Local opinion swings to anti-cruise-passengers

Bar Harbor voters have approved by a substantial margin the institution of a 1000 per day limit on cruise ship passengers disembarking at the town.

A similar measure proposed for Portland failed with only 27% voting in favor.

In a survey of residents taken last year 55% of respondents said cruise ships have a negative effect on Bar Harbor: a lot of congestion, but not much money spent.

174 ships - including a substantial number carrying more than 1000 passengers - are expected to have visited the town this year by the end of November. And according to Portcall.com, 127 port calls have already been schedule for 2023.

Since Bar Harbor is the #1 cruise port in Maine, a legal challenge by the cruise industry is likely.

How the new ordinance will be enforced is yet to be determined.

Watch this space for further developments.