while embracing the future. This hour and a half to a two-hour tour of Frenchman Bay will give you beautiful views of Acadia National Park from the sea. Historic schooner vessels are used for a leisurely sail on Frenchman Bay. You will be treated to a narration about historical and geographical points of interest. The boat will pass lighthouses, mountains, fishing villages, and mansions....
Cultural Attractions
Some popular options include Stewman’s Lobster Pound, Geddy’s Pub, and The Thirsty Whale Tavern. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood or something else entirely, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye. The town has a webpage dedicated to materials developed by consultants and the local committee process. Anyone interested in this issue could follow port developments on the website. Bar Harbor is a port town on Mount Desert Island (Hancock County, Maine USA), with a population of around 5,000. If you are looking for a bookstore to replenish your reading material on board the ship or want to know more about Maine, this bookstore will be the place to stop.
Opened seasonally from early May to late October, this family-owned store offers southwestern Native American jewelry. Sterling silver jewelry in Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi designs offers you very unique and beautiful items. Many tourist shops and boutiques are located near the harbor in the downtown area. Most of them are located along Main Street and the adjacent side streets. Although cultural attractions are limited on Mount Desert Island, a handful of museums and galleries in Bar Harbor highlight the natural history and Native American heritage of the region. End your day by watching the sunset from Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the east coast.
After the ship drops anchor, cruise passengers are ferried back and forth to one of the port's 2 piers/docks in downtown (at 121 Eden Street). From there, they can connect (with trolleys and buses) to local attractions, including Acadia National Park. It is estimated that cruise tourists contribute USD 20+ million annually to Maine State's economy. Before the cruise shipping industry's pause (since mid-March 2020), the port expected nearly 200 ship calls and 300,000+ passengers. By mid-November 2020, Bar Harbor ME had booked 150+ cruise ship dockings (scheduled port calls) for season 2021.
Following the vote (945 to 658), the town purchased the state-owned Marine Atlantic property (former ferry terminal) from the Maine Department of Transportation. This facility served two Bay Ferries ships (The Cat, The Bluenose) connecting Bar Harbor with Nova Scotia Canada (Yarmouth). During season 2017, the cruise port handled a total of 171 ship calls (40% increase over 2016) and over 225,000 passengers. Acadia National Park offers over 120 miles of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. For an easy hike with stunning ocean views, try the Ocean Path trail which follows the shoreline from Sand Beach to Otter Point.
On July 7, town councilors voted to ban cruise ships after ACL-American Cruise Lines announced its plan to resume coastal voyages with some itineraries visiting several Maine coast towns. The scenic drive along Maine’s coastline is a must-do for anyone visiting Bar Harbor. The drive takes visitors past picturesque fishing villages, lighthouses, and stunning ocean views. One of the most popular routes is the Acadia All-American Road that runs for 40 miles along the park’s coastline.
Bar Harbor is known for its fresh seafood offerings like lobster rolls, clam chowder, scallops, and more. There are several restaurants in town where visitors can try these delicious dishes while enjoying beautiful views of Frenchman Bay or downtown Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Bar Harbor, and for a good reason. The park covers over 47,000 acres of breathtaking natural beauty, including mountains, forests, lakes, and ocean shoreline. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and more within the park’s boundaries.
The central area of Bar Harbor is quite small and easily explored by foot.
Yacht owners can also dock at Bar Harbor and explore the area on their own. With its stunning natural beauty and picturesque coastal villages, this part of Maine is a popular destination for boaters from around the world. Yacht owners can enjoy everything from whale watching tours to lobster dinners at local restaurants. Bar Harbor Cruise Port is a popular destination for cruise ships, located in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor, Maine. With over 150 ships and 300,000 passengers visiting annually, the port offers easy access to the charming town of Bar Harbor and its stunning natural surroundings.
Although you will find items reminiscent of the area, they are all made by hand. The shop is locally owned with jewelry, handbags, baby gifts, art, ceramics, and more. In Bar Harbor, Maine, summers are comfortable, and winters are very cold and snowy. During the winter months, from the beginning of December to the end of March, the average temperature is usually below 40 F. The coldest month is January, with temps at the freezing point most of the month.
This charming seaside town is bursting with fresh lobster from traditional lobster rolls and delicious lobster bisque to whole steamed lobster dinners and lobster ravioli. Fresh shrimp, scallops, oysters, crab, haddock, and other fish are also plentiful and the options for sea-to-table dining are nearly endless. If you’re not into seafood, no need to worry; you’ll also find Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisine around town. While fewer cruises may be scheduled during these times, you’ll still be able to enjoy all that Bar Harbor has to offer without as many tourists around. On November 17, 2020, Bar Harbor Town Council discussed the popular policy (for smaller seaports in the USA) to limit the annual number of ships due to the ongoing concerns over the COVID crisis.
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