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17 Ships in the Princess Cruises fleet

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Sea Princess Overview

From morning to night, the Sea Princess is glowing with elegance and passengers with smiles on their faces. In the mornings, the early risers can be found at breakfast, lounging by the pool or taking a jog around the pool deck. By the afternoon, the ship is in full swing, with many passengers lounging in The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat. The ship’s kids are busy in the Youth Center playing games, making crafts or challenging each other at the video arcade. Passengers have even more options at night, when some will choose to get dressed up for a formal evening of dinner, dancing and lounging. Others are inclined to enjoy a meal at the buffet and a late night swim. The choice is yours aboard the Sea Princess .

• Passenger Capacity: 1,950
• Year Built: 1998
• Last Refurbished: 2014

Sea Princess Cruise Destinations

Princess Cruises offers a wide array of cruising destinations, as well as a Cruisetour program that is revered in the cruising industry. This impressive selection includes over 100 itineraries reaching over 300 ports all across the world. Whether cruise to take in the beautiful fall foliage of Canada and New England or a splendid voyage to sunny Tahiti, Princess Cruises can offer you a great value with an exceptional experience. Other destinations include, but are not limited to: Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Australia, and more. 

Sea Princess Departure Ports

Princess Cruises has one of the most extensive set of sailings. Their ships travel the world embarking from popular ports like New York City, Vancouver, Venice and Los Angeles. They also have cruises that sail from smaller, more exotic ports like Kobe in Japan and Valparaiso in Chile. We’ll help you find a Princess cruise you’ll love, give us a call today. 

Sea Princess Deck Plans

Fiesta deck, emerald deck, promenade deck, dolphin deck, caribe deck, riviera deck, sea princess staterooms.

Balcony (BA)

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It's also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Balcony (BB)

Balcony (bc), balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf), balcony (bx), balcony (by).

Inside (IA)

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Inside (IB)

Inside (ic), inside (id), inside (ie), inside (if).

Oceanview (OW)

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. Features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room: two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (O4)

Enjoy the added benefit of a view of the ocean from either a picture window or porthole that brings in natural light. This stateroom includes all the amenities of an interior room: two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Oceanview (O5)

Oceanview (o6), oceanview (oc), oceanview (oe), oceanview (of).

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of Champagne. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed, premium bathroom amenities and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

Owner's Suite features an expansive cabin and oversized balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Photo Gallery for Sea Princess Cruise Ship

A lot has changed since the days of the Love Boat . Check out this photo gallery of what a Princess ship looks like in the 21 st century. 

Sea Princess

Movies Under the Stars

The Sanctuary

Youth Center

Top 10 Sea Princess Cruises

Learn more about princess cruises.

Accessibility

Learn about Princess Cruises' handicap accessible cruise ships and accommodations for guests with special needs, disabilities or mobility restrictions.

Savor dining aboard Princess Cruises, including the Main Dining Room, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse, Crown Grill, Bayou Café, International Café, Chef's Table, room service and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Princess Cruises' onboard entertainment, including Movies Under the Stars, stage shows, dancing, karaoke, comedy shows, casino games, bars and lounges.

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Engage in Princess Cruises' onboard activities, including movie nights, ScholarShip classes, pools, hot tubs, poolside activities, sports courts, art auctions, ship tours, duty-free shops and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Princess Cruises takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Princess Cruises' awards.

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Unwind at Princess Cruises' spa and fitness programs from the Lotus Spa and Lotus Fitness centers. Relax with a massage, facial, pedicure or Botox, or get a workout with a gym class.

Special Events

From holidays to weddings, make your Princess Cruises vacation even more special by celebrating at sea.

Explore Princess Cruises' premium staterooms, including suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms. Princess Cruises' family- and mini-suites give you room to spread out.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Princess Cruises. Most ships have youth programs for ages 3+, including kidsitting, youth dining, youth centers and teen lounges.

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Sea Princess

She’s one of australia’s favourite ships – and to celebrate her 20 th birthday next year she’s had a bit of a nip and tuck..

The Sea Princess sailed to New Zealand this weekend on her inaugural cruise from Brisbane for the season before she sets off on her world cruise from Sydney.

So what’s new aboard the Sea Princess ?

The cabins:

For a start, every one of the cabins has a new bed. And not just any bed. It’s the Princess Luxury Bed developed by US sleep expert Dr Michael Breus – who we first met on the Majestic. Read his sleep tips here https://cruisepassenger.com.au/get-best-sleep-life-princess-cruises-voyage/

The beds feature individually wrapped coils and are designed to deliver the best sleep for anyone aboard a Princess ship. Combined with an awesome pillow menu, you’ll get an amazing sleep – we know, we’ve tried the beds.

The suites have also had a makeover – see our picture gallery for a sneak peak.

The Entertainment

We were treated to a version of The Voice on the Ocean – a show based on the smash bit TV series, but with passengers as contestants and crew as their mentors. It’s fun. But all we can say is: it depends on just how talented the passenger manifest is on any one voyage. But we can see how it can be addictive. You get to vote in the finals with an electronic voting system.

