Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 M AY 2 9 , 2 0 1 7 " e ships really open up the state to people that otherwise wouldn't come to Maine," Gabe says. Two-thirds of those surveyed said the cruise stop was their fi rst time in Bar Harbor, and 11% cited the opportunity to visit Bar Harbor as the main reason for selecting the cruise. e study also found that 88% are over 50, and they tend to be highly educated and affl uent. Passengers spent $15 million in 2016, for an estimated economic impact of $20.2 million. Over 96% of respondents said they had visited at least one store or restaurant or bar during their stay, and one out of three went to 10 or more places. Impressions of Bar Harbor were positive, with 44% of respondents wishing for one more day in port and 29 intending to return in the next two years. But how many more cruise visitors can the town of 5,000 accommodate? Bar Harbor limits the number of incoming passengers to 3,500 per day in July and August and 5,500 at other times, to "balance how many people the town can handle," says Town Manager Cornell Knight. "Congestion is an issue." To alleviate road traffi c into Bar Harbor, the Maine Department of Transportation plans to revamp 4.8 miles of Route 3, which will include new pedestrian and bike paths, over the next three years. And to make life easier for cruise ships and passengers, the town wants to buy the former international ferry terminal from the state and repurpose it for cruise ships, which currently have to tender passengers in from three anchor points. Bar Harbor has the exclusive right to buy the property for $2.5 million, or $2 million with an approved business plan and developer lined up by closing. "Maine has created an opportunity for the town to purchase this at an excellent price," says Martha Searchfi eld, executive director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. "I would hate to see that not happen." But the plan hinges on winning voters' approval for changes to the land-use ordinance on the June 13 ballot. In addition, a citizens' initiative, on the same ballot, would restrict the length of cruise ships that could tie up at a town pier, potentially derailing the town's ambitions. "If the citizens' initiative passes then the town will not be buying the terminal," says Knight. "We'll continue with the congestion, and whether that aff ects long-term numbers is unclear. ere are cruise lines that do not come because it's a tendering port." at's defi nitely true of Miami-headquartered Carnival Cruise Line, which has been calling on Portland since 2002 as part of its seven-day fall foliage cruises, according to spokesman Vance Gulliksen. "We strongly prefer to visit ports where the ship can dock because it provides our guests with a much more favorable experience ashore," he says. And while Carnival does not have any Canadian or New England plans for 2018, "Portland is a popular destination for our guests and we are looking forward to returning in future years." CRUISE SHIP VISITS TO MAINE PORTS. 2003–2016 S O U R C E : CruiseMaineUSA PROJECTED 2017 CRUISE SHIP VISITS TO MAINE PORTS 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 All others Portland Bar Harbor 78 87 76 73 91 97 96 120 106 122 117 130 117 105 23 50 30 57 29 72 27 99 29 151 31 140 39 139 68 155 62 136 57 136 60 126 64 199 84 197 77 179 THERE IS A DIFFERENCE THERE IS Because Construction Management Design/Build General Contracting Engineering Sheridan Construction www.sheridancorp.com Fairfield Portland 207-453-9311 207-774-6138 Thomas College, Waterville C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Bar Harbor: Bar Harbor: Bar Harbor: 163 163 Camden: Camden: Camden: 31 Bath: Bath: Bath: 19 19 19 Castine: Castine: Castine: 19 19 Belfast: 19 Portland: Portland: Portland: Portland: 90 Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor: 31 31 Rockland: Rockland: 38

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