Lighthouse, Nature & Special Cruises

Float along the Kennebec River and see up to 10 of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses on one of our daily cruises – running mid-May through October.

Board Merrymeeting for an up-close look at some of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses and abundant wildlife. Cruise comfortably with plenty of space to move around the open upper deck and enclosed lower deck. All cruise fees include admission.

Shipyards & Lighthouses Cruise (1 hour)

Daily, 12 pm and 2 pm, through October 22
Adults $40; 6 – 17 years, $21; under 6, $6

Members receive a 20% discount, register today!
Explore the Kennebec River where shipbuilding began more than 400 years ago and continues today. Cruising past Bath Iron Works and see spectacular views of the Navy’s most advanced ships taking shape. Then cruise down river to enjoy a water view of the museum’s historic shipyard and two of the Kennebec’s famed lighthouses: Doubling Point Light and the Kennebec Range Lights.

Midcoast Lights and Rivers (3 hours)

Monday – Thursday, 3:30 pm, through September 28
Adults $53; 6 – 17 years, $30, under 6, $6
Members receive a 20% discount, register today!

On this cruise you’ll see six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, the Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light. Travel the winding Sasanoa River, and weather-permitting, cruise the Sheepscot River past Hendricks Head Lighthouse.

The Bath Iron Works Story: By Land & Sea

Tours (2.5 hours) begin at 12:30 pm.
May 22 – June 4: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
June 5 – October 22: Monday – Friday
Adults: $58; Children 17 & under: $35
Members receive a 20% discount, register today!

Experience the full Bath Iron Works package! The tour begins in the immersive exhibit BIW: Building America’s Navy where you’ll get a high-tech look at the people, processes, and ships of Bath Iron Works and discover why “Bath Built is Best Built.”  From there you’ll board the trolley for a ride past the yard. Your guide, a current or former BIW employee, will detail the history of the yard and highlight key elements of the shipyard. Finally, the trolley will drop you off to board the museum’s cruise boat Merrymeeting for a one hour cruise featuring spectacular views of modern shipbuilding construction and a close-up look at naval destroyers in the water. Passengers also get to enjoy views of the historic Percy and Small Shipyard and two of the Kennebec’s famed lighthouses.

Six Rivers of Merrymeeting Bay Cruise (3 hours)

Sunday, 3:30 pm, through October 1
Adults, $53; 6 – 17 years, $30; under 6, $6
Members receive a 20% discount, register today!

The namesake of our cruise boat, Merrymeeting Bay is a unique confluence of six Maine rivers, all converging to form a truly rare ecosystem. Pass through the swirling eddies of Chops Point into the serenity of the bay, one of the best places in the state to view bald eagles and waterfowl.

Lighthouse Lovers Cruise (4 hours)

Saturday 3:30 pm through August 26
Adults, $60; 6 – 17 years, $35; under 6, $6
Members receive a 20% discount, register today!

See up to 10 of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island & Light, Pond Island & Light, Seguin Island & Light, Cuckolds Light, Ram Island Light, Burnt Island Light, and Hendricks Head Light.

Autumn Lights Cruise (2 hours)

Monday – Thursday, October 2 – 22 and Saturday, September 2 – October 22, 3:30 pm
Adults, $45; 6 – 17 years, $27; under 6, $6
Members receive a 20% discount, register today!

See some of the Kennebec’s most beautiful lighthouses in the splendor of fall!  During this autumn cruise you’ll see up to six lighthouses: Doubling Point Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Squirrel Point Light, Perkins Island Light, Pond Island Light, and Seguin Island Light.

Merrymeeting Cruise Schedule 2023

Summer Season May 21 through October 1

* Tuesday & Thursdays begin June 13

Fall Season October 2 through October 22

About Our Cruises & Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets are non-refundable, except in the event of a weather cancellation.  Online ticket sales close at 5 am on the day of the cruise. Day-of cruise tickets must be purchased in person or by calling (207) 443-1316 x331.  Merrymeeting  is a 56′ motor vessel with a covered lower deck and open upper deck. Cruises run in light rain and other moderate weather conditions.  Cruises may be cancelled in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions or unmet minimum ticket sales, and cancellations are made by the Captain on the day of the cruise.  If the Museum cancels a cruise, you will have the opportunity to reschedule or receive a refund.

The temperature on the water can vary throughout the day.  Please come prepared with extra layers. Access to the boat requires negotiating a ramp down to the float.  Merrymeeting is wheelchair accessible, but the two small bathrooms on board are not.

Passengers will remain on the boat for the length of the cruise. Merrymeeting’s professionally trained crew provides fascinating narration and a safe, comfortable cruise. We’re pleased to offer a snack bar onboard with beer, wine, soda and light snacks. Guests are welcome to bring aboard food and non-alcoholic beverages, which can also be purchased in advance from the Sail Shed by Long Reach Kitchen & Catering, our on-site café.

Annual Special Cruises

Windjammer Days Cruise (6 hours)

June 28, 10 am
Adults: $65; Youth (6 – 17): $42; Youth Under 6: $10
Members receive a 20% discount, register today!
A unique opportunity to be at sea right in the middle of Maine’s famous fleet of Windjammers! Cruise to Boothbay Harbor aboard the museum’s cruise boat Merrymeeting, explore the town, and then re-board for a close-up look at Maine’s Windjammer Fleet!

Fireworks Cruise (2 hours)

July TBD, 8 pm
Adults: $55; Youth (6 – 17): $32; Youth Under 6: $6
Members receive a 20% discount, register today!
Cruise along the Kennebec River’s Long Reach and see Doubling Point Lighthouse, the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, and Bath’s colorful waterfront. Enjoy your favorite beverage and spectacular on-the-river views of the annual Heritage Days fireworks!