FAQ

Loading/Unloading

Please arrive at 96 Commercial Street (in front of the Casco Variety Store) at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.  You will see a sign in the window of the store that says The Real Portland Tour.  The tour starts at the tour bus parking spot next to the US Customs House located across the street from the Casco Variety Store.  I will pull up in my Ford Transit Van at the tour bus parking spot across the street about 10 minutes before each tour time for boarding.  The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and ends at the same spot we begin.

Seating

The Ford Transit has 14 captain chairs.  Seating is on a first come, first served basis.  There are no assigned seats.  The van has a high roof with a center aisle, so you can stand up inside when finding a seat.  Fold-up walkers/wheelchairs usually do not fit in my van.  I can leave your walker/wheelchair safely in the variety store during the tour and retrieve it for you after the tour.  The van is climate controlled throughout, so no matter the weather outside, you will be completely comfortable inside the van.

Ticketing Information 

Online booking is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out.  I will have the itinerary and names that have purchased tickets for each tour.  You can print out your ticket confirmation if you wish, but it is not necessary. 

Tour Refund/Reschedule Policy

Customers will receive a full refund with 24 hours notice of cancellation.  No refunds or reschedules are allowed if customers cancel or try to reschedule within 24 hours of their scheduled tour time.  

Parking

Parking can be challenging in Portland, so please give yourselves plenty of time to find a place to park.  I would recommend arriving an hour before your scheduled tour time to find parking, as it can take some driving around depending on how full the street spots and lots are.  Pay for parking lots/garages close to where we begin the tour are the Customs House Parking Garage (25 Pearl Street), Fisherman's Wharf Public Parking (184 Commercial Street), and Fore Street Parking Garage (419 Fore Street).  We do not offer validated parking. 

Public Restrooms

There are public restrooms inside the Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal, which is about a 5 minute walk from the tour starting point, and there are also portable restrooms at Fort Williams Park. 

Pets/Animals

I love animals, and have a dog and cat at home, but to ensure a comfortable ride for everyone, I cannot allow pets/animals of any kind on board.  Thank you for your understanding!

Relax and Enjoy Yourselves

I deliver a tour that is humorous, informative, and personable.  I may ask you to give a few cheers for Portland from time to time, and you'll see me waving at many of the locals I've come to know from giving tours for so many years.  I have a relaxed approach and truly love what I do. I would say the compliment I've received the most from customers over the years is their appreciation for my sense of humor.