Skift Take
In a recent ballot initiative, Juneau’s residents expressed frustration with cruise tourism.
Royal Caribbean Group is opening a new port in Juneau, Alaska, a move it claims will help disperse foot traffic in the city’s downtown as residents continue to debate the cost and benefits of cruise ships.
The announcement came on October 16, a day after city officials certified the results of a local election that would have imposed some cruise restrictions. Residents voted down the ballot measure, called "Ship-Free Saturdays."
“The community specifically voiced that downtown traffic was an issue for them. This would be a solution to alleviate one-third of the traffic,” said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson.
But city officials said they were surprised by the announcement. “We were unaware of this plan and are disappointed