Port Angeles Vision

200 Cruise Ships Pass By Port Angeles Every Summer

Here’s a condensed article about the city of New London, CT which is similar in size to Port Angeles. The United States Coast Guard Academy and its tall ship “Eagle” make their home in this northeastern city.

[Last year seven cruise ships dropped anchor in the harbor of New London, CT, and the streets of the small city were filled.

“The town came alive,” a local shop owner commented. “It was wonderful.”

The first cruise ship came to New London in 2002, and since then merchants in the area have counted on that steady stream of customers. Last year more than 22,000 passengers and service members visited the city and surrounding attractions and historical sites. An estimated $1.3 million was spent in the region, according to New London’s city manager, Martin Berliner. Eight more cruise ships are set to dock in the Whaling City this summer and fall.

“The cruise ships create excitement, and people who live here rediscover their town," said Penny Parsekian, chief executive of New London Main Street, a downtown revitalization group.]

Taken from an article by GEORGIA KRAL, The New York Times, April 13, 2008.

Don’t Miss This Noteworthy Comparison

The city of Victoria, our Canadian neighbor, estimates cruise ship passengers and crew spent an average of $88 each for a total of $26.3 million this year. In addition, the cruise ship companies themselves spend that much or more on a wide range of products and services. The cruise ship industry actually delivered between $250-275 million to greater Victoria last year, based on direct spending and the multiplier effect. A total of 201 cruise ships arrived at Victoria’s Ogden Point in 2008, approximately the same number of ships that pass by Port Angeles every summer.

(Source: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=46d233d3-5930-41ad-987c-07e20cf6e6fc)

Comments Received Via Email:

“I have ALWAYS thought Port Angeles is a natural for cruise ships.  I have cruised to ports that have much less to offer than we do, with excursions to rain forest, hot springs, mountains.  Eco tourism is very popular and our national park has much to offer.” (B&K C.)

I would look out at the Harbor and see ugly parking lots with one lone tavern to the left. The tide flows present a problem as well. The Native Americans present a problem. The Graving Port would have brought in jobs, but instead of working out a deal, it was shut down with orders not to talk about it. Funny, the city got half, the Native Americans got half and a large lump sum, and the Graving Port was dead in the water. You beat your head against the wall long enough, it goes numb and you quit trying. You’ve also got to change the attitude of people in Port Angeles and Sequim to quit going to Silverdale Mall to shop. If we had the locals shopping, businesses wouldn’t fail as much. I know, no one is shopping, but this was long before the fear of the economy, it’s been happening for the last ten to twenty years.

I’d like a convention center here as well. Man…you should of heard the negativity on that from the Downtown Assn., Red Lion Inn and city members. We could of had the lavender festival, but they didn’t want to pay the salary. Such a shame when you don’t look ahead! I bet they are kicking themselves in the rear now!” (A.P.)