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Windjammer Multi-day Cruises

Take a look below and give us a call with any questions or to make your reservations!

Join us aboard Manitou for a unique adventure back in time. You will discover the beauty of northern Lake Michigan from the deck of this majestic sailing vessel while enjoying a level of relaxation rarely experienced in today’s frenzied world.

2024 WINDJAMMER SCHEDULE

To make Windjammer reservations, please call 231-941-2000

Cruise                                      Dates                                                           Price*

4-Day Explorer                             September 10th* – 14th, 2024                              $1070 per person

4-Day Explorer                             September 17th* – 21st, 2024                               $1070 per person

2-Day Explorer                             September 25th** – 26th, 2024                           $650 per person

2-Day Explorer                             September 27th** – 28th, 2024                           $650 per person

*Board between 6:00 and 8:00 pm on the first day. **Board at 1:00 pm on the first day. Prices based on double occupancy

WINDJAMMER CRUISES

4-day explorer.

September 10-14 & 17-21: Immerse yourself in the rhythm of shipboard life. Relax, read a book, engage in the lost art of conversation with your new shipmates, or hop in and help with the working of the ship. Like our 5-Day Explorer, these cruises give you a lightly structured opportunity to unplug and tune into the shipboard world around you, but with less of a time commitment.

2-Day Explorer

The schooner.

Manitou is one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes, constructed with modern materials but similar in design to vessels that sailed one hundred years ago. She was built specifically for passenger service, making her one of the most comfortable Windjammers afloat.

windjammer cruises

Our licensed captain has many years of experience, and with the professional crew, you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Manitou meets or exceeds all U.S. Coast Guard regulations for construction, stability, safety equipment and electronics for vessels in passenger service. If the wind should fail, the sturdy diesel engine powers her swiftly to the next destination. Because of her size and design, she ensures a comfortable relaxing sail for all. Manitou is two-masted, gaff rigged, topsail schooner, 114 feet in length with over 3,000 square feet of sail, and displaces (weighs) over one hundred tons. Up to twenty-four passengers can enjoy the pleasure and thrill of sailing aboard Manitou .

DESTINATIONS

Located at the base of beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, MI is the vibrant homeport for Manitou . Traverse City’s unique shops and galleries, as well as its many high-quality restaurants, are sure to enhance your sailing adventure.

Remove yourself from the trappings of modern life while aboard Manitou : no TV, phone (cell phones are discouraged), or email, and definitely no itinerary. The wind and weather conditions help determine our course, and after a good day of sailing we drop anchor at one of a variety of possible destinations. We may take in a little local color at a historic fishing village such as St. James on Beaver Island, or visit one of Michigan ‘s oldest general stores (est. 1839) while at Old Mission Harbor. The storekeeper will recount its fascinating history while serving up a genuine fountain soda or ice cream. Enjoy a little wine tasting in Omena Bay, or hunt for an ancient Petoskey Stone while beachcombing in Cathead Bay. A wealth of islands, bays, anchorages and coastal villages are within our reach.

windjammer cruises

ABOARD SHIP   

Life aboard the Manitou is fun and informal. The object here is to slow down and take things as they come. Discover the lost art of conversation with newfound friends, read a good book, marvel at the breathtaking array of stars, get back in touch with yourself. Many folks have told us that this is the best stress reliever they have ever found. While underway, you are free to leave the sailing to our experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. After Manitou tucks into a snug anchorage for the evening, take out our sea kayaks or rowing dinghy for a little exploration. Beachcombing is special fun for those who would like to further enjoy the beauty of many of our destinations.

windjammer cruises

You’ll love the food on Manitou . Our healthy menus will satisfy the heartiest of seagoing appetites, with emphasis on Manitou specialties, fresh fruits, and produce of the region. Our galley staff will delight you with bountiful home cooked meals turned out of the ship’s galley. All of the cooking is done on our wood-fired stove, and is served either family style in the main cabin or as a wonderful buffet on deck. Beverages such as juice, tea, and coffee are provided during meals. Soft drinks may be brought on board and stored in your cabin or in ice chests provided on deck.

windjammer cruises

ACCOMMODATIONS

Manitou accommodates twenty-four passengers in twelve double cabins. Each is nicely appointed but simple and rustic with two sturdy built-in bunks and electric lighting. They are clean, cozy, comfortable, and supplied with fresh linens, towels and warm blankets. All of the cabins and entries have plenty of headroom and windows which can be opened for ventilation. Passengers look after their own cabins and keep them “shipshape.” Skylights and seating areas around the ship’s various cabin sections add to the overall comfort for conversation or an intimate encounter with a good book. The ship’s marine heads (toilets) and hot showers are conveniently located on deck.

