While every trip we make is part of our story, the most important story is the one we write together in partnership with our ridership. That’s why we’re excited to share a new video featuring testimonials from a few of our passengers. It’s a quick look at the connection between Casco Bay Lines and the diverse ridership that boards our fleet.

Click here, or on the image below, to watch the video.

Now we want to hear from you!

A new ridership survey is now open, and we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a regular rider or a first-time visitor, your input is invaluable. The survey is open until December 16.

Click here to share your feedback.

We look forward to continuing to incorporate the voices of our customers as we look ahead to the future of Casco Bay Lines.

The post Passengers Sharing Stories on Casco Bay Lines appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

In partnership with family-owned Benoit’s Design Co., we’ve answered calls from riders eager for Casco Bay Lines gear. These timeless tokens, perfect for all ages, can even be shipped (ha!) internationally. But enough with the sea-nanigans… Let’s take a peek at a few new pieces:

Hats Off to Casco Bay!

A classic snapback gives a knowing nod to the hard work of our past and the promise of a shared sunshine-filled future. Made from high-quality materials, each one-size-fits-all hat is adjustable so that it stays snug during those refreshing ferry rides. Priced at $30, these timeless pieces of memorabilia are only sold at our ticket windows.

Stay Hydrated, Stay Connected

Help sustain the bayside environment we all love by staying hydrated with a reusable, BPA-free, stainless steel Casco Bay Lines water bottle. Crafted with double wall insulation, your drinks will stay fin-tastically cool even on the hottest days. We’ve even got your refills covered with our water bottle stations when your bottle needs a lil pick-me-up, fill up! 

Featuring a laser engraved silhouette of Casco Bay, these $24 water bottles can be purchased at a Casco Bay Lines terminal or through our online store, found by clicking here.

A Gift for Young Mariners

A felt pennant makes a fun keepsake for the young maritime enthusiasts in your life. Warm colors and a fun design welcomes kids (of all ages, really) to explore and treasure the bay. Whether adorning a bedroom wall or used as a flag to claim a family campground, this pennant, priced at $20, makes for a memorable gift for any up-and-coming captain and is available online, found by clicking here.

We are so excited and grateful for this opportunity to bring you this collection of new merch through our new online store. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, we hope these special pieces of nostalgia give you a part of Casco Bay to take with you on all of life’s adventures, both near and far.

The post Sailing Through Time: Casco Bay Lines Celebrates a Legacy of Cherished Memories with Launch of First-Ever Online Store appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

A Day of Learning and Mastery

The afternoon sun had just begun to peak across Casco Bay as our crew members gathered aboard the Wabanaki for some hands-on training. The training covered a variety of scenarios, from routine safety checks, like how to safely load freight, to emergency response scenarios, like a man-overboard drill. Our aim was to ensure that each crew member, regardless of their role, was well-versed in the procedures that keep our passengers, vessels, and communities safe. 

We’re not just cruising through training; we’re sailing towards excellence!

Teamwork and Camaraderie

One of the highlights of the training was the sense of teamwork that permeated the day. Crew members from different boats and shifts came together, sharing their knowledge and experiences. It was a fantastic opportunity for newer crew members to learn from seasoned veterans, and for everyone to practice working together in high-pressure situations. The drills included man-overboard rescues, fire suppression exercises, and medical emergency responses, all of which require precise coordination and clear communication.

Training gives us a chance to not only sharpen our skills but also build stronger bonds with each other. It’s reassuring to know that in an emergency, we can rely on our team to act quickly and effectively.

The Fun Side of Training

While the primary focus of the day was safety, there was plenty of room for fun and laughter. Between drills, crew members shared stories and enjoyed the beautiful views of Casco Bay. Practicing man-overboard rescues, for instance, saw some good-natured competition over who could execute the fastest and most efficient recovery. Days like this remind us why we love working on the water, especially when getting a sea salt bath while practicing fire suppression.

Committed to Navigating the Seas of Safety

Our “Skills & Drills” training is just one part of our ongoing commitment to safety at Casco Bay Lines. We conduct regular training sessions and continuously update our safety protocols to stay ahead of any potential hazards. Our crew members are encouraged to provide feedback and suggest improvements, ensuring that our safety measures are always evolving. At the end of the bay (ha), we’re all in the same boat, and when there’s a will, there’s a wave!

