Portland, Maine

 

Portland was founded in 1632 by the British as a fishing and trading post and named Casco. In 1658 the name was changed to Falmouth and Portland was put on the map in 1786. While Portland's name has changed over the years the essence of the area has not changed. Today, Portland still remains a vibrant fishing and commercial port, Maine's largest city, and its cultural, social and economic capital.

From the renovated Old Port with its brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets to the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, the summer home of President George H. Bush, Portland and the surrounding area have something for everyone. Photographers are sure to delight at the photo opportunities including the Portland Head Lighthouse and the picturesque White Mountains on the Cog Railway. Shoppers will enjoy the Old Port and downtown area that feature many unique boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiast will surely want to visit the world-renowned outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean® and the many other brand name outlets in nearby Freeport, Maine.
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[Thursday, 25 September]   We had an early rise this morning had to be ready by 7 a.m. for a tour of the Highlights of Portland and Lighthouses.

Lighthouse

A long walk off the boat probably close to a mile before we even reached the buses.     There were many buses waiting to take people on their respective tours.      The one thing we have noticed if you go early on sightseeing tours then you don't have to compete with others when wanting to take photos of things.

The weather was beautiful went through Portland the very pretty seaside town and passed many 2 story nice homes and gardens dating back to the 1920 or before.

This is the Tallest building in Portland


Tallest building in Portland

Stopped at Port William Lighthouse and walked around there.

National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
American Society of Civil Engineers 1852

Portland Head Light

Portland Head light was the first lighthouse completed and put into service by the Federal Government under the Lighthouse Act of 1789.

Completed 1791 and Designated 2002.



Lighthouse

Nice gardens and places to sit and relax there.

Gardens at the Lighthouse

I met Captain Hook for Leo

When we were walking back to the ship we went passed lots of stalls.




Also there was a lot of craft shops which were excellent.  There was this fence with all Love Locks attached to it.    Very impressive.   There were also a lot of Restaurants and Ice Cream Shops.

Portland



Fence with Love Locks

Returned around 10.00 a.m. to the Ship went abroad through security again and had a cup of tea and went to cabin to get Ipad and Notebook and then off to Starbucks to send this.

Went to our cabin when we arrived back, and then went and had a cup of tea, and went to tea early as we wanted to watch some entertainment.     We went to the Michelangelo Restaurant for tea,     We sat with a couple from New Mexico and a couple from out of Los Angeles.   The couple from Los Angeles have done many cruises mostly with the Princess Group.

We first of all watched the violinist do his recital with the pianist who is excellent.     The violinist is
doing a tour of Australia and New Zealand in the next 2 years.    We watched Krill (Russian Acrobatic Performer doing balancing acts on moving pipes.   This is the same performer with the cube. 

Balancing on Pipes

We then watched the Show Time Performers singing and dancing.  By this time it was 11 p.m. and today was going to be a shorter day as we had to put the clocks forward as we were going into Canada.