Schooner Stephen Taber

This was absolutely the adventure of a lifetime! If you love the ocean as I do, you will not be disappointed! The Maine Coast line is gorgeous. The crew of the Stephen Taber are awesome! The Captain even gave me a special nickname, "Bubble Wrap"! Hysterical! He is a skilled Captain and comedian! Thanks for the laughs, the memories and New friends! All my best to Noah and the crew!

We have been traveling full time in our motorhome for 4 years. When we started planning in 2023 to find a new adventure, we researched all the Schooners in the area and couldn’t resist the generational ties to the Taber, but mostly the personality and hospitality of Captain Noah! We boarded June 30, 2024, my 70th birthday, for 6 nights during the Great Schooner Race week with friends from Washington state. We spent our careers in the service/sales industry and we were so impressed with the joy of providing such a special experience by the Barnes family and the Taber crew! The food, wine and cheese is worth the trip alone! Chef Grey is a master of presenting 5* food from a wood stove! But even if that was missing, the star filled nights, visits to various islands, the slight sound of the water along the way and mostly the feeling of complete relaxation and time to visit with friends old and new is something not to be missed! Yes, we even won the Schooner Race!! Such a fun day made mysterious by the fog and the haunting sounds of fog horns through the journey. Our only thought as the trip ended was when can we do this again!

We've just returned from our second Great Schooner week trip on the Taber, and 3rd trip overall, and are so in love that we're ready to propose...a fourth trip, ASAP! Each year has brought both unique and comfortingly familiar experiences as we've come to learn more about the region, the Taber, and the amazing folks who make this week come to life - from Noah and his family and crew, to the friends who return year after year. Our hearts, bellies, eyes and ears are full - of love, fabulous food & wine, incredible sights, wonderful conversations and music. Thank you Schooner Stephen Taber!

I had an amazing 4-day sail with Captain Noah on the Stephen Taber. I can't say enough good things about the experience as a whole - the ship was incredible, the food was outstanding, and the hospitality of the crew was just unmatched. Highlights of the trip for me included morning swims in the Atlantic, helping crank up the anchor, sleeping out on the deck one night, buying local lobsters for our final night lobster feast, and just generally enjoying the company of the quirky and lovely group of passengers. Captain Noah was an unbelievable host and his crew works so hard to ensure we are comfortable, incredibly well fed, and that we get the experience we're looking for. 11/10 would recommend. Thank you for such an amazing experience!

What do you want in your vacation? Time to relax? Time to see places you’ve never seen? Eat phenomenal food? Meet people from other places? Feel connected to the past? A sailing trip on the Tabor will check all these boxes and more! We got off the ship at beautiful harbors, slept on the deck under the Milky Way. Had live music on board! Heard great stories about the ship and its travels. Did I mention the food!? Oh yeah and last but not least, the captain and crew are awesome at their jobs and are really great people to hang out with! I’d invite them all to my house for dinner if they were in town. In short: unbelievably great trip!

Just spent 4 nights aboard the Stephen Taber 7/16/2024 out of Rockland Harbor, ME. Absolutely an awesome time exploring the islands off the coast of Maine. From hoisting the main sails to raising the anchor to the lobster bake on your own private island. Capt Noah and his crew will ensure you have that Schooner experience of a lifetime! A definite must do of a lifetime you will not be disappointed.

INCREDIBLE! We never had a mediocre meal. Coffee and snacks were promptly served at 630 followed by breakfast. Raising the anchor, sails, and sailing under wind or motor in Maine weather prepared you for lunch served at noon. Finishing off the afternoons travel the anchor was dropped, sails were stowed and wine, snacks, and Captains select cheeses were served at happy hour. Small sail boat rides, paddle boards, or the row boat were available for recreation. The hammock, fishing gear, and books to read were available anytime. Dinner was served at five and never disappointed. Every meal was amazing, hats off to the chef who was incredibly accommodating for a vegan and some non- seafood eaters in our group. FOLLOW THE PACKING LIST and bring a Hawaiian style shirt for the lobster bake. There are no outlets in the staterooms but there is a communal charging station for phones and power packs. A hot shower with privacy screen is available if you ask the crew. Pack a duffel bag or backpack NOT a hard sided luggage. Any gear, layers, or clothing you forgot to pack can be bought at the local outdoor store blocks away. Bring a small yeti style cup/mug with a top for adult beverages. Captain Noah Barnes and his crew of merry scallywags were AMAZING 😍! He is a talented host, musician, cheese wizard, wealth of knowledge and all around pretty decent person to boot.

