Celebrity Silhouette Opens Rockland’s Fall Cruise Schedule
Celebrity Silhouette opened Rockland’s larger-ship schedule Sunday, and each of its four calls is expected to generate nearly twenty-nine thousand dollars for the city.
Rockland, Maine, expects nine cruise ship calls carrying more than 13,000 passengers through Oct. 22, with a visitor-information program in place for the 2026 season. Celebrity Silhouette arrived Sunday to open the city’s larger-ship schedule, with more than 1,000 guests expected to go ashore.
The 122,000-gross-ton ship is scheduled to visit Rockland four times this year. The city limits larger cruise ship calls to September and October, while smaller American Cruise Lines vessels operate there from May through October.
Visitor support at the public landing
Passengers began reaching Rockland’s public landing at 8 a.m., where volunteers greeted them through the city’s PortShare program. Rockland primarily handles large cruise vessels as a tender port, with passengers transferred to the downtown waterfront from ships anchored in the harbor.
Before going ashore, passengers were shown a video covering practical information about the city. Brenda Garrand, spokeswoman for the PortShare Promise program, said it answered questions including: “Where are the restaurants? Where are the houses of worship? Where can I buy a Band-Aid?”
A volunteer-staffed welcome center is also providing information after passengers arrive. Rockland’s 2026 planning includes operating procedures, real-time communication and feedback channels for residents and businesses.
“We’re not selling a destination theme park; we’re selling communities where people live and people work,” Garrand said.
Fall schedule brings ships of different sizes
Celebrity Silhouette is about 1,047 feet long and has a double-occupancy capacity of 2,886 passengers. Each of its Rockland calls is expected to generate nearly $29,000 in revenue for the city.
Smaller vessels can dock in town, where Rockland lists a 175-foot floating dock with nine feet of depth at mean low water. The city provides potable water, electricity, fuel, waste disposal and other marine services at the waterfront.
The 551-foot Scenic Eclipse, with capacity for 228 passengers, is scheduled to visit Sept. 14. The 522-foot Star Pride, which can carry 312 passengers, is due Sept. 15 and is scheduled to return Oct. 19.
Celebrity Silhouette is scheduled back in Rockland on Sept. 18 and Sept. 29, with its final call set for Oct. 10.
Compare current Eastern Canada & New England cruise fares on Cruise Lookup.