The Princess Theatre features Encore, choreographed by Danny Teeson. It’s a mix of pop, opera and musical theatre. We haven’t see this show, so do send in your verdicts!

The good news is our Princess favourite – Movies Under the Stars – has been improved with a new screen which doubled the image quality. We love this part of the cruise, so anything that makes this experience better gets our vote.

We were treated to lunch at the “reimagined” Osteria Corniche” – and the good news is this Italian favourite really has had a fantastic makeover, with a new menu featuring some really sensational pizza dishes.

We know – what can you do with a pizza that hasn’t been done before, right?

Well, how about bacon-wrapped prawn? Or our favourite: prosciutto, pear, gorgonzola and spinach? Try getting that out of Dominos. We don’t think so!

The appetizer was langoustine tails martini cocktail. And the desert: Espresso Crème Brulee or Pavlolva panna cotta.

We loved (and ate!) them both.

Ok, so it doesn’t have monster waterslides. But Princess Cruises is determined to fight back. So it’s mobilizing its partnership with the Discovery Channel to produce some immersive and enriching stuff for kids. They are calling it Discovery at Sea – but before all your teens despair, there is also Play Station 4, and a super jukebox system that allows kids to play the music they want. Teens can stay up till 1pm – that has to be appealing.

The details

Sea Princess, which carries 3,000 passengers and crew, will make 12 round trip cruises to New Zealand from Queensland. Fares for 7-night cruise through Queensland to the Great Barrier Reef start from $949 per person twin share, with a $100 shore excursion credit per stateroom when you book a balcony and above.

On June 5 it sets off on an epic 106-day itinerary visiting 27 countries and 41 ports, travelling 32,000 miles from Sydney to Dubai, Southampton and New York.

The new trans-Atlantic route includes Iceland and Greenland, Quebec City and ports along the Atlantic Provinces.

There will be 30 UNESCO world heritage sites.

See www.princess.com or call your local travel agent

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Sea Princess

Reviewed by: Erica Ward

Date: October 2019

Cruise line and ship: Sea Princess

Passenger capacity: 2,000

Passenger to Crew: 2.2:1  

Size of ship: 77,499

Year built:   1998

Year refurbished/revitalised:   Various and latest was 2017

Where the cruise line cruises:   South Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Circumnavigate Australia, Hawaii, World  

Currency onboard:   Australian based cruises are AUD, otherwise USD

Main features/highlights: Small ships like Sea Princess make for a more intimate experience. There are two adults only spaces onboard – one aft called The Oasis with a lovely pool and deck chairs and a bar, and The Sanctuary (a cover charge for The Sanctuary and only a splash pool). The midship Neptune’s pool where Movies Under the Stars is held has plenty of room and lots of deck chairs and the pool is large. Pizza, beer and burgers on a hot day would go down a treat here. 

Most suited to: Mature travellers. While there are family facilities onboard there is not a lot to entertain children. The itineraries Sea Princess cruises are longer so she generally does not get many youngsters. 

Atmosphere: Relaxed and stylish – more like the golden age of cruising. On longer cruises there are formal nights. 

Dining options:  There is certainly a huge selection of dining options to chose from!

• Rigoletto – Main Dining Room, Flexible Dining. Dinner
• Traviata – Main Dining Room, Formal Dining. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Cafe Corniche – Italian. Lunch, Dinner
• Riviera Grill – Burger Bar. Open from around 11am to 7pm. Situated outside the Horizon Court on the Lido Deck and serves a range of burgers (including vegetarian), hot dogs, kebabs and fries
• Sundaes – Ice Cream Bar. Serves free ice cream during the day. Milkshakes incur a small charge
• Horizon Court – Self Service Buffet. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Explores Bar – Additional charge coffee house serving specialty coffees and fresh warm cookies (complimentary)
• 24-hour Room Service – Passengers can make use of the complimentary room service ($3 charge for pizza delivery) at any time of the day or night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Ultimate Balcony Dining – $32 per couple breakfast, $50 per head dinner. For passengers wishing to enjoy a romantic dining experience with breathtaking views from their own balcony
• Chef’s Table – $95 per person. Dinner. The Chef’s Table experience provides the chance to tour the ship’s busy galley during dinner service, where the ship’s executive chef previews the evening’s menu with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and Champagne for guests to enjoy
• Sterling Steakhouse – Seafood, Steak House. $20 per person. Dinner

Bars:  As with dining there is certainly no shortage of options here either, with a little something for everyone.

• Crooner’s Bar – piano bar for the martini lovers
• Riviera Bar – poolside
• The Wheelhouse – nautical themed ol’ English Pub
• Seaview Bar – adults-only pool
• The Nook – whiskey bar
• Legends Sports Bar – speaks for itself

Entertainment: The Princess Theatre is home to dazzling stage shows produced by the Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz. The Vista Lounge has more relaxed audience participation shows like the Voice at Sea and trivia. A Monte Carlo Casino is on offer. Movies Under the Stars is a Princess original – poolside with free popcorn you can enjoy the latest releases, sporting events, concerts and more on the giant 27 metre screen with a 69,000 watt sound system.