windjammer cruises

WHAT TO BRING

Pack comfortable, casual clothes in soft luggage instead of suitcases for easy stowing. Bring layers of clothing so you can be prepared for cool and cold nights as well as warm or hot sunny days. Rubber-soled shoes, bathing suits, sunglasses, rain gear, cameras, and musical instruments are items to be remembered. For those who might like to sleep on deck during nights with bright stars and the Northern Lights, a sleeping bag and cushioned pad should be packed as well. For the comfort of all on board:

  • Bring headphones for everyone’s comfort 
  • Smoking is permitted on deck only
  • Excessive drinking is prohibited
  • Minimum passenger age is 12

windjammer cruises

Cancelation Policy 

Passengers may cancel their trip up to 30 days before the boarding day and receive a refund of their deposit, minus a $25 per person processing fee. Cancelations within 30 days of departure are non-refundable. 

Windjammer trips may be canceled by Traverse Tall Ship Company if the minimum number of bookings is not met. We will evaluate this 30 days out and if the minimum number of bookings is not met, the windjammer will be canceled, passengers will be notified, and refunds will be issued.

Are you looking for your adventure in the True North? Have you always wanted to escape on a traditional sailboat?

Come work with us next summer.

Welcome to Maine Windjammer Cruises

The original windjammer fleet.

EXPLORE OUR OVERNIGHT CRUISE SCHEDULES & PLAN YOUR TRIP TODAY!

QUESTIONS? (800) 736-7981

Choose your experience on either of our two sailing vessels – our 29-passenger National Historic Landmark Mercantile for that true old time traditional adventure, or the intimate 6-passenger Swift .

2024 SAILING SCHEDULES

We are still finalizing our 2024 schedule, with slight changes from past seasons.  Please call us so we can design your special experience…we love speaking with former and future passengers!

  Our online booking system is nearly completed, but do call us if you need assistance.

We will offer three and sic-night trips, boarding either on Sundays or Wednesdays.  Our season begins June 2 and runs through early October.

Charters will be arranged on a case-by-case basis for any length of time.

 Reservations are processed in the order they are received.  Please be patient as we take care of all of our eager passengers.  Bookings made over the weekend sometimes cause a little delay, but rest assured that you will receive confirmation via email and regular mail once your reservation is fully processed.

Annual Calendar

Each year since the 1990s we have produced our annual calendar for those who have sailed with us or shown interest in our cruises. This past season, we celebrated our newest addition to the fleet.

VIEW THE NEW 2024 CALENDAR BELOW!

DOWNLOAD 2024 CALENDAR

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS:  click on the above link and download to your computer.  Print on good quality 8 1/2 X 11 paper or card stock . We hope this brings you daydreams of summer and sailing on the bay!  

If you are unable to download and print, please contact us and we get a copy to you.

https://mainewindjammercruises.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/2024-Calendar-TSeymour.jpg

Cruise Options

Weekly Trips Throughout the Season – We Have a Cruise That’s Right For You! Our Windjammer vacations are all-inclusive.

A $300 per person deposit is due when you make your reservation; the trip balance is due in full 6 weeks prior to your trip.  We understand that personal circumstances sometimes change, and you may find it necessary to cancel your trip.  Seven Corners Insurance specializes in sailing vacation coverage.

Cancellations must be made in writing prior to 8 weeks ahead of your trip.  A 10% per person handling fee of the total fare price will be retained and credited toward a future trip on a space available basis.

Cancellations made less than 8 weeks ahead of your trip can not be refunded unless we are able to rebook your cabin(s).  We do have a wait list, or you are welcome to find someone to take your place.  In the event we are able to re-book your berth, we will refund all but a 10% per person fare price handling fee.

PRE-SEASON THREE DAY CRUISE   or SIX DAY CRUISE  ABOARD THE MERCANTILE and SWIFT

Off-season rates, coupled with long days and uncrowded anchorages mean you will see more for less.

In June, crew and passengers are anxious to get started on a new season, and the windjammers are often the only vessels on the bay. The sailing is great and enthusiasm is high.

THREE DAY CRUISE – PRE-SEASON

These cruises are an excellent introduction to the world of windjamming. You may choose from the first or second half of the week. This can be a grand change of pace or the highlight of a longer Maine vacation. A Lobster Feast is included in all three-day cruises.

