Lucky Catch Cruises was one of the highlights of my first visit to Portland. As a solo traveler, I…read morewas looking for experiences that felt comfortable and fun on my own, and this was absolutely perfect. The excursion was not only enjoyable but also educational. I learned so much about Maine's lobster industry including how lobsters are caught, which ones are kept for restaurants, and why certain lobsters are returned to the water. It was fascinating to learn about the process and get a behind-the-scenes look at such an important part of Maine's culture. One of my favorite parts was getting to choose my own lobster. It was only $12 to keep the lobster I caught, and then I took it over to Portland Lobster Co. (just about a one-minute walk away) where they cooked it for an additional $15. The meal came with corn on the cob and a baked potato, and I was able to enjoy it right on the waterfront with plenty of seating, additional menu options, and live music. The boat ride itself was about 1 hour and 45 minutes and included beautiful views of Portland's coastline, seals, and other famous landmarks. The crew was wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, and they made sure everyone had a chance to participate. Even with 17 people onboard, no one was overlooked. They also took photos of everyone, which was a thoughtful touch. A few tips for future visitors: the boat has limited restroom availability, so I recommend using the restroom before boarding. Also, if you have time, definitely plan to enjoy your lobster afterward at Portland Lobster Co. it completes the experience. This was such a memorable way to experience Portland and a must-do for anyone visiting Maine.

We had such a great time on the lobstering excursion! It was early season but our crew managed to…read moresnag two lobsters. Even with the limited catch the crew were super friendly and provided some good information about lobsters, the industry, and the harbor! They made sure that everyone was able to get involved and had plenty of photo opportunities! We bought two lobsters off the boat and took it to Portland lobster co next door afterwards! I'd recommend this trip! Make sure you bring cash to purchase the lobsters from your trip. They were $12.50 each for ours!

My octogenarian mother and I had booked a harbor tour through another vendor and arrived to find no…read moreboat, no office, just an empty dock. We'd been scammed. Glancing over, we spotted people boarding a nearby vessel and rushed over. It was the Portland Discovery Harbor Sights tour, about to depart. I quickly explained our situation to a crew member, who conferred with the captain and with real generosity waved us aboard with one minute to spare, trusting us to pay at the ticket booth upon return. We were genuinely moved. My mother was visiting Maine briefly, and getting her out to see the lighthouses meant everything. The tour itself was wonderful; well-paced, informative, and beautifully crewed. Highly recommend.

What a wonderful way to end our amazing trip to Maine!…read more Our sunset cruise was simply spectacular! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Bob entertained us the whole time - interesting and witty, all without being annoying! This man was FUNNY! Nate was our trusty Captain, who kept us safely sailing. Dan was on the lower level serving up drinks. We saw such beautiful views, and took some really lovely photos. The whole trip was so memorable, relaxing and fun!

Took a private charter with Captain Ian and Chris to Great Diamond Island. We did the "Flappy Hour"…read moreexperience that Crown Jewel offers, which resulted in complimentary rose for all the guests on our way over to the island which took approximately 30 minutes one way. Great experience, good, safe service. The picnic boat is beautiful, comfy seating. We had 8 women which we fit comfortably, you could fit up to 12 people, but I'd imagine if it's all average sized adults, that could be a little too snug. Huckleberry, our boat dog, was an added plus and possibly the most gentle pup. Would do this experience again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend doing private if possible.

Perfect ride out to Diamond and back. Nice rose served while on board with great crew. I would…read moredefinitely do it again!

It was a pleasant as well as well as an educational tour. Got to see lots of seals and many islands…read moreon this coastal tour with a crew of 2 very knowledgeable and friendly people.

Great tour to Eagle Island, saw seals on Green Ledges, fun for a group. Meet up at So. Freeport…read moredock near Brewer's boat yard. Friends and families can bring refreshments on board. Thanks to guide Peter and crew.

everything you need , nothing you don't at a beautiful beach community venue…read more fantastic catering.

How are there no reviews for this place?! Maine...you really have to catch up with the times (and I…read morecan say that because I grew up there). Anyway, this is a fabulous beach! There is plenty of parking, nice restroom/shower facilities and best of all they have a little snack shack just off the sand which serves up some yummy snacks. We opted for some fries & sodas which were perfect for a hot day on the beach. As for the beach itself it's quite large, surrounded by beautiful million dollar homes and has plenty of space to spread out and not feel crowded by your neighbors. One of the best parts is that when the tide goes out you can make your way out to a sand-bar on the beach across the way, it's a good way to get into the cold Maine water without actually swimming. All in all a perfect beach day on our trip back home to Maine.

Many pleasant memories remain of our Maplewood Ballroom dance Centre experiences…read more With a keen desire to participate and dance again at this wonderful venue, we often check for when it will once again be available to the Ballroom dance community. Hopefully there will be a reopening!

The venue was awesome! The owners - not so much. I'm not surprised this place closed. I felt like I…read morehad to walk on eggshells to not break rules such as not being allowed to bring my purse in with me (I guess they thought I would smuggle in contraband like WATER), not to chew gum (she said it could drop out of my mouth onto their precious floor lol), no water fountains so step right up and BUY water, etc. I was waiting for my friends to check in and I had to go to the bathroom and she said because I had not paid yet she would escort me to the bathroom and back WTF. I guess she didn't want me changing into a disguise in the bathroom and blending in to the non-existent crowd to get in free? I also had left my street shoes there when I left (you have to change into dance shoes) and a week later I realized and called and NOPE! She said she didn't have them! I also took a class there and I got dizzy and went to sit ringside at one of the tables and she chastised me not to interrupt the lesson and sitting wasn't allowed WTF. The parking lot was full of potholes as well. with a decrepit old sign out front. The owner John passed away a few years ago who also used to be the DJ. When his wife and daughter took over this place went downhill especially with the unwelcoming attitude. I would love to see this place taken over by customer-friendly owners.

Neal was the best!! Highly recommend this cruise for a bachelor/bachelorette! Can peddle as much or…read moreas little as you want.

We had the MOST amazing time! Our captain Than (or dan) was AMAZING! We had so much fun!! We were…read morehere for a bachelorette party & he put up with us, let us play our music & let us be our crazy selves!! I didn't want the boat ride to end! I 10/10 recommend!!!!!

My two children and I have visited this resort four times now, with our first three visits being…read morebefore the new owners took over. We always loved it here. While the rooms were a bit dated, you come for the breathtaking beauty of the Maine coast, not to spend all day indoors. Over the years we've stayed in the Driftwood, Dockside, and Overlook buildings. This was our first visit under the new ownership, and we stayed in the Islandview building. I can definitely see the improvements being made around the property. From what I've heard, the Dockside has been renovated, and the Driftwood has also received some nice updates. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay in either of those buildings this time. The Islandview rooms could still use some updating, and I'd probably rename them "Treeline View" since there's only a minimal view of the ocean. That said, one unexpected highlight was the wild blueberries and raspberries growing just off the back deck. The kids had so much fun picking them! We made the most of our stay, spending far more time outside enjoying everything the area has to offer than inside the room. The staff was wonderful--friendly, welcoming, and always helpful. Breakfast was delicious and very much appreciated. My only suggestion would be to start breakfast at 7:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. I'm an early riser, and although I was told coffee would be available at 7:00, I wasn't able to find it. Overall, we had a wonderful stay and are already looking forward to coming back. I'm excited to see how the property continues to improve under the new ownership. You truly couldn't ask for a better location on the Maine coast!

Loved it!! Staff was great, beautiful location. Rooms were nice and view was spectacular.read more