Rockland can be a cruise ship destination, but without the authority to process passengers through U.S. Customs, some boats just bypass this deepwater port.
A group of local officials hope to change that by upgrading the city’s status with the Department of Homeland Security. An upgrade could mean more visits from passenger vessels and a potential economic boon for Rockland.
In 2009, Seabourn, a Seattle-based cruise line, reportedly canceled three visits to Rockland because one of its ships could not clear customs there.
It all has to do with the federal government’s classification of Rockland as a “port of entry” for vessels that have been to foreign countries such as Canada. Foreign-owned cruise ships are required to visit non-U.S. ports annually and must clear customs on returning to this country.
Post 9-11 security regulations that would require massive city expense have been a roadblock to changing Rockland’s port-of-entry status. But local officials are hoping something can be worked out following President Obama’s executive order, earlier this year, calling on federal agencies such as Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce to help boost international tourism.
With that in mind, a group of civic and business leaders met recently with a representative from the office of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine’s 1st District. “We made our best case for why it (the status upgrade) was needed, the economic benefit to Rockland, and how we could handle the change,” said Rockland harbormaster Ed Glaser, in a memo to the city council.
“For little or no money invested, it could make a big difference to Rockland,” said Glaser, former owner/captain of the local windjammer Isaac H. Evans. Local officials said the cost to the city could be minimal if, for example, U.S. Customs could use a vacant building at the Knox County Regional Airport in nearby Owls Head. Glaser cautioned that previous efforts with other members of the Maine Congressional delegation “have been fruitless so far,” but “maybe with the President’s directive it will get some serious attention.”
Bar Harbor and Belfast both have the ability to clear ships through customs. But those communities have not had to make any expensive changes under Homeland Security rules, and it rankles Rockland officials that they are denied the same status.
Dan Bookham, executive director at Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, is wholeheartedly behind the effort to upgrade port of entry status. He believes cruise ships are part of an economic mix that can benefit the Rockland area. “It’s the gravy, not the steak,” he said.
Bookham said he wanted to reassure any critics of cruise ship visits that, “We have a set of values here that we protect in our mission statement,” in reference to the chamber of commerce, and he is committed to preserving the quality of life in the midcoast region. “We are towns that attract tourists, as opposed to tourist towns,” he said, pointing out Bar Harbor is almost entirely seasonal, while Rockland has year-round activities, festivals and a busy downtown even in January.
Sally Wylie, a rockland resident, is opposed to the change concerned that, “If they succeed, this will mean that mega-sized cruise ships will be able to come into Rockland Harbor.” However, Bookham, a native of Norwich, England, said he favors a “right-sized ship” for Rockland of perhaps 1,400 to 2,000 passengers, as well as much smaller vessels. He does not envision Rockland hosting mega-cruise ships that are “floating casinos” that accommodate up to 6,000 passengers.
Bookham also believes that Maine’s Midcoast appeals more to passengers on National Geographic cruises who are interested in exploring nature and new places.
He pointed out that many tourists visit Rockland by car, especially for events such as the Maine Lobster Festival and North Atlantic Blues Festival, and to visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and its Wyeth paintings. But a ship doesn’t take up any parking spaces. “It’s a different way to arrive in this wonderful community.” He also suggested cruise ships would like come in the fall, when Rockland is less crowded and the Maine coast is considered safe from the hurricane season that affects the Caribbean Sea.
Amy Powers, director of the Cruise Maine Coalition, said Rockland has experienced “a huge loss” through its inability to clear ship’s passengers through customs. “It’s very unfortunate, because the community has turned away seven ships” in recent years. “This is Vacationland,” she said. “What are we turning down vacationers for?”
Cruise ships are welcome, said city councilor Larry Pritchett. “It’s something we’re glad to explore.” Pritchett believes scheduling is critical; “we’re not bringing 4,000 people to Rockland on a July weekend.”
Frank Isganitis, a Rockland innkeeper and president of the chamber of commerce, agrees that cruise ship crowds are something the city can manage. He expressed some hope that Pingree, sponsor of a bill to protect working waterfronts, will be able to help the city upgrade its official status.
Rockland’s character, with its art studios, commercial fishery, schooners, museums and restaurants can create a compelling experience for a visitor, one that inspires visitors to return, Isganitis said. “We don’t want to become a Bar Harbor or Key West.”
Steve Cartwright is a freelance writer living in Waldoboro.