The post At Casco Bay Lines, Safety is Our Anchor appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

The 2024 summer series lineup lines you up (sea what we did there?) for an awesome kick start to your weekend by moving from a Thursdays-only run to a combo of Thursdays and Fridays – we’ll explain more. It all starts Thursday, July 18th and runs through September 5th. With last summer’s sell out show, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew kicking things off and closing the concert series out, you don’t want to wait to snap up that ticket! 

Head to cascobaylines.com/cruisingconcertseries/, or the ticket window in the terminal, to buy one… or two… or three tickets, today. All tickets are $25, and all guests must be over 21. Because the venue is inside, every show will happen rain or shine! Speaking of show, let’s shine the spotlight on this year’s lineup.

We are thrilled to have two returning artists! Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew and the Kenya Hall Band both put on fantastic sets last summer, and we are excited to have them play the Bay again this year. We’re also excited to welcome Hello Newman and Toby McAllister. That brings us to the official line-up:

• Thursday, July 18th, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew get things groovin’. This nine-piece collective really knows how to get down and funky!
• Friday, July 26th, the Kenya Hall Band boards the Bay Mist once more. Rolling Stone didn’t mince words when the magazine called the band a “soul powerhouse” – just ask last year’s concert goers!
• Friday, August 2nd, Maine’s premier alternative rock band, Hello Newman will give us 90s and 2000s alternative rock, ska, rap, and swing songs that are guaranteed to get people up and dancing.
• Thursday, August 22nd, Toby McAllister will serenade us into calmer waters with music that captures the beauty of Maine’s changing seasons.
• Finally, Thursday, September 5th, we close the series out with another sure to be show stopping performance from Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew.

So pack a picnic (a cash bar has the drinks covered) and plan to board at 6:30 p.m. as we set sail at 7:00 p.m. for a two-hour cruise of tides and tunes. And many thanks to 98.9 WCLZ for helping us put the series together year after year! 

The post Shell-ebrate Good Times With Live Music on a Boat! appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

As the “lifeline” for island residents – providing all passengers with safe, affordable, dependable and reliable transportation for more than forty years – we know that sustainability starts and ends with community. We also know that the choices we make today will have a ripple effect on the environments we operate in now and in years to come. 

Our Sustainability Committee members are employees, Board members, marine lovers, environmental stewards, and most importantly, keenly aware of the constant changes that our Bay is going through and FILLED with ideas on how we can help to protect the waters we all love. For example, our new vessel now under construction, Battery Steele, will be one of the first public passenger ferries in the United States to utilize innovative diesel-electric hybrid propulsion technology. Reducing emissions is just one area that we are investing in. We are also looking to actively reduce passenger carbon impact and promote a more environmentally friendly travel experience for customers through opportunities such as minimizing food waste, increasing recycling, establishing sustainable water solutions by reducing single-use plastics through a new water bottle filling station, and much more:

• Reduced shrink wrap usage;
• Using lobster trap stock on sides of carts instead of shrink wrap;
• Reducing the use of paper by going digital;
• Encouraging the reduction of emissions through no idling signs; 
• Ultra-low sulfur diesel/Biofuel 80/20 mix;
• Migrating to LED lights;
• Recycling containers in Waiting Room and employee areas;
• Heat pumps in Terminal;
• Whenever possible, switch from ship’s power to shore power;
• And a new hybrid vessel; second vessel to be designed will include some form of hybrid propulsion.

To us, sustainable practices are not a business imperative, nor a corporate social responsibility goal, it’s the Maine thing – it’s fundamental to the future of Casco Bay and, therefore, Casco Bay Lines. More information about our committees and a schedule of meetings can be found on our website. We encourage you to join the effort and follow along as we sail through these changing times with community front and center.

The post Sustainability is Our Maine Thing: Introducing Our New Sustainability Committee appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

2023 presented a wide variety of ways for Casco Bay Lines to connect with our community – from industry events and panels to cruising concerts! In March, members of our crew met with future graduates of both Maine Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy at their respective job fairs. We had a great time connecting with students, learning about their career aspirations and discussing CBL’s career opportunities. In July, we kicked off our 2023 “Cruising Casco Bay Summer Concert Series” in partnership with 98.9 WCLZ and sponsored by Three of Strong Spirits. From July 20th to August 24th, Casco Bay Lines welcomed Pete Kilpatrick, Spencer Albee, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew, Dominic Lavoie, and the Kenya Hall Band for five great nights of live, local music aboard the Bay Mist. Thank you to all our musicians and attendees for making our 2023 series one of the best yet! Then in September, Casco Bay Lines presented at the New England-Canada Business Council (NECBC) to share ideas on the growth of electric vehicle expansion in New England, discussing our unique approach to the electrification of marine and tourism transportation in Maine! 

