The population of Mount Desert Island jumped by nearly 6,000 on Monday with the arrival of the passengers and crew aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas.

The observation pod. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH DYER
The ship, which was in the headlines earlier this year after several mishaps, including damage from heavy seas and illness on board, is one of the largest cruise vessels in the world.
Up to 12 passengers at a time can be lifted 300 feet above the sea in a special pod to take in the view and see the entire ship.

Whale watch vessels acting as tenders for the super ship. PHOTO COURTESY OF BARRY GUTRADT
Area whale watch boats, including Friendship V, were pressed into tender service to bring hundreds of passengers ashore with each trip. The vessel will return to Bar Harbor several more times this fall.
Leave a Reply