Stay tuned for future updates as we move forward on the 2025 Reunion in Portland, Maine from 14 – 19 October 2025.
As for now we have contracted with Best Western Merry Manor Inn in South Portland Maine. We have had members stay there in the past, as well as recently visit to check it out. Breakfast (buffet style) will be provided free of any additional charges each day either in the Hospitality Suite or in their breakfast room. There is no restaurant in the hotel, but there are plenty of dining options close to the hotel. We will have our banquet dinner in the Hospitality Room on Saturday 18 October 2025.
The hotel will also consider extending the special pricing for a day or two in advance of our reunion, just check with the hotel when making reservations if you are planning an earlier arrival. Also, there’s no shuttle service from the local airport to the hotel, but please ensure you get a receipt for your ride to the hotel and they may provide reimbursement (still a TBD negotiation).
Right now we are planning for two days of group tours, one on Thursday 16 October 2025 and the second tour on Friday 17 October 2025. The two tours are as follows:
Tour #1: GREATER PORTLAND OVERVIEW: Lighthouses & Military Museum: This is an overview tour of Portland highlights from the old historic Old Port waterfront to Fort Allen Park overlooking Casco Bay. Guided tour of Maine Military Museum featuring the largest display of Vietnam POW uniforms and artifacts smuggled from prison. See three nearby lighthouses with admissions included to the Museum of Portland Head Light at Fort Williams. Also view the Memorial to the WWII Liberty Ships next to the sparkplug shaped lighthouse. Tour will end in Portland’s historic Old Port waterfront for free time. Walking maps and coupons for shops and restaurants provided. There is also an option to return to the hotel after the tour or keep the coach for the day to return to the hotel at your leisure as the coach will make shuttle runs back to the hotel from 12:30 – 4:30 PM. Cost for the tour will run between $95.00 – $115.00 per person depending on numbers of persons taking the tour (35 – 45 tourists).
Tour #2: KENNEBUNKPORT TOUR with a Downeast Lobster Bake: We will meet our local Maine Guide at the hotel in the morning. We will tour Kennebunkport and hear the history and folklore as we drive through two shipbuilding villages on Maine’s south coast. Drive past the beaches, the Bush family compound at Walker’s Point, hear the legend of the Wedding Cake House and maritime history of sea captains and shipbuilders. Stop at Franciscan Monastery with its seaside shrines and gardens. Next, we will don our souvenir lobster hat for a classic Downeast Lobsterbake Lunch. We will feast on your choice of Maine boiled lobster or barbequed chicken, plus chowder, steamed mussels o clams depending on availability, corn on the cob, Maine potatoes and blueberry cake. After lunch we will stop in Maine’s southernmost lighthouse in Cape Neddick. Stretch your legs and take in the picturesque view and salt air at the Nubble Light. Another photo op with Lenny the Chocolate Moose and a Sweet Treat awaits at Len Libby Chocolate before returning to the hotel. You’ve heard of chocolate mousse, but have you ever seen a giant chocolate moose? See what local chocolatiers created! Cost for the tour will run between $140.00 – $155.00 per person depending on numbers taking the tour (35 – 45 tourists).
There are a number of other “things to do” in the greater Portland area. Google Things to do in Portland Maine and check out Trip Advisor, or the Portland Visitor Center pages for other ideas. We are leaving plenty of time for folks to explore on their own or in small groups to get the most enjoyment from this reunion. And as always, the Hospitality Suite will be available for those who enjoy shooting the breeze, revising sea stories, or simply reconnecting with shipmates and families.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our planning efforts with the hotel and reunion planners to get final pricing and a Registration Site up and running.