Ballot Measure Could Chill Growth of Alaska Cruise Ship Business

If you are among the millions thinking of visiting Alaska one of these years aboard a cruise ship, a so-called environmental initiative that will be voted on August 22nd could well put a severe chill on the interest of cruise lines in sailing to this popular summer destination.

Ballot Measure 2 would impose a $50 head tax on each Alaska cruise ship passenger (over and above current port fees), impose a 33 percent tax on the gross income of cruise ship casinos while operating off the Alaska coast, and force cruise lines to publish their financial arrangements with businesses in each Alaskan port.