What Is A Windjammer Cruise?

Windjammers, also known as tall ships, are commercial sailing ships with multiple masts that are powered by the wind and tides. They offer a relaxing sailing experience with no real destination, allowing passengers to explore Maine’s rocky coastline. These ships have no engines and can be square rigged, fore-and-aft rigged, or a combination of both. The term “windjammer” has evolved over time, but today it primarily refers to tall-masted sailing vessels for cruises.

A windjammer cruise typically offers a loose itinerary of island-hopping with lots of hands-on sailing. Guests are encouraged to participate in activities such as island-hopping and sailing. Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, founded in 1947 by Michael Burke, was a leisure cruise line based in Miami Beach, Florida. Island Windjammers offers six, ten, and twelve-night sailings aboard classic clipper ships Vela, schooner Diamant, and sailing yacht Lyra.

Maine Windjammer Cruises is the original Windjammer Fleet established in 1936, first to offer the opportunity to sail Maine coast waters aboard former cargo vessels. Windjammers are woody and compact below decks, with crew and guests living and working in close quarters. The ships galley and dining areas are like your kitchen at home.

Windjamming is vacation sailing along the coast of Maine aboard traditional sailing vessels once used for cargo. It is a way to keep alive the spirit and offers tantalizing global flavors served complimentary. The Windjammer is your go-to restaurant for tantalizing global flavors served complimentary.