Staterooms: Rooms have recently been refurbished and every one has the award-winning Princess Luxury Bed. The rooms are s pacious with classic lines. Mini-Suites and Club Suites are the same with the Club Suites receiving all the upgraded amenities and services of priority embarkation and disembarkation, one-time complimentary wine setup, evening canapés, luxurious terry shawl bathrobes and exclusive Main Dining room seating with dedicated waitstaff and more. The aft suites are bigger with larger balconies.

Family facilities: Camp Discovery is an option for ages 3-17 and is split into 3 spaces.

• Treehouse – ages 3-7
• Lodge – ages 8-12
• The Beach House  – for the teens

Inclusions:   All main meals, entertainment and some beverages. Gratuities included when departing from Australia.

Exclusions: Spa treatments, specialty dining, most beverages and gratuities.

Self-service laundry: $2 per load for washing and for drying, and detergent is $1.25; ironing equipment is available without charge. Captain’s Circle Elite members receive complimentary laundry and professional cleaning services (regular, not express service). Located on Plaza Deck 5.

Insider tips: The aft suites are a lot more spacious with bigger balconies. Not a lot of children onboard so you don’t really need to pay the cost of using The Sanctuary. The oceanview staterooms are larger than the balcony (room size) as the balconies are formed by cutting into the hull.

Overview: A lovely older ship that harks back to the golden era of cruising. She is definitely not modern but has been well looked after with tasteful refurbishments. Small ship cruising without all of the bells and whistles.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Things I Loved, Plus 4 Things I Didn’t During Princess’s Alaska Cruisetour

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• Types of Travel

On my first morning after embarking on the Royal Princess Hamilton Cruise ship on a sea and land cruise from Vancouver through the Inside Passage of Alaska and up to Fairbanks, I sat on my portside balcony and watched the gray seas as the pale morning sun rose.

A sudden movement caught my eye, and the head of a humpback whale rose directly out of the water, suspended for a brief moment before it disappeared under the sea.

“Did I just see that?” I muttered sleepily to myself. As if to answer me, the telltale poof of water shot out of the sea, followed by the dark, subtle hump of the whale as he followed alongside our massive 1,083-foot long ship .

Instantly, I ran inside to wake my travel buddy, but by the time he got to the balcony, the whale was long gone. However, that whale sighting was a premonition of extraordinary adventures to come on the Princess Cruises’ 12-17 day Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour .

From luscious food choices and all-day entertainment to excursions and off-shore adventures through Alaska’s small coastal communities, the Alaska Cruisetour was probably one of the most fun trips I had taken all year. While I had my first cruise in January on a small excursion ship, I was invited and hosted by Princess Cruises to experience my first “big” cruise ship. For some reason, I had poo-pooed the idea of the big “floating city” cruise ships in the past, but the 12 days of sailing and traveling with Princess changed my mind.

I get it now. I get why people dream of cruises and just how easy it is to relax and just enjoy when you are being pampered, cared for, and catered to by a cruise ship company. Coming from the eyes of a brand-new cruiser (this won’t be my last cruise, I guarantee you), here are the seven things I loved — plus the four things I didn’t — during the Princess Alaska Cruisetour.

7 Things I Loved

1. medallion magnificant and the staff.

The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass™ ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. The MedallionClass ships use touchless technologies in the form of a small, quarter-sized customizable Medallion and an app to enhance and personalize individual experiences and health protocols. 

This thing is so cool. I had my Medallion customized with an astrological symbol and ordered the rubber wristband. While wearing it, the Medallion automatically unlocks and locks my stateroom door as I enter it, allows staff to find me anywhere on the ship to deliver my daily Bloody Mary, allows for touch-free boarding and purchases, let me find my travel companion on the ship, and more. 

“So let’s say you’re out tanning by the pool and you want to get some extra sunscreen, you can go on the app on your phone and order sunscreen which will be purchased through the app and delivered to you where you are anywhere on the ship,” said Briana Latner, public relations and marketing for Princess Cruises. “We’ve also introduced ‘Dine My Way,’ which helps you make reservations in the main dining rooms and the specialty dining, helps get rid of wait times and helps you with your special preferences.”

Another feature of the Princess Medallion is the Ocean Compass, which allows you to locate and message your travel companions. Whomever you are traveling with is automatically named as travel companions in the app, but you can remove each other if you choose to.

“Sometimes there are kids who are teenagers. They can go off on their own, but you want to make sure you know where they are and they’re safe,” Latner said. “Many people who are traveling with parents or the elderly who may get disoriented find it’s been really helpful  to be able to find each other too.”

Travel blogger Erin Cohen said the Medallion created a level of ease on her trip that shocked her.

“It makes you eat too much,” she laughed. “Everything comes to you at the snap of a finger or the touch of a button. The Medallion makes life almost too easy, but it’s great.”

