I am writing to express my dismay at the newly formed Cruise Portland organization, which has budgeted $170,000 to mitigate the negative effects of cruise passengers. According to the three planned initiatives, the organization has acknowledged that cruise passengers need to be educated to use garbage cans effectively, be respectful to others and receive personal assistance to safely cross the street.

A passenger aboard the Norwegian Pearl cruise ship watches while the schooner Bagheera pulls into dock in Portland Harbor on Aug. 30. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

Cruise Portland is so devoted to passengers that they are going to create more pollution in our city by supplying free buses to take them around. The ride-share drivers who rely on cruise passenger fares are not going to be happy that a major source of their income has just been removed by Cruise Portland.

Cruise Portland says it is using Juneau, Alaska, as a model for a “path forward.” Juneau has experienced a 30% increase in passengers since 2019. There will be a daily five-ship limit imposed in 2024. But limiting the ships does not limit the number of passengers. Residents of Juneau angrily protested this year. This is what Cruise Portland wants to emulate?

Cruise ships are a massive source of air, water, noise and solid waste pollution, as well as marine animal deaths. Who bears the negative costs of these cruise ships?

I encourage people to go to the port to see for themselves. Check out the billowing black smoke but try not to breathe. And then, contact Cruise Portland and let them know what you think!

JoAnn Locktov
Portland