Maine
Explore the Coast of Maine Under Sail: Maritime and Natural History
Program No. 8681RJ
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Explore the Coast of Maine Under Sail: Maritime and Natural History
Explore the Coast of Maine Under Sail: Maritime and Natural History
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Participant Reviews
Based on 32 Reviews
SHOWING
This trip is unique among my many Road Scholar adventures. I highly recommend it for the beauty of the Maine coast, the excitement of being on a Windjammer with delightful professionals running the show, and excellent food being prepared in the kitchen. I learned a lot about this area of our country, its priorities and history, and I learned a lot about sailing and boat management. We watched the operation of the ship and participated in her maneuvers ourselves. That was fun! The gam (a gathering of ships) was fantastic and a "once in a lifetime" for most landlubbers like me. The joy of the music being played was an unexpected pleasure. Please be aware that the sleeping quarters are not generous, though I did adjust quickly to this. Showers are not daily due to water supply concerns. In early June, this part of the country is quite cool, and I wore a down jacket most of the day. As always, Road Scholar provided, along with the Angelique crew, an amazing experience!
— Review left June 17, 2026
If you have ever wanted to experience the adventure of actual sailing vs. cruise shipping, this is the program for you. Being able to actively participate in working the sails and steering the ship, and learning about what it takes to maintain a sailing vessel was great. The accommodations are basic, and you should note that climbing into an upper bunk requires some agility. Also, understand that temperatures out on the water are about 10-15 degrees cooler than on land. Plan clothing appropriately and bring rain gear and sunscreen. The food was fantastic...delicious and plentiful, mostly served buffet style on deck. The captain and crew were terrific, helpful and highly competent. I hope to sign up for another cruise next year.
— Review left June 15, 2026
As a regular RS participant (11 programs), this was by far the worst program my spouse and I have ever participated in. Our room (forward cabin near anchor) was cramped, had exposed wires on the bunk bed wall, cold, no grab bars for assist to top bunk and smelled of septic tank and kerosene at bedtime. My spouse slept on a thin mattress on floor because of lack of space for both top bunk and bottom space due to ceiling height. We kept hitting our heads.
Captain Denis was dismissive at routine questions about locations and times. When we landed a shore, without guides or maps we got lost with irregular GPS/cell phone service.When we called, he berated us that it would take over an hour to return to pier on time, so we resorted to HITCH HIKING. On another occasion, the Captain was informed by our sister-in-law, Debbie Goldberger, that we were not participating in lobster feed due to sea sickness. He then said to her “that we would not be getting any food then” if we chose to remain on board in, front of several people. We he asked us later if we wanted anything, I said no, since we were both nauseated.
Lastly, my spouse Rita Goldberger, had a fall, when a door opened suddenly inward when a catch failed, sending her to the floor. She hit the left side of her face causing a bruised, swollen cheek and swollen lower eye lid. Captain Denis came to the top of the stairs to find out if anyone needed to go the a local hospital. I said just get an ice pack. I will evaluate her. We had no orientation to sick bay if there even was one. He was again dismissive of her complaints the next day of cabin doors that did not close properly and no grab bars on the way to the bathroom.
In conclusion, RS needs to re-evaluate this trip in terms of safety. I would not recommend this trip for those getting bunk bed at all. I did not feel safe. Captain Denis seemed to care more about his boat than us. It was miserable, deeming and not up to RS standards.
Nancy Lewis, FNP RN
— Review left June 7, 2026
While I enjoyed the camaraderie amongst myself and my fellow RS participants, as well as the beautiful scenery of Penobscot Bay, this program failed to meet my expectations regarding the stated activity level of Keep the Pace ("I like to spend much of the day exploring...I prefer to keep my days full"). The majority of time each day was spent on the boat, with limited opportunities for physical activity, and very little time spent ashore. There were several things I wish I'd known about ahead of time: lack of privacy (I shared the head with 8 other passengers, for example); no wi-fi; regulated shower hours of 9am to 9pm; and lack of insulation from others' talking and snoring. Even though I paid extra for a single supplement, it felt like I had 8 roommates. On the positive side, the food was exceptional, as was the lobster bake on the deserted island. For the most part, the crew was friendly and fun to be around. But I was expecting to learn more about sailing, navigation, knots, tides & currents, sail trimming, etc. Out of 11 RS programs, this is the only one I've been dissatisfied with, and the only one where I was counting the days until it was over.
