Cruise Ship Information

Cruise Ship Information

Updates from the Cruise Ship Working Group

9-27-2023 The Cruise Ship working group met on 9/27 and continued the discussion concerning future seasons. New discussion included the impacts of smaller ships on staff, parking and downtown traffic.

9-21-2023 The Town of Bar Harbor Cruise Ship Working Group had its initial meeting today. Members include Town Councilors, Valerie Peacock and Joe Minutolo, Harbormaster Chris Wharff, Treasurer Sarah Gilbert, and Town Attorney Stephen Wagner. The group discussed anticipated negotiations with cruise lines concerning future seasons in light of pending litigation, hiring consultants to assist working group, revisiting fee structure for visiting cruise ships.  The group plans to meet again on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Cruise Management Plan


Tourism Best Management Practices

Cruise Ship Survey


Traffic Congestion Report July 23, 2019


Cruise Ship Passenger Study & Management Plan

Economic Impact of Cruise Ship Passengers (2016 visitation) - Study by UMO February 2017


Town of Bar Harbor Cruise Tourism Destination Management Plan  May 2007 by Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc. in conjunction with Pierce Atwood Consulting, GAZ Environmental, Lambert Advisory, LLC


Water Quality Monitoring

In order to determine if cruise ships are polluting the bay, reduce the likelihood of contamination, and assure the public that cruise ships are good stewards of the environment, we contract with consulting scientists to conduct random, scientifically valid water testing programs.


Reports: