State Ports Authority taking on cruise critics

Port and hospitality leaders have formed a new coalition to help push back against the peninsula homeowner groups and an environmental organization speaking out against the local cruise ship industry. State Ports Authority Chief Executive Jim Newsome on Thursday announced the formation of a Cruise Business Council. Pointing to recent research showing the industry’s $37 million economic impact last year and surveys about the spending habits of pleasure ship passengers, he said, “Now is the time to stand up and be counted and be vocal.”