1. We got our start way back in 1871 sailing steam boats around Casco Bay as the Peaks Island Steamboat Company. In those days we served Peaks Island, Long Island, Great Diamond Island, and Little Diamond Island. The original mission of the Peaks Island Steamboat Company was to keep up communication between the mainland and year-round island communities—a goal we continue to have today!
2. We haven’t always been located on the Maine State Pier. Up until 1988, we spent over 100 years operating from a terminal two wharves down on Custom House Wharf. In 2014, we revamped our terminal on the Maine State Pier, turning it into the beautiful building it is today.
3. Before we had all sorts of newfangled technology like depth finders, radar, and radios, captains used a compass, buoys, and “ran time” between points—measuring a trip by minutes and seconds. This process was especially difficult in Casco Bay because the tides “run hard” here, so trip times were constantly changing depending on the tide. In 1929 the 1,000 passenger mega-ferry Pilgrim, ran aground at Deer Point on Great Chebeague Island when the captain lost his time. We definitely think radar and depth finders are preferable to having to run time!
4. In the late 1920s, we began modernizing our fleet from steam to diesel. The Gurnet was the first boat to make the switch in 1929 followed by the Armita in 1928. Those steam boats were much quieter than a diesel engine, but significantly less efficient because they ran on coal.
5. Known as the “great white fleet,” all of the vessels in our fleet were painted white until, in 1959, Casco Bay Lines manager Peter McLaughlin decided to paint them. Each boat was painted red and yellow with a black hull, and back then passengers really hated the change, calling the move brash! We don’t know, we think we look pretty good in yellow, red and black!
6. We run 365 days per year! This has been one of our hallmarks since the beginning, and we don’t mind braving snow squalls or rain storms (or even the hottest August day) to serve the island communities and those visiting Casco Bay.

These are just a few interesting nuggets we uncovered during the recent process of creating “Cruising Casco Bay: A History of Casco Bay Lines from 1871-1982,” a historical documentary produced by Galen Koch. Everyone will be able to view the documentary on our website beginning on October 3^rd.  We think our history is pretty cool, and we can’t wait for you to see the film!

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As the oldest running service of its kind, our Mailboat run not only delivers the mail and other goods to islanders, it offers landlubbers a glimpse at the realities of island life and the opportunity to adventure along Maine’s rugged coastline. And (hint hint) Father’s Day seems like the perfect opportunity to try this adventure on for size. Hat tip to our friends over at WJBQ: great minds think alike!

Here’s the deal. The Maquoit II typically makes the Mailboat Run every day (see most updated schedule here). Plan to arrive a little early and give yourself time to buy your ticket and watch our amazing crew work their magic, loading cargo, and readying the ninety three ton vessel for take-off.

Hopefully you’ve packed your sunscreen and your cooler – both will come in handy once you pick your spot on the deck. Of course, for those not as eager to face the elements, there is indoor seating. Once everyone’s settled, the boat’s captain will welcome you aboard as the crew drops the lines.

Portland’s true working waterfront will be on display, lobstermen hauling traps and cargo ships chugging in and out of the harbor, as you relax and leave your yardwork and the honey-do list behind.

The city fading into the background, now is the time to break into that cooler. With any luck, you’ll find some snacks and maybe a cold one for Dad from any one of Portland’s own breweries. Indulge as you watch the lobster buoys bob past and seals play in the wake.

This cruise stops at five islands to unload cargo: Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff, and Chebeague.

And for the history buff Dads out there. We see you. The Captain will point out some of Portland’s coolest historical landmarks including Ft. Gorges – a fort that never saw battle, but seems to still stand guard over the harbor—and Luckse Sound – where ships were sunk during WWII to keep enemy submarines out of the harbor. Wicked. Cool.

When the Maquoit II makes its final turn around at Cliff Island, you might find it hard to imagine heading back to reality. Maybe Dad wants to hop on the Sunset Run cruise and keep going. We wouldn’t blame him. There’s nothing better than adventure with family. Happy cruising!

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