Combined with the Princess Medallion, the staff on the boat is top-notch. Our stateroom was cleaned twice a day at least (the Medallion lets staff know when you are out of your room so they don’t disturb you), the bartenders all know your name and preferred drink, and every crewmember greets you with a cheerful hello.

Using the app and the Medallion was super convenient when it came to purchases, ordering, getting around, and more.

Pro Tip: Download the app before you embark on the cruise to upload safety and health documents, pre-book activities and dining, and get used to all the features. It’s a lot to learn. You can order the Medallion ahead of time and either have it sent to you prior to the cruise or you can pick it up upon embarkation.

Fun Fact: The Pacific Princess was the star ship in the 1977 television series called The Love Boat . That series also made the concept of a sea-going vacation popular with millions of people and has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the cruise industry.

2. By Land And By Sea

The Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetours are a combo land and sea experience. In addition to a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise that includes two glacier-viewing experiences and stops in the small Alaskan communities of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Whittier (Anchorage), you’ll also explore Alaska’s interior with a guided land exploration tour.

Once you’ve disembarked from the ship, you can spend 3 or more nights on land at the various Princess Wilderness Lodges , including the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, and the Fairbanks Princess Wilderness Lodge.

These lodges are situated riverside near the legendary Denali National Park and Preserve, on the stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula, and in Fairbanks. Each lodge offers its own unique personality.

You will also travel by rail in a private Princess Cruises scenic railroad car and by tour bus to the various locations.

We were on the Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour , which offers the highest level of service with a dedicated tour director, the 7-day Voyages of the Glaciers cruise, 5-10 nights on land, travel on the Princess Alaska rail service, stays at Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park , a Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park (We saw three grizzly bears!), sightseeing opportunities, and most meals included.

What I loved about this option was the ability to see not only the glaciers and wonders of coastal Alaska along the Inside Passage, but a chance to explore the famed national parks of Alaska’s rugged and beautiful interior. It truly was the best of both worlds.

“You see pictures but to see it in person is just like, it’s hard to believe this is even real. The whole time I was in Alaska, I just kept saying it was like a movie set,” said Cohen.

3. All The Choices (And Unlimited Drinks)

So maybe you are craving a pepperoni pizza while you lounge in one of the many hot tubs on the 16th-floor deck. Maybe one night, all you dream of is a big juicy steak with a Maine lobster tail. Maybe you want a lot of choices from the all-day buffet.

On the Royal Princess, the more than a dozen dining choices come in many different flavors, ranging from high-end steakhouse to Italian cuisine to sushi. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Princess has a buffet that features Asian, Indian, American, and Latino cuisine, as well as breakfast items, fresh fruit, a pastry bar, and more. On the fifth floor in the central Vista, a small deli is open 24/7 for the late night/early morning crowd.

The ship also has numerous bars, and because we were given the unlimited drinks option, we put those to good use. From the poolside bars to the cozy Wheelhouse Bar with its live music, you’ll not have to worry about finding the perfect cocktail or Alaska beer to sip on. 

Although I dined at the fancy Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, the buffet was our go-to option most days due to the sheer variety of foods to choose from. Be warned, though: It’s easy to let your eyes be bigger than your stomach, and you can end up eating more than you planned because the food is just so tasty.

4. Lots Of Viewing Areas

The Alaska Cruisetour I was on started from Vancouver and sailed through Alaska’s Inside Passage through some of the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen. With glaciers, waterfalls, misty mountains, and otters and whales frolicking in the waves, it would be a crime not to take it all in.

I loved all the decks and viewing areas on the Royal Princess. From our own private balcony to picture windows throughout the ship to expansive decks, the views just kept coming.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars! I really regretted not bringing the pair I own. Trust me, you won’t regret taking them when the whales and otters make their appearance.

5. Performances And Special Programs

You’ll never get bored on this Cruisetour. Starting as early as 6 a.m. every day, the Royal Princess has events, special programs, classes, naturalist talks, and fun activities. From morning stretching on the deck to art auctions and contests to game shows and line dancing classes, this ship doesn’t stop!

In addition to the hourly activities, excursions, and options during the day, The Royal Princess presents big musical shows, comedians, naturalist talks, and more in its expansive Princess Theatre. The smaller bars and venues feature live musicians and fun, silly game shows while the main Vista area of the fifth floor holds concerts and dance parties. The ship even has a disco, a hopping casino with slots and table games, a very large fitness area on the 17th deck, poolside movies, a pickleball court, a Discovery Camp for kids, and more.

Every day, a daily newsletter listing all the activities on the ship is delivered to your room, so it’s easy to find and choose what performances or classes you’d like to take part in. If you are bored at all on this ship, that’s on you! Seriously, you’ll have a hard time picking which fun activity to do.

6. Being Pampered

After days of hiking, exploring Alaska’s small communities, whale watching, dancing all night, and maybe having one too many cocktails, it’s nice to be pampered. The Royal Princess’ onboard Lotus Spa brings you to a place of peace and Zen with services like traditional massage, acupuncture, facials like the La Therapie HydraLift facial, couples massage, and Aroma Stone Therapy Massage.

