Opponents of Juneau’s proposed cruise ban raise big bucks

A cruise ship emerges from a fog bank Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Juneau. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

A proposed one-day-a-week ban on large cruise ships in the Southeast Alaska destination of Juneau is drawing major opposition from big tourism businesses.

A new group that’s opposing the local citizens initiative to ban ships on Saturdays has reported raising more than $300,000 to fight the proposal. Donations include $75,000 from an affiliate of Norwegian Cruise Line, $75,000 from Westmark Hotels, $10,000 from Wings Airways and $8,000 from Northrim Bank.

The anti-initiative campaign has hired Anchorage-based Thompson & Co. as its campaign manager, according to filings with state campaign finance regulators.

Nathaniel Herz welcomes tips at natherz@gmail.com or (907) 793-0312. This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Herz. Subscribe at this link.