Land Ho: Windjammer Guests Make Landfall in Camden, Maine

Camden, MAINE – With half of the Maine Windjammer Association’s fleet of historic sailing vessels based in Camden Harbor, it’s no surprise they’ve partnered with Camden’s Premier Inns to offer a special sailing package that includes a cruise with extra time ashore to enjoy this sea- and mountain-side community.

The Camden Inn & Cruise Package offers a windjammer cruise along with two nights of hospitality at one of 11 inns just a stone’s throw from the windjammer docks. Passes to the Camden Hills State Park are also included, or guests can opt to take a docent-guided tour of the 300-acre Beech Hill Preserve in nearby Rockport. Miles of well-groomed trails offer excellent hiking as well as spectacular views of Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay and the islands beyond. One day, the innkeepers will provide a "Specialty of Maine" gourmet picnic lunch featuring lobster rolls and lots of local goodies.

Visitors can schedule their Camden shore leave either before or after their cruise. The 13 vessels in the windjammer fleet offer three- to six-day cruises from May to October. Guests are invited to participate in all shipboard activities, from taking a turn at the wheel to raising and lowering sails. All of the windjammers have a well-earned reputation for outstanding sailing adventures and delicious down-home cooking. One night everyone goes ashore for a traditional island lobster bake.

The town of Camden has been nicknamed “the Jewel” of the Maine coast, and is truly a picture-perfect seaside community. “Where the mountains meet the sea,” visitors encounter nostalgic charm surrounding the many fine restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Historic architecture is prevalent in the dozens of 19th-century homes;the widow’s walks perched atop them are reminiscent of a time when the wives of sea captains paced within, awaiting the first glimpse of home-bound sails on the horizon. A short distance from the center of the village is the entrance to Camden Hills State Park, with over 30 miles of hiking trails. Mt. Battie is one of the mountains that slopes gently from the water’s edge; it offers an auto-road to its peak for beautiful panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and rolling hills to the north and west.

In addition to the all-inclusive windjammer cruise, this package offers excellent value and the following features:

• Two consecutive nights accommodations in a queen room with private bath at one of Camden’s Premier Inns.

• Full breakfast each day and full use of Inn amenities.

• Two-day pass to Camden Hills State Park..

• Gourmet picnic lunch with lobster rolls and other local goodies.

Starting at $199 per person, based on double occupancy, the package upgrade can be added to any windjammer cruise, which range from $400-$1,150, depending on the length of the cruise. Solo traveler rates are available. Upgraded rooms and extended cruise or inn stays are also available at an additional charge, subject to availability.

For more information about the Camden Inn & Cruise Package, contact the Maine Windjammer Association at www.sailmainecoast.com or 800-807-WIND.