Some cruise lines have received a temporary moratorium on port calls in Bar Harbor, Maine, for the upcoming 2024 season. The court recently upheld the Bar Harbor referendum that limited cruise ship passengers to 1,000 per day. That vote took place in late 2022.
Scheduled delivery calls allowed to proceed before voting
![bar harbor main cruise ship](https://cruiseradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BAR-HARBOR-MAINE-CRUISE-SHIP.jpg)
that much Bar Harbor Town Council It has been confirmed that cruise passenger restrictions will come into effect immediately. However, vessel call reservations made prior to the 2022 vote will be accepted.
“The council will honor reservations made before the town votes. Passengers on these 2024 vessels will not be subject to disembarkation restrictions under the ordinance.” |
The impact may be limited for the upcoming summer and fall 2024 seasons as the cruise line's ship schedules are booked in advance. It will have a bigger impact Bar Harbor Cruise Currency Scheduled after 2025.
50% reduction compared to maximum cruise ship traffic
![A large cruise ship in the water near the woods in Bar Harbor.](https://cruiseradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/bar-harbor-cruise-ship-limit-1-1030x579.webp)
Passenger limits are expected to be reduced by 50% compared to peak-season visits to Bar Harbor. This is partly due to cuts already agreed in writing with some cruise operators.
“This will be a great opportunity for all of us to experience the impact of these reductions on our quality of life and the running of our city,” the council said. |
The impact on cruise ship itineraries could be significant starting next year. In a recent court ruling, Judge Lance Walker noted that of the 134 ships scheduled to call at Bar Harbor last year, only about 20 percent had a passenger capacity of less than 1,000.
Initially, the City Council opposed such strict passenger cap restrictions. However, it said: “We are prepared to go to court to seek fines and injunctive relief against landowners who exceed the disembarkation limits.” Ship visits are planned for the upcoming season on the port itinerary, with a total capacity of 182,000 passengers.
Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are all planning more than 60 calls at Bar Harbor in 2024.