Latest Breaking News
In reply to the discussion: (Alaska) Senate votes to ease cruise ship wastewater rules [View all]Bainbridge Bear
(155 posts)where most of these cruise ships operate I am disgusted but not surprised by this decision. Unfortunately, there are too many Alaskans who consider their home as a place that has been "locked up" by the Feds and the politicians are usually in line with "development" interests. I used to live in Juneau and the cruise ships are a real hindrance. They come in groups at times and the number of tourists crowding downtown has to be seen to be believed. Locals make a point of avoiding their own city. The ships also run their generators while they are docked and I saw many days when the air was dirty from their smokestacks. This latest ruling just allows the cruise ships to further degrade what used to be a generally pristine environment.
I recommend that anyone considering a trip up the Inside Passage please consider the Alaska Marine Highway as an alternative. They use the same route and are safe and comfortable as well as being far cheaper than the cruise ships. On the Alaska Marine Highway you will meet real Alaskans and not just tourists. Check out their website.