About SOUL’s Initiative:
“Limits on Cruise Visitation in Sitka”
For large cruise ships (>250 passengers, max.)
Limit: 4500 “passengers ashore” daily
Limit: 300,000 “passenger ashore” yearly
1 guaranteed day/week with no large ships
Cruise season: May to September
Regulation is done by advance scheduling
If too many passengers, all are welcome!
After the port call, ship must report number of passengers who went ashore.
Enforcement is only on the ship, via an annual permit
FEATURES OF THE INITIATIVE
Small cruise ships (12 to 250 passengers max.)
are exempt for the limits to the left
after port call, must report pax. ashore data
this data adds to overall understanding
an annual permit ensures compliance
this data adds to overall understanding
Cruise vessels with less than a 12 passenger max. capacity and ferries are exempted from the initiative.
Capacities refer to overnight passengers.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS (download)
Application cover letter
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions (submitted with initiative)
Example permit application (submitted with initiative)
Clerk’s determination letter (Dec 16, 2024)