Board Sunday evening at 5:30 PM and meet your new shipmates. You will be on your own for dinner in town, but will sleep aboard your vessel.

After a hearty breakfast Monday, we get underway for our short adventure exploring the islands of Maine. You will return to Camden Harbor between 10 a.m. and Noon Wednesday. Often, people who take the first half pre-season 3-day cruise have such a good time, they ask to stay on for the second half.  IF SPACE ALLOWS, you can stay for the second half of the cruise, at an additional discounted fee.

SECOND HALF

The usual boarding time is 5:30 PM on Wednesday, but we may ask  you  to be in the area earlier and check in with us by phone.  In either case, you will return by 10 am on Saturday.

SIX-DAY CRUISE

Offered exclusively in the Pre-Season, these trips have it all. They are the best value with long days to sail and explore, a shore-side lobster bake, and lots of time to relax and unwind. Board Sunday evening and return Saturday by 10 a.m.

SUMMER SAILING

Available on the Mercantile and Swift.

THREE-DAY CRUISE

This cruise is an excellent introduction to the world of windjamming. Board Sunday or Wednesday evening, meet your new shipmates and have dinner on your own in Camden.  You will sleep aboard, and after a hearty breakfast the following morning, you’ll be underway for your adventure exploring the islands of Maine. This cruise can be a grand change of pace and certainly the highlight of a longer Maine vacation. A Lobster Feast is included in all three-day cruises. You will return to Camden Harbor by 10 a.m. Wednesday or Saturday.

FALL FOLIAGE CRUISES

This is a very special time of the year. Reduced fares make these trips  the perfect time to vacation in Maine. The beauty of the fall colors adds a new dimension to already breathtaking scenery. Crisp, clear days with brisk winds offer the best sailing of the season.  Trips board Sundays and Wednesdays.

Windjammer Events

windjammer cruises

Always on Labor Day weekend. Celebrate Camden’s rich maritime heritage as our schooners take part in the weekend festivities!

windjammer cruises

 WOODEN BOAT SAIL IN:    Mid-September.   Windjammers converge on Brooklin, Maine home of Wooden Boat School & Magazine. Refreshments, live entertainment and tours of the grounds & school. Be sure to bring your cameras and be ready for a great time!

FOR THE STAR GAZERS

windjammer cruises

Skies out on the water are always beautiful. With little light pollution the stars pop and the full moon becomes a beacon sparkling across the water. The annual Perseid Meteor Showers provide a spectacular light show producing up to 30 shooting stars an hour. At its peak it can produce up to 100.

FULL MOON DATES:   JUNE 21,  JULY 21,  AUGUST 19 and & SEPTEMBER 17

BEST STAR GAZING:  NEW MOON DATES:  JUNE 6, JULY 5, AUGUST 4 & SEPTEMBER 2

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER:  AUGUST 12-13 peak

Enjoying the view from GB

Special Occasion and Private Sailing Excursions Let Us Help You Plan Your Event Aboard Our Schooners

WE’LL PUT THE WONDERS OF THE MAINE COAST AT YOUR FINGER TIPS!  Our windjammers are available for weddings, reunions, family celebrations, team building and other activities.

Is your dream a windjammer wedding? Even if you reside out of state, it’s now simple to get a marriage license in Maine, and our captains can legally perform a wedding ceremony. Would you like to enjoy your wedding reception on Penobscot Bay or offer a trip on our schooners to out-of-town wedding guests?

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

windjammer cruises

We work with college alumni and other nonprofit groups to create fundraisers and unique travel opportunities. Even if you don’t have enough people to fill a boat,, discounts are available for  groups of ten or more.

Day Charters are sometimes possible on turn-around dates Wednesday and Sunday. Most trips are from noon to 4 p.m. We can carry from 29 to 49 guests on each of the big boats or smaller parties on the Swift. Please call for availability and prices. 800-736-7981

MORE REASONS TO CHOOSE MWC

windjammer cruises

Brides and grooms and those renewing their vows aren’t the only ones who look to a New England sailing vacation for a special event. Loved ones will never forget a birthday, anniversary, family reunion, graduation, or surprise party celebrated on a Maine windjammer. Our cruises are also popular for college and high school alumni reunions and sorority, fraternity, and professional society gatherings.

We can also provide a trip appropriate for a funeral service or memorial gathering. We look forward to helping you or your organization plan your special event.

