Cruise Specialists Hosts Steve and Wendy are on the road (or high sea’s in this case) once again with the Voyage of the Vikings. In fact, this is their 7th time doing this particular journey!
Why?
“It’s never the same experience twice. The places are unique, the scenery is amazingly beautiful and ever-changing, and the local people are friendly and happy to have us visit.
We love the quirky little ports and even the big cities on this distinctly Northern route. So even though you’ve heard our story before, we know there will be some new experiences and we hope a fresh perspective. We’re traveling just as passengers this trip – no hosting responsibilities – so we will have more free time to wander wherever the mood strikes. And as always, we love having you all come along.”
First stop: Bar Harbor
A coastal town oozing sunshine and tradition, there are few more dependable summer resorts than Bar Harbor. Here are a few ideas for how to spend your day in port from the main sights to the lesser known, pick your adventure.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: Opened in 1919, the first National Park east of the Mississippi River, Acadia covers more than 35,000 acres and is home to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast.
ABBE MUSEUM: One of Maine’s first museums and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, more than 50,000 exhibits chart 10,000 years of Native American life here.
NATURE: Whales feed off Bar Harbor’s coastline from mid-April and Maine’s ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the US. Several boat tours operate throughout the summer.
TAKE A BREAK
READING ROOM: For some of the town’s best ocean views and an excellent dining experience, book ahead for breakfast or dinner in the Reading Room at Bar Harbor Inn.
BLUENOSE INN: This year renowned pianist Bill Trowell plays his 18th season at the inn’s popular Great Room lounge with its cozy fireplace and hand-crafted cherry wood bar.
JORDAN POND HOUSE: While passing through Acadia National Park don’t miss this restaurant’s afternoon tea and popovers, a local institution and tradition since the 1890s.
OFF THE GRID
SCHOODIC PENINSULA: The only part of Acadia National Park on the mainland, the 440ft-long Schoodic Head a few miles east of Bar Harbor provides sweeping views of Mount Desert Island.
CRANBERRY ISLANDS: Two of the five islands are open to the public and provide scenic solitude for hiking and biking trips and excursions, plus quaint local history museums.
LULU’S LOBSTER BOAT: Learn about Maine’s illustrious lobster industry on the only boat tour in Bar Harbor using a traditional Downeast-style lobster boat. Tours last two hours.
ONE OF A KIND
SEE: The Wild Gardens of Acadia where more than 300 plant species, organized into nine display areas, reflect the local habitats.
EAT: For a true taste of Maine visit Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound where the crustacean of your choice is prepared over wood-fired cookers.
WATCH: Head to the 1,530ft-high Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to see the sunrise in the US during the fall and winter.
After setting sail on the way to their next destination, Steve and Wendy hosted the first get-together of Cruise Specialists guests at a pre-lunch reception. It was a group of about 120, including many people from previous cruises.
Don’t miss out on the 2017 Voyage of the Vikings! Click here to learn more >>
