This East Coast Port’s Recent Cruise Ship Ban Could Cost Thousands In Lost Revenue

A number of worldwide ports have banned cruise ships lately, together with Santorini, which created an “escape port” instead. U.S. ports are additionally catching up on the restrictions amid security and overtourism considerations.

Within the coastal State of Maine, two cities have already set port limits. Bar Harbor, one of many scenic gateways to Acadia National Park, led the adjustments when it handed a daily limit of 1,000 cruise ship passengers in early 2024.

The lesser-known Belfast adopted this March, and its guidelines are stricter. The choice eyes a big income lack of over $20,000 in charges, however it appears the city would reasonably protect its attract as one among Maine’s most underrated small towns with true New England charms.

Belfast, Maine Banned Nearly All Cruise Ships Due To Security And Crowd Considerations

Belfast, ME, has confronted quite a few issues associated to cruises

On March 18, local reports announced that Belfast’s city council unanimously voted to ban cruise ships with greater than 50 company. Major cruise lines are affected by Belfast’s ban, together with American Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Cunard, Celeb Cruises, and Holland America Line.

The choice comes after security and navigation considerations from Harbor Grasp Katherine Given. In January 2025, she mentioned the “negative impacts” of constitution buses instantly arriving on the town to move the ships’ passengers.

Sadly, the ban was the one resolution. “The channel cannot transfer, we’ve got restricted dock area, there isn’t any bus parking in order a lot as we thought of attempting to work issues out, it simply cannot occur,” Given told Maine Public.

Apart from operational conflicts, environmental injury from overtourism was additionally an enormous challenge amongst Belfast’s residents and officers. 2025 is about to see a record 19 million American cruise passengers—a 4.5% enhance from final 12 months.

Belfast, Maine Loses Over $20,000 In Income From Cruise Ship Bans

Maine believes in its area people and genuine vacationer points of interest

14 cruises have been anticipated to dock in Belfast this 12 months, which may generate at the least $24,000 in charges. However the city believes it might probably make up for the income loss in different methods. Dorothy Harvey, govt director of Belfast Space Chamber of Commerce, additionally revealed in a memo to town council that cruises do not contribute to native enterprise attributable to their restricted time.

“It’s important that we prioritize the long-term well being and well-being of our city over short-term financial beneficial properties,” Harvey argued.

Through the years, the seaside group has made strides in balancing tourism with its conventional sectors. The small city has efficiently established itself as one among Maine’s most beautiful weekend getaways, identified for its genuine, laid-back attraction.

Belfast, Maine, Is A Small Coastal City With Historic And Inventive Charms

Belfast, ME, intends to keep up its underrated standing amid cruise bans

To know the choice of Belfast to ban cruises, you have to additionally perceive its deep-rooted maritime heritage. The city grew to become a shipbuilding heart within the nineteenth century, with structure from that interval nonetheless seen round its picturesque city.

Situated alongside Penobscot Bay, the city has preserved its waterfront tradition over time. Industrial actions like kayaking and paddleboarding harmoniously mix with the native marina enterprise.

Visiting Belfast, you are welcomed by historic inns dating back to the 1800s. Apart from panoramic water views from harbor eating places and several other parks, town can also be identified for its creative and comfortable downtown that hosts a few of the quirkiest boutiques you will ever discover.

Prime issues to do in Belfast, ME

• Hiking: Belfast boasts riverside walkways and forested trails
• Fishing & Boating: The town is considered the “secret paradise for boaters”
• Food Crawl: Recent seafood and craft beer are extremely really useful by vacationers
• Island Explorations: The city has a pleasant choice of charters and cruises
• Visit Downtown: Try native shops and see historic landmarks

Belfast in Maine has lengthy been a preferred little city beloved by vacationers visiting New England, particularly in the summertime when the tourism season is at its busiest. Nevertheless, should you plan to go to this stunning seaside city by cruise any time quickly, you could must suppose once more and rethink your journey plans.