Key West Votes to Ban Large Cruise Ships
On Election Day, residents of Key West voted to implement a ban on large cruise ships from docking in the city. This decision is poised to create significant ripples in both the local environment and the future of Caribbean cruises as the industry navigates its recovery.
Details of the Referenda
Last Tuesday, Key West voters ratified three referenda aimed at limiting cruise ship access. The first measure, gaining approximately 63% approval, prohibits cruise ships carrying more than 1,300 passengers from docking in the Keys. The second provision, supported by 61% of voters, sets a cap of 1,500 daily cruise visitors. The third and most popular initiative, which garnered 81% support, prioritizes cruise lines that maintain exemplary environmental and health records.
Environmental Considerations
These bans arise from the considerable negative impact that large cruise ships have on both the local infrastructure and the sensitive ecosystem of the Florida Keys. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when cruise ships were halted, the environment had a brief opportunity to recover, prompting locals to reevaluate their policies. The residents formed the Key West Committee for Safer Cleaner Ships, a grassroots movement that generated ballot proposals which received strong support from locals, officials, and business owners. The central aim of this initiative is to “balance the limited economic benefits of cruise ships against the larger public health, environmental, and economic interests of Key West citizens.”
Economic Impact of Cruise Ships
The concerns regarding cruise ship operations are substantiated by the Murray Report, which highlights that the 390 cruise ships visiting the Keys each year generate “chronic water-quality issues,” endangering coral reefs and local marine life, including sought-after species like lobster and conch. This dynamic poses a threat to the vital charter fishing industry, which supports approximately 8,000 jobs in the region.
Although cruise ship passengers constitute 50% of all visitors in Key West, their spending is minimal, accounting for only 8% of total visitor expenditure. On average, these passengers spend about $32 each, whereas other tourists typically spend an average of $550.
A Shift Towards Smaller and Cleaner Cruises
The residents of Key West advocate for a more selective approach rather than a complete ban on cruise activities. Hence, 81% of voters agreed on prioritizing smaller cruise ships that are both safer and environmentally friendly, appealing to higher-spending customers while simultaneously alleviating the crowding in the Keys — a crucial factor during the ongoing pandemic.
Future of Caribbean Cruises
The Miami Herald reports that a substantial number of vessels, approximately 40 out of 50 that docked in Key West in 2019, will be barred from returning. This list notably includes ships from major cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line. In contrast, luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea already comply with the new restrictions, which could shut the door on budget-conscious travelers looking to visit Key West.
Legal Challenges Ahead?
As these measures are enacted, they may face legal challenges, with cruise lines exploring avenues for compromise. The Cruise Lines International Association has expressed intentions to “open dialogue” with Key West in hopes of maintaining a collaborative relationship.
