Your top 5 questions answered!

May 14, 2024

Here are some of the common questions people ask us. If you don’t see the answer to one of your questions here, please visit our FAQ page, or send us an email.

Will I get seasick?

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll feel seasick on a Maine windjammer, even if you’ve felt seasick on other boats. We sail in the protected waters of midcoast Maine where the many bays and multitude of islands shield the coast from the ocean swells. Even in brisk winds, the waves remain gentle. Plus, the boats are all large and steady, with a smooth sailing motion, so it’s not at all like being on a whale-watching boat where you might bob around amidst the smell of the engine’s diesel fumes…

And speaking of diesel engines, yes, each windjammer has either an inboard diesel engine or a auxiliary push-boat to use when the wind peters out, but each captain sails as much as possible each day. These are truly authentic sailing cruises!

Is a Windjammer trip good for kids and families?

Absolutely! Maine windjammer trips make great vacations for families with tweens or teens. With a minimum guest age typically set between 12 and 16 years old, depending on the vessel, the atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxation and exploration for everyone. These are often multi-generational trips with people of all ages sharing stories and making connections.

These are unplugged vacations but even teenagers torn from their devices have been known to smile in the hands-on, screens-off environment. The professional crews always welcome help from guests and are keen to get kids involved. But be warned – a windjammer cruise can become a life-long passion and may lead to a life of sailing and exploration – just ask Captain Justin or Captain Ben! They both first sailed as guests as teens and now they now command own windjammers!

If you’re interested in a trip specifically geared to families, consider one of the following trips:

Windjammer Angelique’s family cruise, July 17-20, (minimum age 8 on this trip)

Schooner Heritage’s three-night Father’s Day weekend trip, June 13-16. (minimum age 12 with flexibility)

Windjammer J.& E. Riggin’s Kids and Families cruise (minimum age 5 on this trip)

Are Windjammer trips good for solo travelers?

Windjammer vacations have long been popular with solo travelers. Each trip has a mix of couples, friends, and solo travelers on board. There’s a very inclusive atmosphere and it’s easy to make friends with your shipmates. Most of the windjammers offer a few single cabins. If a single cabin isn’t available you may be able to have a double cabin to yourself.

What do you do on a windjammer cruise?

You can do everything… or nothing! Help raise the sails (or the anchor!), take a turn at the helm, or learn a new skill, like the traditional ropework arts. Those wanting to relax can sit back and enjoy the sights and breeze. Feel free to bring along books, paints, knitting, a yoga mat, games or whatever leisure activities you enjoy. All the windjammers also have small rowboats, sailing dinghies or even paddleboards for guests to use while the ship is anchored. And while anchored – the pool is always open! (The Atlantic pool, that is!) While the coastal Maine waters are chilly, a dip in the ocean is always refreshing.

There are also several opportunities to go ashore and explore. Your trip might include a stop on a small island town like Isle au Haut or North Haven Village where you can visit coastal galleries and cafes or walk out to one of the lighthouses. There are several islands that offer hiking trails and sandy beaches. And of course, each trip includes an all you-can-eat beach lobster bake.

What are the accommodations like?

All our windjammers offer private cabins–most are doubles but there are also single cabins for solo travelers and even some triple cabins for groups of friends and families. There are shared bathrooms (we call them “heads” on a boat) but there are a few private heads available on one of the vessels (Schooner Heritage) for an additional charge.