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What impacts do cruise ships have on Maine's economy, environment and local communities?

Large cruise ship off Maine's coast with smaller boat in foreground
Bill Trotter / BDN

Cruise ship season in Maine kicks off this month, bringing an influx of visitors to Maine. Last year, about 140,000 passengers visited Portland, and almost 300,000 visited Bar Harbor. We’ll discuss the positive and negative impacts of cruise ships in Maine, from boosts in tourism and the economy, to environmental harm, to disruption of local communities.

Panelists:
Sarah Flink, executive director, CruiseMaine
Lynn Tillotson, president & CEO, Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau

VIP Callers:
Charles Sidman, citizen of Bar Harbor involved with effort to limit cruise ship passenger numbers
Kristi Bond, president of Association to Preserve and Protect Local Livelihoods; restaurant owner in Bar Harbor
Ivy Frignoca, Casco Baykeeper, Friends of Casco Bay
Rachel Sagiroglu, owner, Experience Maineand The Maker’s Galley on Commercial Street in Portland

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