Annual Report FY24-FY25

PORT SHARE PROMISE OVERVIEW OF CRUISE TOURISM IN MAINE Cruise tourism is a key economic driver for Maine, offering a cost-effective way to introduce the state to first-time visitors and support coastal communities. FORMATION OF THE MAINE CRUISE CONSORTIUM The Maine Cruise Consortium (Cruise Portland Maine) was established in 2006 by the Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Visit Portland) with the goal of attracting the cruise ship industry to Portland, Freeport, and Kennebunkport. At the time, Portland welcomed fewer than 20 cruise ships each year. The collaboration began with each partner—Visit Portland, the City of Portland, Visit Freeport, the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport/ Arundel Chamber of Commerce, and Cruise Maine—making a financial contribution to support initial marketing efforts for the Port of Portland. Through this joint investment and ongoing industry networking, the region saw significant growth, with Portland now hosting over 100 cruise ship visits annually. Today, Cruise Maine takes the role of marketing the State of Maine, including the Port of Portland, and the group works together, on a volunteer basis, without dedicated funding to support their efforts.

Photo Credit: Brigitta Jenner