Forget big cruise ships, bring in smaller ones

Re: “It’s time to discuss a roadmap to reopen our borders,” commentary, April 10.

Ian Robertson points out that the cruise ship industry’s continued presence in Victoria is endangered due to a bill proposed by the Alaska Congressional delegation for a temporary exemption from the United States’ Passenger Services Act. Cruise ships then could bypass Canada and sail directly to and from Alaska.

Cruise ships not calling in Victoria will mean cleaner air quality. The behemoths that are really floating resorts belch toxic exhaust over our fair city causing many folks downwind to experience health problems when they breathe exhaust fumes laden with sulphur dioxide which is corrosive to the respiratory tract.

Because there is no shore power with which these giant vessels can connect, their engines run 24/7. Shore power would eliminate this problem, but still the vast numbers of tourists who supposedly leave the ships don’t necessarily do that since there is constant entertainment on board as well as food and drink always available.

This could be a time for the GVHA — as well as other stakeholders — to rethink what can attract tourists on a smaller but higher quality scale. Banning large cruise ships in favour of smaller vessels is something to consider.

Passengers on smaller ships could enjoy the amenities downtown Victoria offers and as well as take land tours to attractions not in the city core such as the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Government House, Abkhazi Gardens, Butchart Gardens and connecting with First Nation tourism in our region.

There is a market for travellers who prefer experiences that educate as well as provide enjoyment.

Donna de Haan Esquimalt