Princess Cruises - Sun Princess

Based on the description we saw online, we didn't think the 4:30pm cruise around Somes Sound would be narrated, but fortunately it was. Chuck, our pilot, and Bill, a retired park ranger, our narrator, were fantastic. They were amazing and provided a wonderful and memorable experience. Bill's knowledge of the area was even more impressive when he told us that he was never a ranger in Acadia. He had worked in other parks but retired to ME and was doing this for fun. I would highly recommend Sea Princess Cruises, especially if your crew is Chuck and Bill.

Pricey for what you get. We saw some private cottages, some seals, some birds. A lot of the time we just motored forward as silently as such a noisy motor could muster (avoid the rear). The layover on the small cranberry island was ridiculously short. I regret spending the money personally. Better to see the area via other means.

This review concerns the Cranberry Island cruise with 45 minute stop at Islesford. Let me begin by saying that our Acadia National Park ranger, Nate, was very friendly and personable, and he clearly enjoys the job. However, I took this exact same cruise back in 2014. Back then, it was not led by a park ranger but rather by a local captain. I'm not sure when or why this transition happened, but it was not for the better. Having a local giving the tour resulted in much more engaging, detailed, and accurate information on our tour. While he had plenty of information to impart, there were several points where I knew his information was inaccurate. One example that comes to mind is regarding where a person with a commercial fishing license can fish in Maine. Nate said "I believe anywhere in Maine", but on the cruise I took two days prior (Island Cruises), I'd learned that there are specific zone restrictions--and considering that information came from a licensed Maine lobster fisherman, I'm going to err on his side. The boat was very comfortable, the scenery beautiful, and the time in Islesford was an interesting (if brief) glimpse at island life in Maine--but I can't help but feel that this cruise is a watered-down, commercialized version of what it used to be. I would personally recommend Island Cruises in Bass Harbor if you're looking for a more uniquely Maine experience.