Rockland ME (Maine)

Rockland ME is a port town in Maine (USA), located on Penobscot Bay and Gulf of Maine. The region is best-known for its rocky, mountainous coastline and hundreds of inlets and harbors. Approx 10 ml (16 km) to the east are the islands North Haven and Vinalhaven, easy to reach by ferries from Rockland. The nearly mile-long granite breakwater protects Rockland Harbour, making it one of US East Coast's finest recreational and boating marinas. The town has total area approx 39 km2 (15 ml2) and population around 8,000.

Among the port's signature sights are the Rockland Breakwater lighthouse, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, the Farnsworth Art Museum. Abenaki Indians called Rockland "Catawamteak", meaning "great landing place". Famous as Lermond's Cove, Rockland was first settled around 1769. In 1777, it became the "shore village" district. In 1848, it was set off as the city of East Thomaston, in 1850 renamed Rockland, and in 1854 became a city. Rockland developed fast because of its two principal businesses: lime production and shipbuilding. The opening of Knox and Lincoln Railroad (1871) brought influx of tourists. Many hotels and inns were established, the major one being The Bay Point Hotel (estd 1889).

Port Rockland started its cruising business in 2006, and currently handles around 40 ship calls yearly. The cruise port is visited mainly by small ships owned by USA-based companies, such as American Cruise Lines and Blount Small Ship Adventures.

As cruise port, Belfast ME is included in the regular schedule of USA's largest river cruise company - American Cruise Lines. Next table shows American Independence ship's 7-day "Maine Coast and Harbors" itinerary as ports sequence.

Prices started from ~USD 3100 per person with double occupancy.

Rockland ME cruise terminal