Steff D.
Yelp
After looking at some other reviews and overhearing conversations at the ferry terminal all summer long, I feel like we should have a quick tutorial on how ferry's work.
#1: You want to get from Point A to Point B as efficiently as possible. If you had a car, you'd drive and you probably wouldn't take the longest route. If you didn't have a car, you might - if it was too far to walk - get a taxi; you probably wouldn't rent a limo. Dear "outta towners": the ferries of Casco Bay Lines get you from the mainland (Point A) to any number of quaint islands off the coast of Portland (Point B). You should not come into a FERRY ride thinking you'll be waited on. So heads up: nobody will be offering you champers and cav on your 15 minutes trek across the bay. Should you want to sneak on a boat beer and drink it while "on the high seas" go right ahead (I'm not entirely sure this is legal, but lots and lots of people do it anyway).
#2. You. Are. On. A. Boat. You are on a boat IN MAINE. Maine is notorious for having crazy weather. So, YES, there's a good chance you might "get cold"/"get rained on"/"get snowed on"/"get fogged on" (wait, can one get fogged on?) while taking the ferry. Here are some solutions to these problems: a) don't sit outside; b) bring a jacket; c) realize you're blessed (money-wise, time-wise, etc.) enough to peruse the islands of Maine.
I know I do. CBL has been a part of MY Portland for years and years. I'm definitely one of those locals that takes the ferry out to Peak's just to walk around. Why? Because I can. It's one of the perks of living here. And it's a very cool and inexpensive way to escape the city or have a staycation of sorts (besides, few things are as beautiful as the Portland skyline at night when you're approaching it from a boat on the bay).
If you want a different take on "Portland", I highly encourage you spend an afternoon checking out the islands thanks to CBL. The boats are very punctual (maritime law says they have to be), and sometimes you can even see seals!
And who doesn't love a good seal sighting, eh?!