On a similar note, Casco Bay Lines made significant strides in replacing two of our fleet’s aging vessels as part of our “Fleet Evaluation” project throughout 2023. Construction of the Machigonne II replacement vessel made major progress at Senesco Marine in Rhode Island, and officially received a new name! With work kicking off in 2018, the brand-new passenger and vehicle ferry will feature a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, utilizing battery technology, to reduce carbon emissions and improve the experience for passengers. The vessel is being constructed in 10 modules, with final welding currently ongoing for modules two, three, and four. As work continues at the shipyard, the propulsion provider, ABB, has begun work on the electrical hybrid portion of the vessel. In the fall of 2023, the Casco Bay Lines Board of Directors voted to name the new vessel, “Battery Steele”, in reference to the vessel’s battery-powered technology and to the beloved historic military fort on Peaks Island. As construction continues, the Battery Steele is expected to join the fleet later this year! Alongside the anticipated introduction of the Battery Steele, Casco Bay Lines made progress on the replacement vessel for the Maquoit II, which will also feature battery technology. Following a competitive RFP process earlier on in 2023, Bristol Harbor Group Inc. was selected as the naval architect and began the preliminary design process! Stay tuned and check out the latest updates on our “Fleet Evaluation” project page. 

We introduced a few new faces to the CBL team in 2023, including Laurie Bowie, our Director of Finance and Human Resources! With her extensive experience in financial management, staff development, strategic planning and human resources, Laurie joined CBL with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. We also said bon voyage to some beloved team members as they sailed into retirement – General Manager, Hank Berg, Captain Bill Wanzer, and Assistant Operations Manager, Roki Horr. Hank’s 14-year journey with Casco Bay Lines has made a lasting impact on our company, team, and community. Bill has sailed with Casco Bay Lines since 1990, creating connections and making memories with our riders over the last 34 years. Roki Horr joined the crew in 2002 as Assistant Operations Manager, improving processes and operations across the board during his 22-year tenure. Thank you, Hank, Bill, and Roki, for your commitment to Casco Bay Lines, and we wish you three smooth sailing as you head into your next adventure! 

Right in time for the holiday season, Casco Bay Lines was proud to “play” a part in the new, Portland edition of Monopoly! Released in 2023, this limited-edition board featured Casco Bay Lines and a wide array of notable landmarks across our city. Hoping to snag your own for a future gift idea or just because? We still have a select number of Portland Monopoly boards available for purchase at our terminal! 

As we chart our course for the rest of 2024, we feel especially thankful for our Casco Bay Lines community and for all the memories we’ve made together. Here’s to the new year!

The post A Voyage Through 2023 appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

Work on the new vessel kicked off back in 2018 and the brand-new passenger and vehicle ferry, now well under construction, is set to replace the Machigonne II in service to Peaks Island next year.  Most notably, the steel vessel will feature a cutting-edge diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, utilizing innovative battery technology, in place of a conventional diesel mechanical propulsion system to cut carbon emissions and improve the rider experience. More information about the project can be found on our website. The name “Battery Steele” is, of course, a reference to this battery and also to the beloved historic military fort on Peaks Island.

Nestled on the oceanfront of Peaks Island, Battery Steele stands as a reminder of Portland’s pivotal role in World War II. Spanning over 14 acres, this historic military fortification whispers tales of bravery and strategic defense. Completed in 1942, it was named in honor of World War I Coast Artillery officer, Harry L. Steele. More than a military site, it served as a crucial guardian of Casco Bay and Portland Harbor, its reach extending from Kennebunk’s sandy shores to the rugged coast of Popham Beach in Phippsburg.

As the largest gun battery on Peaks Island, it is also one of the largest in the United States, standing as a testament to a bygone era. Battery Steele’s legacy stretches far beyond its military bounds, resonating with a sense of deep historical significance and communal pride.

But the true beauty of Battery Steele lies in its transformation from a military relic to a public space which was guided by the Peaks Island Land Preserve in 1995. In 2005, this iconic site received a well-deserved accolade, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Choosing to name the new vessel “Battery Steele” is a fitting tribute to the site, honoring its past while celebrating its present as a place of reflection and community connection.