After relaxing, cruisers can head to The Enclave , a getaway of thermal suites and a hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. Sweat out your worries at a Turkish-style steam bath, steam rooms, and dry saunas for purification and detoxification, then doze off on the heated stone beds or relaxing water beds.

Another pampering experience is Royal Princess’ The Sanctuary , an adult-only retreat on the top deck with private cabanas, food and drink, and al fresco massages. The “Serenity Stewards” are quietly efficient in delivering everything you need, from fresh mimosas to towels.

7. All The Excursions

With 12 days of adventure, it would be impossible for me to list all the land and sea excursions available through the Royal Princess Cruisetour. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find all the options through the Medallion app and with the onboard concierges.

For my excursions, I went out on a crab boat in Ketchikan to learn about crab harvesting and to stuff myself silly on Dungeness crab, roared up winding mountain trails on a UTV, spotted whales, climbed glaciers, kayaked pristine mountain glacial lakes, toured and spotted wildlife on a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park and so much more.

The excursions range from the sedate and relaxing to the wild and extreme, so there’s a little bit of everything for anyone. You can see the list of available excursions here .

4 Things I Didn’t Love

1. prices of excursions.

Alaska is expensive. There’s no getting around that fact. Being able to enjoy the Alaska landscape on a guided excursion is going to cost you. Some of the most expensive excursions include flights on small planes and helicopters, but they tend to be the most popular as well, like the Denali Flightseeing tours and helicopter tours of surrounding glaciers.

You aren’t required to purchase excursions, however. If you’d rather explore the different ports on your own, you can do that too.

2. Not Enough Time In Each Port Or Land Lodge

When you are cruising, you have a schedule to keep. You might fall in love with tiny little Skagway, but you only have a day in port. You may want to spend more time at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge with its cozy rooms and fireplaces, but you only have one night.

The fact that you do not have control over how long you can stay in any one place is certainly not Princess’ fault, but it is a bummer and a fact of life when cruising.

3. No Coffee In The Room

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is not having coffee available in my room when traveling. Yes, ordering coffee to the room was easy and the staff at Princess were on top of my caffeine addiction, but it would have been nice to have one of those little coffee makers tucked away so I could make my own coffee.

One great thing about the Royal Princess is the ability to order coffee and breakfast the night before. Each day, you can fill out a form listing what items you’d like to order and what time they should be delivered, so that’s convenient.

4. Staffing Problems At The Lodges

Like so many other destinations, Alaska has a worker shortage. That desperate need for seasonal and long-term employees has led to some staffing issues at some of the lodges. While the Royal Princess ship boasts 1,346 crew members from more than 30 different countries, some of the lodges had problems filling spots, which led to slowdowns, some maintenance issues, and longer wait times.

My best advice is to stay patient with the destinations and with the staff that is working. Everyone is doing the best they can with less.

All in all, my first “big cruise” experience was stellar and has made me a believer! Hopefully, this won’t be my last cruise, and if you yearn for an easy, well-organized way to experience Alaska, the Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetour is the way to go.

For more on cruises and sailing , explore these articles:

• My 7 Favorite Meals On Viking’s New Expedition Ship
• 6 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall
• 9 Tips For Cruising The Mediterranean With Costa

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

Scenic Nature Cruises in Northeast Harbor, Maine

• Visit an Island Fishing Community!

Acadia National Park MORNING Cruise

See the Great Harbor of Mount Desert, visit a fishing community on Islesford, and visit the cliffs of Valley Cove in Somes Sound Fjord. The morning trip is typically narrated by a Park Ranger or one of our professional staff!

• Hour Glass 2 hours 45 min
• Calendar May 18 - October 17, 2024
• Clock 9:30 AM
• Visit an island fishing community!

Acadia National Park AFTERNOON Cruise

See the Great Harbor of Mount Desert, visit a fishing community on Islesford, and visit the cliffs of Valley Cove in Somes Sound Fjord. The afternoon trip is narrated by our professional narrators.

• Clock 12:45 PM

Seals & Fjord Cruise

Join us for a late afternoon cruise to visit some of our most popular attractions! See the seals playing in the water and cruise into the breathtaking Somes Sound fjord where majestic mountains with vertical cliffs rise directly out of the sea!

• Hour Glass 2 hours
• Calendar June 15 - September 1, 2024
• Clock 4:00 PM

Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a stunning sunset over Somes Sound. The mountains of Acadia and the breathtaking Cranberry Isles provide the perfect backdrop for dramatic sunsets mirrored across the sea.

• Hour Glass 1 hour 30 min
• Calendar July and August (Sun, Tues, Wed, Thurs)
• Clock 6:30 PM (July) | 6:15 PM (Aug.)