OUR MAINE FARE

Food for your charter can be provided from our standard menu that includes lobster, fish chowder, and other traditional Maine fare, but we are willing to work with you for some adjustments or special requests.

Testimonials Click to view testimonials given to Maine Windjammer Cruises™ by passengers of some of our chartered cruises.

Rates vary with the number of passengers, length of cruise, and time of year.

Please plan early to reserve your special date, even if the season is already underway.

We require one-third of your payment at the time of your confirmed reservation, one-third between the reservation and balance date, and one-third 45 days before your departure date. Rates are all-inclusive. Other payment plans can be discussed.

Charters are nonrefundable, so we recommend trip insurance through a sailing insurance specialist such as Seven Corners.

A MAINE WINDJAMMER WEDDING CRUISE 

windjammer cruises

Is your dream a windjammer wedding?

ELABORATE OR SIMPLE – Whether a cruise with friends and family, a reception sail, a quiet sunrise/sunset ceremony as part of your cruise or trips for out of town guests, we are ready to assist in fulfilling your wedding dreams.

“Couldn’t have found a better wedding venue!!! ……Jan Marie

windjammer cruises

Contact Maine Windjammer Cruises by phone or email to let us help you plan your special day.

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Reserve Your Spot 207-542-1241 Schedule & Rates

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  • Private Charter and Weddings

Accommodations

Life aboard.

  • In the News
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Sail Away...

Join us aboard the Schooner Lewis R. French and set sail for a truly amazing sailing vacation. Our Windjammer cruises combine the beautiful coast of Maine with tremendous sailing aboard an historic tallship....not to mention the homemade cuisine and all-you-can-eat-lobster!

From Memorial Day through mid-October , we sail from Camden Harbor along Maine’s pristine coast, sharing the Lewis R. French with only 20 guests on each trip. Spend your days relaxing on deck, steering the ship, and enjoying the company of your shipmates. Unplug from daily life, tune into the sounds of the bay, and enjoy the escape of sailing a historic Maine schooner.

Launched in April 1871, the French is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest commercial sailing vessel in the U.S. She has been comfortably refitted with both single and double cabins , modern navigation equipment, and a full galley where our professional crew prepares delicious homemade meals, desserts and hors d'oeuvres all day long.

We look forward to sharing the Lewis R. French with you!

- Captain Becky Wright and Nathan Sigouin

Sailing Aboard the Lewis R. French

Cabin aboard the Schooner Lewis R. French

The Lewis R. French has 6 double bed cabins, 2 bunkbed cabins, and 4 single cabins. The cabins are cozy and comfortable. There is standing headroom, nooks and hooks to stow all your gear, and a comfortable bed in every one. Each cabin has running fresh water, an opening window, electric reading lights, and a USB charger and comes furnished with linens, blankets, and towels.

Breakfast aboard the Schooner Lewis R. French

Spend the days trimming sails, steering the schooner, learning about the Maine coast and wildlife, or just sit back, read a book, and watch the scenery drift past. The galley crew cooks up delicious meals on our wood cookstove, so those sea going appetites will be satisfied and then some. When the sun begins to set, the French will settle into a cozy harbor and swing silently at anchor.

National Historic Landmark Schooner Lewis R. French

The French was proudly named a National Historic Landmark and has a large following. From folks that have sailed on her as a windjammer to old-timers who remember her when she carried freight, the French has touched many people. It is a truly unique experience to sail on a vessel that has been active since shortly after the death of Abraham Lincoln!

windjammer cruises

"The ship – beautiful, the crew – warm and friendly, the food – absolutely fabulous, the weather – perfect. To sum it up in one word – Glorious." Sue and George C. West Boyleston, MA

The French in the Press

Our sailing cruise on a maine windjammer, the lewis r french, a sturdy maine schooner, maine magazine spent 3 days aboard in september of 2019.  read about their experiences..

More Lewis R. French Press Links

windjammer cruises

Now booking for 2024! Book today!

Windjammer Cruises

Join us on a windjammer cruise in bar harbor, maine. don't miss out, book your cruise today.

Parking Tip: Please allow extra time to find parking!

Schooner Sunset Sail – Margaret Todd

Our Sunset Sail is our most popular cruise – both romantic & fun! We often have live folk music: guitar, fiddle or banjo!

Schooner Morning Sail

Enjoy a 1.5 to 2 hour cruise of Frenchman Bay with beautiful views of Acadia National Park from the sea.

