Annual Report FY26

CRUISE PORTLAND MAINE

THE PURPOSE Maximize the economic benefits of cruise visitation while supporting informed decision-making and responsible destination management. Cruise marketing efforts help attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen Greater Portland’s position as a premier port of call in New England. OUR STRATEGY Build relationships with cruise line executives, itinerary planners, and industry stakeholders through targeted industry engagement and destination promotion. By participating in key cruise industry events and conducting research to better understand the economic impact of cruise visitation, we position Greater Portland for future growth while ensuring decisions are guided by data and aligned with community interests.

OVERVIEW Cruise Portland Maine was established in 2006 as a Consortium to attract the cruise ship industry to the Port of Portland and its complimenting shore excursion destinations of Freeport and Kennebunkport. At that time, Portland received fewer than 20 ships a year. Today, we welcome approximately 100 ships a year. The Consortium has strengthened cruise ship visitation through collaborative efforts with the City of Portland, Visit Portland, Visit Freeport, the Kennebunk/Kennebunkport/Arundel Chamber of Commerce, and a partnership with CruiseMaine. Along with working to increase ship visits through networking at industry events, meeting with itinerary planners, and hosting cruise executives for site visits, Cruise Portland Maine strategically focuses on destination management practices that minimize adverse social, economic, and environmental impacts of cruise ship visitation to generate more significant economic benefits for local businesses. As a board member of Cruise Portland Maine, Visit Portland represented the consortium and the Port of Portland at the following events.

112