Three years ago, Amercian Cruise Lines added Boothbay Harbor to their tour of coastal Maine. Two ships, Independence and American Glory, dock at Wotton's Wharf on Thursday and Sunday, respectively. The ships began arriving in the region for the 2012 season on May 31. The final trip of the season will be on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

The Independence has a maximum capacity of 100 passengers (excluding crew members) and has consistently brought 80 to 100 visitors on Thursdays to the region. Two shuttles pick passengers up at the head of the gangway. One shuttle tours the downtown area and the other goes to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. The 98 visitors on the September 6 trip were split about 50-50 between venue choices. Those opting for the gardens still have the option of going into town before returning to the ship when re-boarding the shuttle.

The 174-foot American Glory, which carries 49 passengers (excluding crew), arrives on Sundays. These visitors have the same options as those arriving on Thursday.

Ashley Turney, Shore Excursion and Entertainment Coordinator for the cruise line in Guilford, Conn., said they will be adding a puffin cruise, subject to the puffin season, as an option for their passengers.

“I was contacted by Capt. Fish Boat Trips about their puffin cruise,” Turney said. “We are always looking for something unique in the ports of call for our passengers. To be able to offer the Botanical Gardens, which is extremely popular, allows passengers to see something you just don't see much of on the Maine coast.”

Turney describes most of American Cruise Line's clientele as “baby boomers and up” who are educated, intelligent and looking to enhance their travel experience by learning about the places visit. Turney books guest speakers and musicians from the ports of call to talk about topics such as the lobster industry in Rockland or to play jazz piano. There is also a naturalist or historian on all of the cruise ships to better inform passengers about the areas they visit.

“Most of our passengers are from California, Texas and Florida. And they are intrigued by New England; for them it is a whole new world,” Turney said.

The coastal Maine tour is one of American Cruise Line's most popular tours and bookings for 2013 have already begun. Boothbay Harbor, according to Turney, has become a favorite port with their clientele.

“We have researchers who decide what harbors will be part of this tour,” Turney said. “A major reason Boothbay Harbor was added is because it is so picturesque and so typical of the Maine coast.”

Some of the passengers on board September 6 were also from Washington state, Arizona, Missouri and New Jersey. For some of those passengers, it was their first trip to Boothbay Harbor. Some had been to Maine before, but not the coast. For others, it was a second trip after 40 or 50 years.

Remarks from passengers heading for town or the Gardens: “It's just beautiful!” Or “It's 100 degrees in Branson (Missouri) and only 70 to 80 degrees here – just perfect.” And, “Loving it!”

Wotton's Dock Master Chuck Chaney said most every passenger returns to the ship with shopping bags from town.

“They love the botanical gardens and the shops – the women really like all of the clothing stores downtown,” Chaney said. “And, Dunton's Doghouse is pretty popular, too.”

As one female passenger said, “We're having fun. We're just good for the economy wherever we go!”