Welcome to Sea Princess Cruises

Discover the treasure of Mount Desert Island’s southern shore on the Sea Princess’s unforgettable scenic nature cruises. Watch seals basking on East Bunker Ledge, see a bald eagle soar overhead, view historic homes, visit the quaint fishing village of Islesford on Little Cranberry Island, and take in the majestic splendor of Somes Sound Fjord’s mountain peaks and rugged shores. Each trip is a unique nature experience. Book in advance; tours often sell out!

Private Charters

Sea Princess is available for your special function. Whether it is transportation to the Cranberry Islands, the Islesford Dock Restaurant, a private narrated scenic cruise, or a catered party up Somes Sound Fjord, Sea Princess can make your event memorable. Contact us for details or to arrange a charter.

People Give Our Northeast Harbor Boat Tours 5 Stars!

Our tour guide, Mike, was knowledgeable and really interesting. He showed us eagles, seals, and other creatures. A very reasonably priced and wonderful afternoon.

We lucked out with perfect weather and totally enjoyed this cruise. Everything went smoothly and professionally. I definitely recommend Sea Princess cruises.

This cruise was very enjoyable and accompanied by a knowledgeable and interesting ranger. Saw white tailed eagle, seals and harbor porpoises on our trip.

The host was informative, had a nice sense of humor, and was always willing to answer questions. We enjoyed touring the Cranberry Islands. We highly recommend this tour.

This was an amazing trip. The crew was informative, and we got a forty minute break on Cranberry Island. We saw seals and lots of birds. It was great.

This local cruise was suggested to us by a random tourist who raved about it. We immediately made a reservation for the three couples. The guide was excellent.

Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

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That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

When is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region.

There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I've been on 2 ultra-luxury cruise ships — endless caviar and free flights make the $685 per day worth it

• The cruise industry's  new ultra-luxury ships  could be worth the expensive fares.
• Wealthy cruisers get high-end amenities like complimentary flights, caviar, and wine.
• Luxury small-ship cruising has becoming increasingly popular. 

Say goodbye to questionable lunch buffets and tiny, windowless cabins. On ultra-luxury cruises , travelers get mountains of caviar, roundtrip business-class flights, and floating Rolex stores.

When you think of a cruise, you might picture the giant ships run by companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. On these family-friendly floating resorts, activities like go-kart tracks, waterparks, and virtual reality arcades are commonplace.

On smaller, more expensive cruises, these large and loud amenities are replaced with peace, quiet, and foie gras.

Cruises are generally considered an affordable vacation option, with necessities like food and a cabin included in the base fare.

However, many mass-market cruise companies are increasingly following the budget airline model : Charge a cheap fare and pile up plenty of irresistible pay-to-play amenities.

Travelers could easily accidentally blow past their budget by the end of the vacation.

But guests luxuriate on high-end cruises, many of which are all-inclusive and don't have this problem.

Sure, luxury cruises have a higher base fare. But you'll never have to reach for your wallet once on board.

That's about as stress-free as you can get with a vacation.

"I'd rather have a few empty beds and get the right guests at the right price," Michael Ungerer, CEO of MSC Group's new luxury cruise line , Explora Journeys, told Business Insider in 2023. "Most of [the amenities] are already included, so we don't have to upsell."

After going on two luxury cruise ships, I now understand why so many wealthy travelers are splurging on these vacations at sea.

In 2023, I spent one night on Explora Journeys' Explora I while it was docked in New York and three nights on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur while it sailed roundtrip from Miami. Both were complimentary non-revenue events for travel agents and media.

Seven Seas Grandeur's least expensive 2024 cruise is a seven-night roundtrip Miami voyage in December, starting at $4,800 per person — about $685 per day. (Travelers can book their own flights and pre-cruise hotels for a discounted fare.)

Meanwhile, Explora I's most affordable itinerary is a $3,030-per-person, 10-night November sailing from Barcelona to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Expensive? Yes. But on a cruise, money buys happiness.

On both ships, the fare includes complimentary bottles of Champagne, WiFi, endless alcoholic beverages, and access to the spa.

With Regent Seven Seas, pre-cruise hotels, every on board restaurant, flights to and from the ship (business class if international), and most excursions are also included.

Ironically, a higher price means a smaller ship.

The 922-guest Explora I stands at 813 feet and 63,900 gross-tons. The 746-guest Seven Seas Grandeur is smaller at 735 feet-long and 55,000 gross-tons.

To compare, Royal Caribbean's most popular and the world's largest cruise ship, the 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas , is a casual 1,196 feet long and 248,663 gross tons.

We’ll likely never see Icon of the Seas’ waterslides and theme park amenities across Regent Seven Seas' or Explora’s fleet.

But small ships have two big benefits: exclusivity and the ability to fit in more desirable ports.

The Grandeur is scheduled to sail to destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Castries, Saint Lucia, while Explora I is planned for Hawaii and Casablanca, Morocco.

Icon of the Seas is exclusively sailing in the Caribbean this year.

Luxury ships still have some traditional amenities like pools, restaurants, and bars — just with an upscale flair, of course.

Instead of arcades, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have cigar lounges.

Instead of a kid's playground, the latter has a quiet library.