I went on a 3-night trip aboard the Stephen Taber and it was fabulous! The cabins were comfortable, the views incredible, and the island stops were all perfect excursions. You won't go hungry on the Stephen Taber! Chef Bethany is truly an artist when it comes to cooking and I still think about all the delicious food served. Captain Noah and crew (Blue, Wilmer, and Joy) made the trip all the more enjoyable. I went on this trip as a solo traveler but met so many wonderful people! I didn't have to do any planning, just pack my bags and show up for a great adventure. A trip on the Stephen Taber is the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

It has been about a month since I boarded the Taber with my wife and two friends for the Captain's Choice sail (6 nights), which includes Captain Noah's birthday. I have not been able to stop thinking about our experience! We were blessed to have the coolest shipments and some EPIC sailing that was utterly exhilarating!!! Thank you, Captain Noah!! Chef Randy kept us well fed. Will, Stark, Thea and Oscar were a joy to be around. I was in awe daily at the work it takes to keep the Taber running smoothly. We were treated to some of the most gorgeous scenery, remarkably delicious food, music by Captain Noah and Oscar and a lobster bake on the beach with a very special dessert. I highly recommend joining them for an adventure. I can't wait for my next one!!!

My husband and I enjoyed the Stephen Taber Schooner adventure on the summer solstice trip this June. Music by Jenn Schott, Captain Noah, Jack, Art, & Buddy was an awesome addition!!! Chef Jason's culinary cuisine was simply delectable! (He accommodated my gluten free dietary restictions as well) Top ratings go to the fabulous Captain, crew and shipmates!!! The lobster bake on the island and skiff ride with the Captain were highlights along with the sunrises and sunsets!!! Don't wait!!! Do it now!!!!

We just returned from a four night cruise. It was truly amazing. The Captain and crew were all very competent, informative, and just great people! The boat was very clean and comfortable. I was nervous about so many sharing two bathrooms, but it was absolutely no issue. The scenery was incredible. The food cooked on a wood burning stove was beyond words. Special diets were accommodated without compromising the taste. Lots of fresh salads, fruits, and vegetables, delicious baked goods, and various stews, soups and mains were beautifully presented everyday. The lobster bake was so much fun. Fresh lobster from the sea, need I say more? Did I mention the wine and cheese?!

Just back from a wonderful sail on this great 151 year old wooden schooner. The boat is maintained in excellent condition, the Captain and crew are focused on making sure passengers have a great time and the food is unbelievable. You would never expect such great fare could come from a wood stove in a schooner galley but it does. Guests are welcome to pitch in, raising and trimming sail and even manning the anchor windless...or just sit back and watch. If you have a sense of adventure this is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the Maine coast.

Celine on the Tabor and her sister ship Ladona is one of the best vacations you will ever take!! The crew will take care of you like it's a five-star restaurant and the food is incredibly delicious. Stunning days sailing and wonderful evenings anchored in a secluded cove somewhere, complete with a lobster bake on shore one night, will make this one of your repeat destinations.

Just met a wonderful woman named Betty at the Target store in Saugus mass. SHE SAID,she has been on the Stephen tabor twice..she loves her hat that she got years ago. She wears it all the time.We chatted for 20 min about our trips we took on the tabor...we both agree it's one of the most memorable and wonderful vacations we have ever taken....Hey... Captain Noah !!! How are you ???

Don't miss this chance to LIVE OUT floating history on the oldest documented continuously operating sailing vessel. Sailed on a 5-night cruise with friends on their second Stephen Taber trip because they chose to get married onboard this time! Captain Noah and crew offered an adventure we will remember forever. Amazing food, lobster feast on the beach, harbors and lighthouses, musica Americana, and the ability to hoist and rig with the crew. They were all first rate. We can't wait to return.

Amazing trip!! Doesn't matter if you have never sailed or you are a pro. The captain and crew were phenomenal. The food was next level! I can't wait to go back!!

If your looking for a truly unique experience, look no further! Sailing on the Stephan Taber with Noah, Jocelyn, Sean, Adam and Alex is a bucketlister not to be missed. I am from Maine, am very well travelled, and have worked in beautiful tourism industries around the world. My career, for 20 years, has been to show savvy travelers, remarkable experiences. Every other year I fly to Maine, with a goal to visit family, enjoy the fall weather, and embrace a new experience. New England climate, this time of year, is a welcome change from the Hawaiian Islands. During this visit I was set on sailing off the coast of Maine on a multi day trip. After viewing these incredible tall ships from shore for years, I decided to join a six day cruise. Having no real expectations, I also invited a childhood friend to join me. This trip was WICKED awesome! The crew was fantastic. Highly capable, entertaining, and motivated to make the trip special for each of us. Once again, I have been in their position, trained countless people on boats, owned multiple successful tourism businesses. If you have a bad experience on this trip, maybe Disneyland was a better option for your needs:) To each is own, when it comes to traveling. The best part about Maine is there is something for everyone. If you have ever thought about learning to sail, and want to meet real mariners who fit in with society. If you love glamping, with 5 star food, top notch service and a daily hot shower. If you want a worldly experience, that is unmatched in the modern day. This is the trip for you. Reserve your space today!!! My friend and I seemed to be of the handful of non repeat guests. Most of the people on board knew someone or knew someone from another vessel we linked up with. Over 60% of people who take a sail on the Taber, do it again. Honestly, Captain Noah knew guests from multiple vessels as he has been sailing on the Taber since his family bought it when he was 7. I believe he is now in his 40's. His son joined us on board in a small Maine fishing village. Noah, another captain, other crew, our crew, and his son all played stringed instruments and sang like it was their job. Too cool! In effort to keep this review within your attention span, I'll wrap it up. WOW. I will definitely be back on the Taber soon. Actually, my fiancé and I are currently in discussion about having our wedding on the Stephan Taber and Ladona tied up together off shore. Noah and Jane(wife) bought and restored Ladonna a few years ago. This is not to be missed!!!!

