Island Cruises: A Timeless Way of Life
Tucked in to the “quiet” southwestern side of Mount Desert Island, Island Cruises is a classic New England fishing village. When the government established a post office nearby in the early 1900s, the village still had not officially been named. Federal officials asked the locals for suggestions, only to hear the reply, “You can name it after the President for all we care!” Thus, the village was officially called “McKinley” from that day forward—until it was changed to Island Cruises by petition in 1961.
Today, Island Cruises remains one of Maine’s most lucrative lobster ports and an icon of its rich historic and cultural traditions. Lobster traps, winding roads, and antique buildings offset the majestic scenery of the harbor and offshore islands. Just 35 minutes from Bar Harbor, Island Cruises offers a secluded and comfortable way to experience coastal Maine on the less traveled side of the island. The village is part of the Hancock County municipality of Tremont along with the village of Bernard right across the harbor.