Schooner Afternoon Sail

Join us for a usually livelier, more exhilarating sail of Frenchman Bay, with stronger afternoon breezes.

Schooner Sunset Sail – Bailey Louise Todd

Our Sunset Sail is our most popular cruise – both romantic & fun! We often have live folk music, guitar, fiddle or banjo music.

Schooner Sunset Sail-Joshua

Join us for a Sunset Sail and enjoy snacks and our beverage service while you cruise around beautiful Frenchman Bay.

Schooner Morning Sail – Joshua

Schooner afternoon sail -joshua.

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 J&E Riggin. Maine.

Your Maine Adventure Awaits!

Come experience a Maine windjammer vacation along the rocky coast on the historic Schooner J.& E. Riggin . Enjoy 3, 4, 5, or 6-day eco-friendly sailing vacations as your windjammer cruise, departing from Rockland Maine, takes you past the spruce clad islands, unequaled rocky coastline and legendary lighthouse-dotted bays of Penobscot Bay.

This unforgettable travel experience is why over 65% of our passengers return year after year, not to mention the food!

Book Your Maine Sailing Adventure Today!

What’s new?

  • Our 2023 Sailing Schedule will feature NEW cruises like Sip & Sail Adventures featuring local mixologists, distillers, and brewers!
  • Jocelyn is making a Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Curry Soup to beat the chill.
  • The stays’l & jib are in the loft of Gambell & Hunter where they are being measured for replacement.

Noteworthy…

Named “Best Windjammer Fare” – a Maine Classic in the Best of New England by Yankee Magazine as well as one of the places to visit along New England’s “Maritime Trail” and “8 Perfect New England Weekend Getaways”.

Latest from the blog

Caulking the Deck : “One of the best things we can do to keep everyone comfortable on board the J. & E. Riggin is keep things dry. Especially in the cabins. The best way to keep the cabins dry, is to make sure there is plenty of material in between the pine planks that form the deck. The gaps between the planks are called seams and they are packed tightly with cotton and oakum before being sealed with a layer of hot pitch .”

About the Riggin

Schooner J. & E. Riggin is a proud member of the Maine Windjammer Association

Copyright © 2018 - 2024 Schooner J. & E. Riggin. All rights reserved.

IMAGES

  1. Why You Should Try a Windjammer Cruise

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  2. Downeast Windjammer Cruises and Ferries

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  3. Windjammer cruise

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  4. Windjammer Classic Sunset Sail with Cocktails

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  5. On a Windjammer cruise in Maine, passengers knit a seaworthy yarn

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  6. Maine Windjammer Cruises®

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VIDEO

  1. Memories 2023

  2. YTShort#43- Windjammer Market Place#LIKE SHARE SUBSCRIBE

COMMENTS

  1. Windjammer Multi-day Cruises

    WINDJAMMER CRUISES. 4-Day Explorer. September 10-14 & 17-21: Immerse yourself in the rhythm of shipboard life. Relax, read a book, engage in the lost art of conversation with your new shipmates, or hop in and help with the working of the ship.

  2. Schedules

    (800) 736-7981. Choose your experience on either of our two sailing vessels – our 29-passenger National Historic Landmark Mercantilefor that true old time traditional adventure, or the intimate 6-passenger Swift. 2024 SAILING SCHEDULES. We are still finalizing our 2024 schedule, with slight changes from past seasons.

  3. Schooner Lewis R. French

    Our Windjammer cruises combine the beautiful coast of Maine with tremendous sailing aboard an historic tallship....not to mention the homemade cuisine and all-you-can-eat-lobster! From Memorial Day through mid-October , we sail from Camden Harbor along Maine’s pristine coast, sharing the Lewis R. French with only 20 guests on each trip.

  4. Windjammer Cruises

    Windjammer Cruises | Downeast Windjammer Cruise Lines. Join us on a windjammer cruise in Bar Harbor, Maine. Don't miss out, book your cruise today! Parking Tip: Please allow extra time to find parking! Available for Private Charter-Call 207-546-2927. From $52. Schooner Sunset Sail – Margaret Todd.

  5. Offering a Maine windjammer cruise on the J&E Riggin, Rockland

    Enjoy 3, 4, 5, or 6-day eco-friendly sailing vacations as your windjammer cruise, departing from Rockland Maine, takes you past the spruce clad islands, unequaled rocky coastline and legendary lighthouse-dotted bays of Penobscot Bay. Welcome Aboard the Schooner J & E Riggin (w/ Captions) Watch on.