Maine’s Cruise Ship Season Begins with a Warm Welcome to Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor, Maine – Maine's highly anticipated cruise ship season in Bar Harbor is set to kick off on Thursday, May 4, with the arrival of the first ship, the Norwegian Pearl. Representatives from the tourism community and the Association to Preserve + Protect Local Livelihoods (APPLL) will roll out the red carpet and extend a warm welcome to the passengers and crew, marking the start of the 2023 season.
According to Kristi Bond, President of APPLL, welcoming cruise ship visitors is not just a neighborly gesture, but also a critical element of the vibrant hospitality economy that supports thousands of households in Maine. "Whether a bartender or harbor pilot, a small business owner, or a lobster harvester, hospitality revenue benefits the community in a big way. It supports new schools, takes care of our roads and infrastructure, and helps preserve and strengthen our working waterfront," said Bond.
The 2023 cruise ship season in Bar Harbor is expected to welcome 129 ships carrying 239,000 passengers. According to a 2016 study conducted by the town of Bar Harbor, cruise ship passengers had an estimated annual economic impact—including multiplier effects—of $20.2 million in local spending, 379 jobs (full- and part-time, and seasonal) and $5.4 million in labor income.
Bar Harbor has been a gateway to one of the most beautiful places on Earth for more than 150 years. Formerly known as Eden, the town's wharfs have welcomed millions of visitors from around the world since the first steamers brought passengers in 1868. Today, Bar Harbor remains one of North America's top destinations, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere, and thriving hospitality industry.
About Association to Preserve + Protect Local Livelihoods
The Association to Preserve + Protect Local Livelihoods (APPLL) is a membership organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of local businesses and workers across Maine's urban and rural areas. APPLL empowers local residents, business owners, and employees to advocate for practical solutions that support the preservation and protection of local livelihoods. For more information on local efforts to preserve local livelihoods, read about us here.
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Kristen Levesque
Kristen Levesque PR & Marketing