Drawing inspiration from this rich history, the “Battery Steele” will become one of the first public passenger ferries in the United States to utilize this innovative propulsion technology. It demonstrates Casco Bay Lines’ commitment to sustainability and the health and future of Casco Bay.

We look forward to welcoming “Battery Steele” to the waters of Casco Bay in 2024!

The post New Vessel Name Nods to Casco Bay History and Looks Ahead to a Sustainable Future appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

This summer the series kicks off on July 20th and runs for five Thursday evenings between July and August. Ticket holders should plan to board at 6:30 pm, and we set sail at 7 for a two-hour cruise, before returning to the terminal at 9 pm. Insider tip: outside food is not only allowed but encouraged! Pack a picnic and bring a friend! We’ll have the drinks covered, with a cash bar on board.  

The bar offerings will be better than ever this year thanks to our sponsor, Three of Strong Spirits! In addition to our full bar, you’ll find Three of Strong’s two canned cocktails – Stormy Night and Maine Mojito, plus our very own Three of Strong specialty kegged cocktail! The Casco Cooler, a refreshing lemon-tea half-and-half cocktail with Stone Pier Rum, makes for easy sipping as you’re singing along!  

Tickets are on sale now! You can get yours at cascobaylines.com/cruisingconcertseries/ or at the ticket window in the terminal. All tickets are $25, and all guests must be over 21. Every show will be happening rain or shine!  

This year we are thrilled to have three returning artists on the lineup! Pete Kilpatrick, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew, and Kenya Hall Band all put on fantastic shows last summer, and we are excited to have them playing the Bay again this summer. We’ll also be welcoming Spencer Albee and Dominic Lavoie to the series, and know they’ll both deliver shows you won’t want to miss.  

Thursday, July 20th, returning singer-songwriter Pete Kilpatrick will kick off the concert series! Pete is a Maine-based singer-songwriter with a loyal following throughout New England. His music pairs perfectly with a sunset sky over the water!  

Thursday, July 27th Spencer Albee takes to the Bay Mist! A fixture in Portland’s music scene, Rolling Stone called Spencer a “21st Century master in the lost art of Beatlesque hooks.” We’re pretty sure that means you’ll be hooked after one song! If you’re not already!   

On Thursday, August 10th, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew will bring down the house (or should we say boat?) with their crowd pleasing set. This nine-piece collective knows how to get funky!  

On Thursday, August 17th, Dominic Lavoie will have you moving along to the music as you cruise through the Casco Bay. This multi-talented musician has a distinct sound with psychedelic leanings that we know you’ll love. 

On Thursday, August 24th, we’ll welcome Kenya Hall Band back to the Bay Mist. Last year, she and her seven-piece band had everyone on their feet all night! We know she’ll get the crowd moving again this year with her performance!  

No matter which show (or shows!) you choose to join us for, the series is guaranteed to deliver five great nights on Casco Bay, with two hours of sweet, Maine music. We hope to see you on board! 

Many thanks to 98.9 WCLZ for helping us put the series together year after year! 

PS: If you’re thinking about planning a private event on Casco Bay, the concert series is a great chance to take the Bay Mist for a spin and test the waters! The Bay Mist is available for private charter and can accommodate groups of up to 250. You’ll find all the need-to-know info on chartering the Bay Mist here: https://www.cascobaylines.com/maine-boat-charters-groups/private-charters/   

The post Live, Local Music and Cocktails on Casco Bay! Join us for the 2023 Cruising Casco Bay Concert Series. appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

Summer is coming! And for all the high school and college students out there, the summer season brings great weather, sunshine, and a much-deserved break from pesky academic activities.

It also means it’s time to think about summer jobs. Yes, you could look for a gig as a lifeguard, a nanny, a barista, or even as a caddy at a golf course. Or….

Picture the perfect summer day: out on the water of beautiful Casco Bay, the breeze blowing through your hair and the sunshine on your face. Now imagine this was your everyday routine – not just as a visitor, but as an integral part of Casco Bay Lines.

From deckhands to ticket and freight agents, CBL offers a range of part-time and full-time seasonal roles. You’ll gain invaluable insights into marine operations and safety protocols. Additionally, the job offers a chance to develop interpersonal skills and thrive in a collaborative team environment, as you meet passengers from diverse backgrounds and work alongside coworkers with a similar thrill for adventure. Whether you’re passionate about the maritime industry or simply seeking to spend the summer working outdoors, a season with Casco Bay Lines is sure to be a rewarding experience.

