Residents are divided on the benefits of large cruise ships and whether more should be allowed, following a recent public forum that addressed the issue alongside the need for improvements to harbor infrastructure.
Approximately 13,000 passengers from large cruise ships, defined as those carrying more than 500 passengers, visited this year. The city engaged SpringLine Destination Strategies to develop scenarios for “managed growth with guardrails.” One option presented by SpringLine suggests allowing ships with up to 2,500 passengers from May 15 through August 14, and up to 3,600 passengers from August 15 through October. Sarah Flink of SpringLine noted that about two-thirds of large cruise ship visits to the region occur in September and October, indicating an opportunity for revenue growth through managed expansion.
The city currently has a cap of nine large ships during September and October, with only six booked for the coming year. The consulting report also outlined the potential financial impact of adding four more ships beyond the current cap.
City Manager Tom Luttrell provided an overview of harbor revenue and the costs associated with maintaining and improving the working waterfront. His report indicated a need for approximately $1.2 million to replace 27 floats and 43 pilings. The city requires an additional $250,000 in harbor revenues annually to cover operations and maintenance.
Larger improvement projects are also underway or planned. The rebuilding of the Middle Pier and Buoy Park is currently costing $7 million, funded by federal grants and city reserve accounts. Additionally, the city hopes to undertake a $15 million upgrade of Harbor Park, for which grants are being sought. The city’s reserve account for harbor maintenance holds $283,000, with a target goal of $2 million.
Councilor Penny York pointed out that any changes to cruise ship regulations, if enacted, would likely not be in place until 2029 at the earliest, noting that the number of large cruise ships visiting in 2027 is projected to be less than in 2026.
The public comment session saw a range of perspectives. Joe Steinberger expressed that he regularly interacts with cruise ship passengers and believes their visits bring happiness to thousands, considering the harbor the city’s greatest asset. Conversely, Tyler Waterson emphasized that the community is not strictly a tourist town, warning of a significant risk of losing its character if too many large cruise ships visit. He argued that increasing numbers during July and August, when the harbor and community are already at capacity, would be a mistake. Waterson suggested that focusing on large cruise ship visitors might reduce the number of “high valued visitors” who spend multiple days and meals in the community. Ken Pride asserted that large cruise ship visits are not benign. Richard Jackson, a newer resident, cautioned the City Council to be very careful about increasing large cruise ship numbers, recalling negative impacts experienced in other ports where he had lived. Former Mayor Louise MacLellen-Ruf called for a pause on allowing more large cruise ships, stating the city was already at capacity. Kyle Swan suggested a temporary moratorium to allow community consideration of pros and cons, raising concerns about environmental impacts from noise and pollution, as well as the potential for illnesses to enter the community. Supporting large cruise ships were Tom Marshall and Kate McAleer, who founded and operates Bixby Chocolate, noting the extra revenue boosts local businesses.
A presentation was also made on the PortShare Promise program, which aims to strengthen communication with community stakeholders and enhance the visitor experience through onboard information, a volunteer-staffed welcome center, a coordinated Makers Market, and a pilot trolley program. The discussion also identified opportunities for improving transportation access, increasing coordination with local businesses and attractions, and building upon resources developed during the program’s first season under city management.
City Manager Luttrell concluded that the research and the first season of the PortShare Promise program provide a stronger foundation for evaluating the opportunities and responsibilities of cruise tourism. He underscored that “deferred maintenance in our harbor and working waterfront is a reality we have to address,” emphasizing the need to develop dependable, long-term revenue streams to support local businesses and fund waterfront infrastructure upkeep, thereby easing pressure on property taxes. The ongoing work will inform the Council’s review and future policy decisions.
Online comments on the matter will be accepted through Friday, with a survey available on the city website, to be considered alongside workshop input and feedback from the Harbor Management Commission.
