May 18, 2009
Monday

Dear Editor:

On September 13, 2006, you published our letter concerning the cruise ship tax. We were opposed to it and said;

"This tax, like many others, will merely be passed on to the cruiser and would not affect the profits of the cruise line unless the cruise line cuts back on the number of cruises to Alaska. If there are a million cruisers to Alaska, surely they are spending money, as we did, in each port. We understand "things" are more expensive in Alaska due to the remote locations. Apparently the present tax, port charges and etc., was not enough to fund whatever. I suspect cruise lines will be cutting back on their Alaskan cruises and thus cutting taxes Alaskans will receive to fund their infrastructure."

Here is a quote from today's etravelblackboard: " SitNews reported the Alaska Travel Industry Association was alarmed on Monday after hearing Norwegian Cruise Lines decision to pull out another ship from the region in 2010." Vacationers to Alaska and the cruise ships they arrive on are saying "Thanks, but no thanks" to your tax.

The "chickens have come home to roost." Time to repeal the tax before this industry "sinks," pun intended.

Cheers

Vic and Judi Vreeland
Cedar Creek, Texas

Our comments from 2006 can be found at http://www.sitnews.us/0906Viewpoints/091306_vic_jidi_vreeland.html

About: "Retired couple from Texas - Have taken more than 20 cruises, on a limited budget and look for the best value in a cruise."

Received May 18, 2008 - Published May 18, 2009

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