We’re always looking to employ energetic and enthusiastic individuals who work well with others, with the goal of providing safe, friendly and reliable service to our customers. If this sounds like you, and you’re age 16 or up – you can find instructions to apply on the career page here on our website.

So, if you’re a high school or college student (or maybe you’re a parent of one), add CBL to your list when you’re applying for that perfect summer job! This just may be the perfect opportunity to learn valuable skills, earn some great cash, and make some unforgettable summertime memories.

See you on board!

The post The Perfect Summer Job: Casco Bay Lines is Hiring for the Season appeared first on Casco Bay Lines.

For Casco Bay Lines, 2022 marked our 40th year of providing reliable service to passengers to and from the islands! While CBL had technically been transporting passengers for over 150 years, the Casco Bay Island Transit District (CBITD) officially took over on March 26th, 1982. To celebrate, we spent the month of March reminiscing about our favorite memories – and encouraging our passengers to share their favorite moments riding with CBL! We connected with longtime friend of Casco Bay Lines, Peter Murray, who shared his firsthand experience representing the Casco Bay Island Development Association in their efforts to form the Casco Bay Island Transit District and maintain transportation to the islands. We also invited passengers to share their favorite memories on social media through our #FeelingFerry40 photo contest. Three winners were then drawn at random to receive a limited edition 40th anniversary tote bag packed with goodies from some local favorites – including Crown Jewel, Maine Maritime Museum, Down Front, Sea Bags, Amtrak Downeaster, and Shipyard Brewing!

This year brought TONS of progress on critical Casco Bay Lines projects! On August 16th, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of our Terminal Renovation Project, with Senator Susan Collins among many local figures in attendance. This project was split into three phases, with phases two and three as the focus for last year. The goal? Updating the CBL terminal to accommodate an increase in annual visitors (more than double the amount the original design was intended for!) and to enhance its overall long-term operational capabilities. Improvements included adding a second floor over the admin area to free up more space down below for freight and our Maintenance Shop, adding length to the existing pier, reconfiguring pedestrian access to improve safety and ease of access, expanding existing marine infrastructure, and completing outstanding marine repairs. Phew!

In other news, 2022 marked significant progress for our “Fleet Evaluation” project as we continued efforts to replace two of our aging vessels! CBL selected Senesco Marine of North Kingston, Rhode Island as the shipyard to build the replacement for the Machigonne II with a new diesel-electric hybrid vessel to service Peaks Island, marking the official start of our construction phase. The new ferry is expected to begin serving passengers in 2024! At the beginning of 2022, CBL secured $3.6 million in competitive grant funds to replace the Maquoit II with another diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system – eliminating an estimated 1,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually over the new vessel’s 30-year lifespan! This year, we’ll begin the design process. Stay tuned and keep an eye out for updates on our “Fleet Evaluation” project page!

2022 presented several unique ways for us to connect with our Casco Bay community! After a two-year hiatus, we finally brought back our “Cruising Casco Bay Summer Concert Series” and partnered with 98.9 WCLZ to feature five incredible local bands on the open water over the course of the summer! Don Campbell Band, Jason Spooner Band, Kenya Hall Band, Gina and the Red Eye Flight Crew, and Pete Kilpatrick all jumped aboard the Bay Mist and played live music for hundreds of grooving attendees as we sailed Casco Bay, taking in the sights and sounds! We also had the opportunity to team up with Impact Melanoma and Maine Cancer Foundation to reflect on the importance of sun safety – providing

free sunscreen dispensers around our terminal and aboard our vessels. An initiative near and dear to our CBL family and one we hope to continue for years to come!

Finally, we’d like to take a moment to toot our own horn (har har) and highlight some media attention we received this past year! Casco Bay Lines was voted “Best Boat/Cruise Excursion” by DownEast Magazine’s “Best of Maine” issue – what an honor! Our ferries were also featured in several news articles, including a hybrid-electric passenger ferry spotlight in Marine Log Magazine’s “Ferries of the Future” and a fun writeup from the Press Herald on Portland’s “62+ Program” boarding the Wabanaki for our historic Mailboat Run!

As always, we’re grateful for the continued support from our Casco Bay Lines community and are looking forward to what the remainder of 2023 will bring!

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