I always thought that a cruise ship coming to town made big money for the town. All those tourists hitting the local souvenir shops cause cash registers to ring.
But on a trip to Skagway, Alaska a few years ago (not by cruise ship), I found out from the locals that very little money stays in town. The cruise companies actually come to town before they start sailing and put in their own stores and souvenir shops, with their own employees.
When the cruise season ends, the shops are closed and remain closed until the next season starts.
The cruise lines are money-making machines no doubt. But mostly for themselves.
Randy Bennett
Garibaldi Highlands
