Bar Harbor faces legal uncertainty over cruise ship passenger caps

Bar Harbor, Maine, remains in a state of uncertainty as legal battles continue over local ordinances designed to limit cruise ship tourism. The town is involved in state and federal lawsuits regarding a 2022 voter-approved initiative that caps daily cruise ship passenger disembarkations at 1,000 people.

The ordinance was implemented to address growing concerns regarding congestion and safety following significant growth in the cruise industry, which saw 143 vessels visit the port in 2022. While a 2024 attempt to repeal the cap failed, a group of local businesses has challenged the legality of the restriction in federal court.

Chief U.S. District Judge Lance Walker recently ruled that the 1,000-passenger cap is only constitutional and enforceable during the months of July and August. However, a motion to reconsider this ruling is currently pending. Local business leaders and residents are awaiting a final court order to provide the regulatory certainty needed for future planning.