Schooner Mary Day Reviews

Admittedly I'm biased, my kid crews on the Mary Day, well run vessel

I have sailed on the Mary Day three times and expect to do so again next summer. If you have a sense of adventure and a good disposition, you will love it! Look into it now.

What an amazing experience! I can't wait to get back aboard.

What a great experience. I highly recommend this. A great way to unplug and enjoy life.

Perfect in every way. I selected the Mary Day because I heard the bunks were more comfortable than on most schooners and a blissful sleep was just one of the factors that made me want to book another trip before I had even disembarked. The captain Barry is all about sharing his love for the sea and Maine islands, for instance anchoring in the evening so the boat faced the sun setting over the Camden hills, and after 25 years of sea sunsets, marveling at the mauves and pinks as much as any of the passengers. The three day trip was a wonderful mix of adventure --riding the waves in a skiff to a fair-sized island and hiking the entire rocky perimeter; relaxation-- the only question of the day was which island we would head to for the night; pampering-- cozy blankets handed out on deck with a slight chill and sticks provided for the island campfire smores; and education-- tacking, heeling and knots and determining location from the sea charts spread out on deck. Mainly it was wind, sun, sea and pure fun. Getting to know the fellow passengers -- one fulfilling a lifelong dream, another on a mother-daughter trip--was a bonus. Thank you Barry and Jen for making me fall in love with Maine all over again. The six day sail is next!

My prized photographic memory of our trip aboard the Mary Day is that of my daughter Virginia McLane, her hair adorned with a scarf turned out to make her every bit the jaunty pirate as she took a turn at the wheel of this amazing vessel on a bright, Autumn day. That image stays alive in memory as I recall the joy of three days spent before the mast in the loveliness of Penobscot bay.

From the first time we spotted the Mary Day, moored in the beauty of Camden harbor, to the sad moment when we disembarked after our vacation, everything about the experience defies description for its soul-restoring magic. Imagine cruising to the sound, not of engines and prop wash astern, but to the sound of the breeze in the rigging, and marveling at the rush of pristine waters rushing alongside as a proud vessel heels beneath your feet in response to a masterful crew's touch- the stuff of which many a romantic novel brings only the faintest image to mind, by comparison.

The opportunity to unwind as you watch the dock and lively harbor slip away, to become acquainted with a wonderful variety of fellow shipmates as the waters soothe the soul, or to be reinvigorated by more personal and solitary reverie if that is your bent- all the possibilities are in abundance as the islands drift by.

Food? Outstanding, and more than amazing given the skill brought to bear by a chef making the best use of basic shipboard galley facilities. Being able to do as much or as little as your inclination takes you in lending a hand with routine shipboard work makes for the sort of engagement that truly restores one's sense of humanity. Lying topside and marveling at the black vastness of the Maine night sky festooned with more stars than you ever knew existed can help you indulge the sense that you truly have found the very center of the universe...

There's so much about this boat that is wonderful it's hard to know where to start. She's beautiful and comfortable, fast and well-maintained. The crew varies year to year but are always knowledgeable, helpful, fun, pleasant and hard-working. This is the best way to see the Maine coast. Give yourself a treat and go sailing!

Our trip last summer was absolutely perfect. Great boat, captain, crew, and food. Nothing is so relaxing one minute and challenging the next. Pull ropes, navigate, or relax. Highly recommend the Mary Day!

I must admit, I was a little nervous about taking a sailing vacation, being on a boat for 4 days and 3 nights, I thought I might get bored. I was completely wrong; my vacation aboard Schooner Mary Day was one of the best vacations I have ever had. From the moment you see the Windjammer from a distance; you get that excited feeling that you used to get when you were a kid before Christmas. Wow, this thing is cool! I thought. The pictures, as beautiful as they are, do not do Mary Day justice. In real life, the attention to detail, the craftsmanship, it s almost overwhelmingly awesome. I could not believe how gorgeous every single aspect of this ship was.