— Review left November 13, 2025
The trip aboard the windjammer Angelique ticks all the boxes for me. It is the best trip I have ever enjoyed. There is a perfect mix of education and fun. I went for the peace and calm, others were there for exploration, but we all had our needs met. I’m already planning my next trip with Captain Dennis and crew.
— Review left October 7, 2025
Great trip!!
— Review left October 1, 2025
The Windjammer Sail on the Agelique under Capt. Denis was a great experience and I would highly recommend this great adventure .
— Review left September 21, 2025
Sailing on the Angelique was a wonderful experience. The Captain is experienced and his crew respects him. The scenery was amazing and the best part for us was the lobster bake on the island!
— Review left September 9, 2025
Can’t say enough about how great the trip turned out. Everything was amazing from the start. We helped raise the sails when we were in the mood and admired the crew’s expertise all the time. My favorite part, besides the perfect views, was the lobster bake on the beach. We sailed in beautiful weather and rainy weather but I never felt sea sick. Just make sure you bring your rain jacket just in case.
— Review left August 31, 2025
The Angelique sailing adventure was incredible! This was my first overnight (six nights) trip on a windjammer, and I would do it again. I'm glad I signed up with Road Scholar.
— Review left July 1, 2025
Be prepared for adventure and the trip of a lifetime. Looking at the photos helps me to relive the excitement of being part of a sailing crew and enjoying fabulous meals.
— Review left June 19, 2025
Unfortunately the description of this tour is a bit misleading. I was under the impression that we would explore the described places, with transportation and accommodations aboard the boat (Explore Maine Under Sail.) In reality, this is a sailing trip that stops each night after 6-8 hours of sailing. Of six days, we had one hour at three small coastal towns, and two hours in a state park for the lobster bake.
The RS expert on board was excellent, engaging, knowledgable and friendly. The baker and chef were amazing. The rest of the crew was professional and all business, but because the sailing was so intense, they weren't overly friendly.
So although I enjoyed the trip, it was not what I expected based on the description by RS. I am glad I did it, but will not recommend it to others, unless they were looking specifically for a sailing expedition only.
— Review left June 18, 2025
This program provided a unique experience, as well as offering the quality I have come to know from Road Scholar. The crew and the captain served well as a team and honored the participants with their skills, knowledge, integrity, and positive attitudes. The Road Scholar instructors became part of the team and offered their expertise generously. As always, it was fun to be with the road scholar participants.
— Review left June 10, 2025
Spent a wonderful week with Dennis and crew ! Glad I brought sweaters and hat because nights were cool especially with hatches having to be left open for ventilation. Would definitely go again !
— Review left October 10, 2024
Crew, cuisine, sites, new experiences. A splendid trip.
— Review left October 6, 2024
This was a wonderful sailing adventure that I experienced with three long time friends! Owner/Captain Dennis and his entire crew were very professional, extremely knowledgeable, and friendly!! The maritime and natural history speakers were informative and enthusiastic! An added bonus was the food as the cook created daily gourmet meals and on-board baked breads and delicious desserts!
The program exceeded all expectations!!!
— Review left October 1, 2024
Outstanding adventure! BETTER BE IN GOOD SHAPE PHYSICALLY
— Review left September 24, 2024
Excellent program on the Angelique with Road Scholar!
— Review left September 13, 2024
This program is fantastic!
— Review left September 4, 2024
Sailing the breathtakingly beautiful coast of Maine on the Angelique with the expert and friendly Captain Dennis and his crew, is an experience unlike any other. I found it to be both relaxing and adventurous. The educational component deepened our ties to the sea and the food onboard was outstanding.
— Review left June 30, 2024
This is a great Windjammer sailing trip. The coast of Maine is spectacular and the crew were fantastic, food excellent and the captain stellar.
