Should we buy tickets in advance? Yes, you’ll be able to avoid standing in a lengthy ticket purchase line by purchasing in advance. You’ll also receive festival updates prior to the event, which might include parking and shuttle information.
When will the Parade of Sail start? Approximately 1:45 p.m. based on wind conditions. Visit our Parade of Sail section for more details
Do small children and babies need to purchase tickets? Kids 5 and under do not require a ticket.
Can we buy tickets at the gate the day of the event? We encourage people to purchase tickets in advance so they can go directly to the ticket gate and not have to wait in line to purchase tickets first. There is NO guarantee that any certain type of ticket will be available at the gate for purchase. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons should plan accordingly. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through www.tallshipsportland.com. Or by calling 207-619-1842.
Where will the ticket gates/entrances be located? We have three gates: Maine Wharf, Compass Park at Maine State Pier and the Port Ocean Terminal. Once you enter one site, you will receive a colored bracelet that will allow entrance to the rest of the sites - no waiting.
Is there a ticket limit? No, there is not a ticket limit, but 6 is the maximum number of tickets available per transaction.
Are tickets refundable? Unfortunately, no. If you can’t use yours, please give them to someone else. Iberdrola USA Tall Ships® Portland 2015 is a rain or shine event.
Are strollers permitted on ships and Day Sails? No.
Are wheelchairs permitted on ships and Day Sails? No, ships have limited accessibility to those with physical disabilities. Customers boarding ships must walk up or down a gangway. Dockside discussions are scheduled for 9:30am on Sunday at Oliver Hazard Perry at the Port Ocean Terminal and Picton Castle on Monday at 9:30am at Maine Wharf. See our website for details.
Are food, beverages, or coolers allowed into festival grounds or on-board the ships? No coolers, cans, bottles or beverages are allowed into the Festival grounds. Exception: special food related to a health or medical condition, and food for feeding a baby. All items are subject to search prior to entrance.
Are costumes allowed? Yes, patrons may wear costumes, but weapons (even plastic replicas) are not permitted.
Are dogs allowed? Service Dogs will be permitted into the Festival grounds. Please leave your dogs home.
Are backpacks allowed into the festival grounds? No backpacks are allowed in to the festival. Purses, diaper and camera bags will be subject to inspection at the entrance gates.
Are cameras and video recorders allowed? Non-commercial photography and video is allowed. Commercial and media photographers should visit the Media Tent at LL Bean at the entrance to the Port Ocean Terminal.
Can I see the Parade from a ship? Yes! You can join us on board Casco Bay Lines’ Aucocisco who is sailing twice on Saturday, July 18, 11am - 1pm for a parade preview, and 2 - 4pm for the Parade. Visit the ticket section of our website for more details. You can also sail on a tall ship - visit: www.portlandschooner.com for more information.
Will the ships be sailing in close to shore to be viewed from land as they make their way to Portland Harbor? There are plenty of opportunities to find your spot to see the ships. See the map below. Here are just a few options: Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth, Bug Light Park in South Portland, Willard Beach in South Portland, SMCC grounds in South Portland (go to smccme.edu/tallships for more information on food and parking), the Maine Narrow-Gauge Railroad (for tickets: www.mainenarrowgauge.org), Ft. Allen Park in Portland, the entire Eastern Promenade and Portland waterfront and dozens of other smaller locations.
