MMA training ship returns to Castine

Maine Maritime Academy students got a big welcome home in Castine Saturday.

Students have spent the last 70 days cruising across the Atlantic.

"It's unbelievable the experience these kids have had. To see it come around, I can't wait to hug him," said Lisa Magliozzi of Eliot, Maine.

"So exciting. I can't wait," said Tina Albert of Virginia. "I can't wait to give him a squeeze."

After 70 days out on the water, these Maine Maritime Academy students returned to port in Castine.

Their families and friends lined up to welcome them home from their voyage that included stops in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

"We've been around Maine the last couple of days just right off the coast so to actually be back in Maine where I have grown up my whole life, it's a good feeling," said freshman, Andrew Todd.

The freshman on the cruise shipped out back in May for their training.

Over 200 cadets accrued sea time, while gaining hands-on navigation, and engineering experience.

Freshman Andrew Todd offers this advice for the students heading out next year.

"It's a big experience when you are first looking at it, so stepping back and realizing, it's 70 days and this is the stuff I need to do. This is what I want to learn. If you go in with the mindset that this is what I want to learn, they will teach it to you some point on cruise," said Todd.

Students and their parents say that this is an invaluable experience. But, they can all agree they are happy to be home.

"You have a lot of time out there to think about your family and your loved ones and you're really excited when you finally get to see them and you think about the first couple of hours and what you are going to do, whether you go out to eat or go to the beach," said junior, Anthony Franchetti. "My parents actually came out and were on the ship, and it was really cool to show them a piece of what we do."