Even the drinking water is better: No need to travel to Erewhon to sip on crystal-infused water. Just head to Explora I's spa instead.

The devil (quiet references to quiet luxury) is in the ships’ details.

Explora I has the first Rolex store at sea. The Cartier boutique is right next door.

Up a few decks, travelers can workout at the Technogym Artis Line-supplied gym, where a treadmill costs $20,250 and an elliptical $15,500.

Meanwhile, Seven Seas Grandeur is decorated with 503 chandeliers and a $6 million art collection that includes several original Pablo Picasso pieces and a custom Fabergé egg.

As expected, the food on these luxury ships are comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Both floating five-star resorts have lunch buffets of raw seafood, lobster tails, and crab legs.

For dinner on the Explora I, travelers can dine on the six restaurants' wagyu tataki, grilled octopus, and aged prime rib with potatoes and caviar.

The Seven Seas Grandeur's five restaurants all serve some form of black truffle, sturgeon caviar, or foie gras.

For a 10-night cruise, Regent Seven Seas says its new ship carries 1,200 pounds of lobster, 20 pounds of caviar, and 5,000 bottles of wine — the most pricey at $2,500.

Expensive food means expensive service: Like many high-end on-land restaurants, the hostess always offered me a black napkin when I wore dark pants.

Dinners of steak tartare, lobster, and wine were as commonplace as the scrambled eggs at the breakfast buffet.

And, they're free, according to the laws of " girl math ."

By the end of my second night on the Regent Seven Seas ship, "I'm tired of eating caviar" went from being a joke to a serious statement.

If we're stereotyping, cruise ship bars can be less-than-luxe.

But don't call Explora I's Lobby Bar, which looks like it came out of an actual hotel bar, "trashy." After all, its background music comes from the overhead Steinway piano.

Starbucks outposts are becoming increasingly popular on mass-market ships.

But wealthy cruisers don't get to wake up with green siren-decorated cups of caffeine.

Instead, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have their own coffee shops serving delectable espresso-based drinks and a separate afternoon tea service.

Like the lack of mediocre coffee, travelers on these fine ships will never be stuck in a tiny windowless interior cabin.

The smallest stateroom on the 461-cabin Explora I starts at 377 square-feet and flexes high-end amenities like a Dyson hairdryer.

The 373 cabins on the Seven Seas Grandeur start a bit smaller at 307 square-feet. At least it comes with L'Occitane en Provence products.

Both options have walk-in closets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies. That's unheard of in the cheapest cabin on most mega-ships.

But one of the most pleasant differences between ultra-luxury and mid-tier cruises isn't in the amenities or dining.

It's the general ambiance.

Ultra-luxury ships aren't designed for cruising families with young children . The two ships didn't have cartoonish decor, loud lounges, or an unbearable number of children that could've kicked my fight-or-flight response.

Instead, the high-end vessels' common spaces were modern, mature, and relaxing.

If it seems like everyone you know has recently booked a cruise, you’d be correct.

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival have recently seen off-the-charts bookings.

The same applies to the industry's more niche and expensive peers — especially as travelers have increasingly splurged on luxurious vacations like small-ship cruising.

In February, Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Regent's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , said demand for its luxury brands has been "very high."

After eating caviar and black truffles for every dinner on the Grandeur, I now understand why.