My cabin impressed me just as much. It was spacious, immaculate, and charming. When I entered, I was presented with a welcome bucket full of Schooner Mary Day trinkets, soap, skin gel, a travel log, and a souvenir glass. Above my head was a skylight for fresh air and sun, my bed was long enough for me to actually stretch out in, and the mattress was very comfortable. I was on Mary Day during the dead of summer, so heat was not an issue, however, cabins on Mary Day do have heaters built in for cold nights.

I live in Maine, but have never experienced it from the other side of the coast. Sailing through the islands, getting off to explore, jumping off the boat to swim, sitting on deck and watching the scenery go by, it never got old, and I was not bored for a minute (which definitely surprised me). There s always something to do (if you want to do anything at all), something to watch, and someone to talk to.

The food was great, and served inside a spacious galley. It s hard to believe that it was all prepared and cooked on a wood stove right inside the ship. I thought I might go hungry on this boat, but I did not. Every meal was filling and delicious.

And then I thought, there s going to be other people on this boat, what s that going to be like? I m used to taking vacations where social interactions are not required, and being an introvert, I was nervous about this aspect. However, I must say, that I have never met a nicer group of people. The captains, crew and every single passenger were like family. All easy to talk to, by the end we were exchanging email addresses and hugging good bye. It was like making friends at summer camp when you re a kid.

I would definitely recommend taking a vacation aboard Schooner Mary Day to anyone who asks. It was such an incredible, unique experience. I have never done anything like it, and am glad to have finally been able to experience it. In fact, it s something I can imagine doing again and again, every year.

This is a wonderfully restful, beautiful vacation experience! It is the absolute best way to enjoy the fabulous Maine Coast and Penobscot Bay! The excellent Captain and superbly trained crew are eager to make your vacation extra special.

Between the hearty, friendly and competent crew, the great food, wonderful scenery, and a chance to experience -- and, if you like, participate in -- the running of a true sailing ship, a better vacation simply cannot be had. Though it was very tight quarters and a few inconveniences, it was quite a wonderful experience!

Looking for a quick get away from the Florida heat and humidity, I recently returned from a five day trip (2018 Camden s Windjammer Festival) on the Mary Day and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Captain Barry and his competent deck crew skillfully prepared and kept the Mary Day sailing through the great weather and winds we encountered. Down in the galley, Chief Leslie and her capable assistant Cathy cooked an unbelievable variety of meals and snacks over a wood burning stove throughout the day. The all-you-can-eat-lobster feast for dinner after the first day of sailing was memorable, all the more so as it was on a sandy beach with no other signs of civilization in sight. Believe me, no one goes hungry on the Mary Day!

Helping with the raising and lowering of the larges sails or other tasks (volunteers only) added to the experience of sailing on a large windjammer. The deck of the Mary Day is large enough for you to mingle with the other guests, help sail the boat or find your quiet spot on the deck reading, sightseeing, taking pictures or relaxing. The coastline is very scenic and always changing as the Mary Day sails among the Penobscot Bay islands. Each night, we anchored in another quiet and isolated harbor while enjoying the sunset.

Captain Barry and his wife Jen have worked hard over the years to create a memorable time for their guests on the Mary Day. Their dedication to their guest s needs, comfort and safety is their priority and it showed during my trip.

If you are looking for a relaxing trip, great food, wonderful scenery and a bit of adventure, I would strongly encourage to give them a call and book a cabin on the Mary Day for one of their many trips next year. You won t be disappointed.

It it my second trip on the mary day and I find it very lovely, relaxing, and enjoyable. Meals are very tasty and desserts. Meeting people is fun and time alone whenever you want it. Rooms are very nice.

Years ago, I went on my very first cruse on any schooner. I am so glad it was the Mary Day! I took the challenge of the week-long "wooden boat course." Wow! It was very challenging, particularly for one with no experience, but it was SOOO well done and so fulfilling! I have gone on the Mary Day at least once a year every year hence. Everything about the ship and crew exudes quality, pride in excellence, and a warm openness to have you join them in their love of the sail! I could not recommend it (or each of them) more highly - and am looking forward to my next voyage!

Went on a cruise many years ago and it was wonderful.

Just readying for our 5th year/trip on the Schooner Mary Day. In those 5 years we have gone on many other trips and had amazing adventures. However, the Mary Day is always new, always special and we always meet wonderful people!