— Review left June 17, 2024
This was a trip I looked forward to for several months and I was not disappointed . It was also my first RS adventure. It is a five star trip. I was fascinated about all the work it takes to keep a windjammer going. Dennis and the crew were the best. The guests were congenial and fun. It didn't take long for us to feel comfortable with each other and share lots of laughs. James and Dan were informative and with good humor. They provided us with history and information that we would not have had if we toured the coast on our own. The weather was cloudy and some fog, but it did not dampen my trip in the least. The food was delicious and plentiful...from my waist line maybe too plentiful!
I have one other thing to add. My traveling mate fell the afternoon of the next to the last day and broke her hip. Dennis and his spouse were sooooo helpful in getting her off the boat and giving me guidance about where to take her to an ER. She was transferred to Belfast, ME hospital for surgery and re-hab. No one wants to end a wonderful trip in this manner, but if you are a bit worried about the medical care available on the coast of Maine, put your concerns aside. My friend ld not have been in a better facility as well as an excellent surgeon.
So, bottom line... do not hesitate to sign up for a trip on the Angelique with Capt. Dennis and crew.
Mary A May
Class of 2023
Rose Bud, AR
— Review left July 13, 2023
This was the trip of a life time for me as it has been on my bucket list for a number of years. The food, the people, the adventure were all perfect - thanks Dennis for a job well done.
— Review left July 11, 2023
What an amazing week! Despite the weather, Dennis, Jasmine, Felicity, Lizzie, Bradley, Amanda, and Michael made the week one truly to remember. They worked tirelessly to share both their love for sailing and service to make our trip amazing. What a privilege to sail with them! Would go back in a heartbeat!
— Review left July 2, 2023
The week (6 nights) that I spent on the Angelique was a unique and very enjoyable experience. The Penobscot Bay area is stunning, and it was a pleasure to be able to see it from the water. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit some remote and interesting spots that I might not have otherwise been aware of or been able to get to on my own. The food was beyond compare, and the welcoming crew and Captain made it a wonderful trip. The quarters are cozy but comfortable, and you have everything you need. Just remember to bring some layers so you’re prepared for the weather, especially in June!
— Review left June 27, 2023
This was a delightful adventure with Road Scholar on a Windjammer no less!
Sailors on these ships are committed to the preservation of this travel as it does give one a sense of enjoyment on the water. Our Owner/Captain is a lifetime "on a boat guy." He inspires his crew and passengers throughout the trip.
Our "narrator" was a well educated lady from Savannah and Rhode Island who has worked on ships over 30 years, so tuned to the information the "passenger crew" was looking for/expected.
The visits to the small Maine coastal towns/villages was educational and welcomed every day. A highlight was a steam lobster lunch on a beach one day.....and every meal was welcomed as very good.
Thank you Road Scholar for the organizing of this trip for your clients. We certainly enjoyed ourselves....and as always met "new friends."
— Review left September 27, 2019
Great experience. I had never sailed before, this was perfect for learning and experiencing sailing, both the modern aspects as well as the history. Great way to see, experience coastal Maine. Relaxing, too, just as cruising is supposed to be.
— Review left July 9, 2019
Wonderful experience! It exceeded by expectations.
I would like to mention the sleeping quarters are small so those that have trouble climbing or larger framed would not be very comfortable. It was not an issue for me.
I will repeat this trip!
— Review left June 27, 2019
What a unique experience! Road Scholar participants are always fun to spend time with!
— Review left June 19, 2019
Like the info on the website. The only "tweak" could be that you kept sending us notification that we had to fill out the preliminary forms even after we had done so. No big deal, but it was not real clear on the site what the "green checkmark" meant--were we good to go? No biggie here, and the website is well laid out etc. Well done!
— Review left June 17, 2019
https://sixdecadesandcounting.blogspot.com/2019/06/angelique-me-21-other-folks.html
— Review left June 10, 2019
Great cruise, very different from anything previously experienced. My observations can be found here:
https://sixdecadesandcounting.blogspot.com/2019/06/angelique-me-21-other-folks.html
— Review left June 10, 2019