• Main content

Acadia National Park MORNING Cruise

• Restroom on board
• All Fees and Taxes
• Sea Princess Cruises, 26 Sea St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USA Meet at our ticket window located in the Chamber of Commerce building at the Municipal Marina
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 64 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Sea Princess Cruises 26 Sea St, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USA Meet at our ticket window located in the Chamber of Commerce building at the Municipal Marina See address & details
• Pass by Northeast Harbor
• 1 Cranberry Isles Stop: 45 minutes A major highlight of the middle of the trip is a 45-minute stop at the 200-year-old lobster fishing village of Little Cranberry Island where you can visit Acadia National Park’s renowned Islesford Historical Museum (depending on the season) and explore an unspoiled offshore island community reminiscent of days gone by. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• MFKBurlingtonOntario 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles first and last cruise Tried our first cruise last year with princess lines, we went Jan 2023 for ten days.the ship was the Enchantment,17 decks high,3000 feet long.The food was good,the entertainment was good,the ship is super clean.But you have go by their time line to reboard also they kick you off the ship at 7:30 am upon return arrival, my body can't deal with this.The excursions are not worth it!!! It,s great for people who are in their 70,s or 80,s. You have take an elevator every where.I learned that starting this year they are charging for room service and for the use of their restaurants,not nice, so it was a fist and last experience,we like to go to the beach daily.One last thing, there were 3200 passengers out of a max 3600,and they still owe me $50 bucks for a over charge, thats our take. Mark K burlington ont ca Read more Written February 17, 2024
• KevinF2913 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Poor service etc Service is shocking at bars and only reasonable in the dining rooms ! Very understaffed. The told us on our last cruise covid was responsible for poor staff levels . What’s the excuse now ? Rooms are dated . Four rooms in our group and three have an issue . Last Princess cruise !! Read more Written February 8, 2024
• Ahappycustomer23 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bar Harbor cruise An excellent cruise with a very knowledgeable guide. Fortunately, the weather also co-operated and the tour was great Highly recommend this cruise Read more Written October 20, 2023
• johnK2633RZ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun and informative The narrated 3-hour nature Cruise was both fun and informative. Received a good description of the geological history of the area and had the opportunity for much Wildlife viewing. Compared to similar offerings this one offered a good value for the cost. Read more Written October 20, 2023
• Anindya G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles NIce trip to several islands along the coastline of northern MAine This was a delightful 2.5-hour excursion that allowed us to explore the charming islands peppering the northern Maine coastline. We were treated to splendid vistas of the Bear Island lighthouse, East Bunker Ledge, and the Greater Cranberry Island. Little Cranberry Island, where we spent approximately 45 minutes, exudes an old-world charm, evoking a sense of a bygone era. A leisurely stroll through its streets was incredibly rejuvenating. En route to and from the island, we were fortunate to encounter some of the local wildlife, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. Moreover, our journey was enriched by the company of a highly knowledgeable park ranger whose insightful commentary further enhanced our trip. I wholeheartedly recommend this excursion to anyone eager to discover the picturesque coastal landscape of northern Maine. Read more Written October 19, 2023
• Dan D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful boat adventure This boat trip was well worth it. We have been to Acadia several times and decided to do something different this time. We are glad we did. We saw gray and harbor seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and much more. We visited Little Cranberry Island. Mike and Sean were very informative, funny and nice. Highly recommend this trip Read more Written October 18, 2023
• VeryMerryMen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Pleasantly surprised! We took our baby and 2 year old and crew was very accommodating to us bringing a stroller. Saw all the wildlife “expected”. Pleasantly surprised to have a park ranger aboard with a mic to inform us of all the history and details of the nature and life around us. Was able to stop and buy hot chocolate at a little shack during the 40 min stop in Isleford on Little Cranberry Island. Bring your binoculars! There were no bad seats on the boat. The captain made sure that he turned the boat around whenever there was an amazing sight or creature to behold so that everyone in the boat could see it! Read more Written October 14, 2023
• 579lynng 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent cruise- highly recommended Really enjoyable cruise - Mike our guise was fun & engaging with a myriad of interesting facts to share. We saw 3 bald eagles, a variety of sea birds, porpoise & seals. A stop on Little Cranberry was also fun - good value for money and a lovely, relaxing afternoon trip after many days of hikes. Read more Written October 12, 2023
• cynthiah441 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Nice cruise - saw lots of wildlife. The cruise was nice. We saw a variety of birds, some seals and even some harbor dolphins! We did change to this cruise last minute because of the stop on Cranberry Island, but maybe because it was after season there wasn't much to experience there. The ranger did open the museum which was nice. Overall it was a nice morning. Read more Written October 12, 2023
• Tim H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Most Enjoyable Cruise We sailed the day after Tropical Storm Phillipe and had a wonderful time! Even though the cruise route had to be changed due to these circumstances, everything was done well. We saw several bald eagles and also a gray seal. We were very pleased we booked! Read more Written October 12, 2023
• deboraht099 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sea Princess Cruise Wonderful afternoon cruise. Winston was a great tour guide. We saw 3 bald eagles. Nice stop on Little Cranberry Isle. Relaxing and peaceful boat ride Read more Written October 11, 2023
• BoardingPass616373 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Enjoyable and educational cruise A park ranger in Acadia NP recommended this cruise to us. We took the first cruise of the day which had a park ranger on board. Emily, the park ranger was so informative she talked about the history of the local area, the different mammals and birds, the local ecosystem and the history of the park. The cruise was great we saw Bald Eagles, Loons, Harbor Seals, and even a Porpoise. The captain would circle the boat around so everyone could see the wildlife and the light house. The stop on Little Cranberry Island was a nice break and the staff at the snack shack were very friendly and welcoming. The captain and this deck mate were also friendly and a wealth of knowledge about local history. Highly recommend! Read more Written October 10, 2023
• Kathy B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nature boat ride If you live nature, you will love this tour. See lobster boats at work. So many birds and seal sighting. Nice stroll on little cranberry island. Read more Written October 9, 2023
• gbc903 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent time Great, informational tour around Cranberry Isles and the Somes Sound, we did the afternoon tour in early October 2023. Guide was fun and knowledgeable. Captain made sure everyone got views of everything, so it didn't matter where you sat on the boat. No issues with sea sickness for anyone. Saw one seal, two bald eagles, a couple porpoises, and plenty of loons and other birds! Read more Written October 9, 2023
• judygorski56 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent excursion Shaun (captain) and Michael (narrator) were both professional and exceptional at their jobs. We so enjoyed the tour and learned so much fascinating information. Thank you! Read more Written October 8, 2023

More to explore in Mount Desert Island

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Acadia National Park MORNING Cruise provided by Sea Princess Cruises