My partner and I just did the three-night trip on the Stephen Taber. It was wonderful. We had two full days of sailing on the open sea, passing island after island largely untouched by humans, eating amazing food prepared by the on-board chef (Randy), meeting kind and friendly passengers, and being treated with the utmost respect, friendliness, and professionalism by the staff. It was a great experience. I would classify this experience as adventure travel. It is wonderful, clean, and professional. The cabins are very small so you will spend most of your time on the deck (which is very, very large). If you love nature, especially the ocean and sailing, I strongly recommend it. :)

A unicorn experience, truly one-of-a-kind. Glamping on the sea! Mix banquets of five-star gourmet fare 4 times daily (from a wood-burning stove) breathtaking vistas, salty sea air, an irrepressibly funny, erudite and skilled captain and crew (who also happen to be fine musicians) with a National Registered historic schooner built in 1871 and this is a trip like no other. Hoist sails. Make friends. Drink wine. Count stars. Paddleboard. Feast. Repeat. Should be on every rustic foodie's bucket list. Captain Noah, you know we'll be back!

Absolutely a fantastic experience! Took a 6-night cruise and we had a great time. Got to help sail, ate the most delicious food, drank wine, late Ed to live music and enjoyed the company of like minded people. This as a one of a kind experience; there's nothing else like it. The Captain Crew were outstanding and Chef Bethany made the most delicious meals, all on a early 1900 vintage wood burning stove in the galley. The cabins are small but more than adequate as you only go down there to sleep or maybe nap a little. Berths were cozy and get comfortable. Well worth the money as you get everything included, even the all you can eat lobster dinner. I enjoyed it so much I'll be back again and again.

My girlfriend and I made a last minute decision to sail on the Stephen Taber for a three nighter. Prior to selecting this historical schooner out of Rockland, Me. we read every review we could find online... as well as the competition. Returned two days ago on August 3, 2019 and all that can be said is AMAZING. Captain Noah was funny, knowledgeable and made all of us feel secure and comfortable throughout the short journey. We lucked out with perfect weather and good winds. The vessel has a very wide beam so seasickness wasn't an issue. Food, wine and details were top shelf. Wildlife spotting included seals and eagles, and the clearest starry nights. New friends in close quarters came easily and our pics are the best testament to the over the top fun we had each day and night. Our bucket list was fulfilled but we will do this again without any doubt.

After our third time cruising on the "good luck" ship I'm long overdue for a review of our trips, as each have been 5 star worthy sojourns on the Maine Coast. In each case we were able to charter the Taber, and enjoy our time on Penobscot Bay with family and friends. Our first time on the Taber was in 2011 during Hurricane Irene, and while we had to stay put in the harbor for one day it was still an amazing trip, helmed by the irrepressible Captain Noah Barnes. He was thoughtful enough to set sail the afternoon before the storm hit so that we only missed a half day of sailing of our 4 day cruise. The crew was exceptionally friendly and the food was divine. Our second trip on the Taber was in 2015, and again the weather gremlins delivered an all day soaking Nor'easter that had us lashed to the mooring in the lovely town of Castine. Again the Captain and the crew kept our spirits high through their upbeat attitude and caring hand (and some fantastic wine.) Fast forward to this year and we accepted Captain Noah's challenge to charter both boats, and we filled both the Taber and her sister ship, the Ladona, with 39 friends and family (I highly recommend this!) And this time, no hurricanes or squalls befell us, just simply 5 magnificent days of magical sailing, filled again with amazing food from both galleys (Anna & Caroline are the culinary magicians!), a spectacular array of cheeses and wine (thanks Noah & Jane), a stalwart and talented crew (shout-outs to Sean, Gus, Abby, Alex, Jen, Tristan and Isabella, all purveyors of music, mirth and magic) and our respective wizards/captains Noah and J.R. So our planning has begun for 2019! Fair winds!

Sailing aboard the Schooner Stephen Taber is an experience unlike any other. Captain Noah Barnes is a serious sailor with wit, humor, musicality, intelligence and endless charm. Each meal is crafted on a 100-year-old wood burning stove, but tastes as if it emerged from the finest five star restaurant. A trip of a lifetime...and I'll be back to sail with the Taber crew each and every year!!!