Bar Harbor’s Cruise Ban Partially Overturned in Major Court Ruling
If you're booking or already holding a Bar Harbor cruise call, know that the current 1,000-passenger daily cap remains enforceable in July and August but was struck down for the shoulder seasons as of May 15, 2026. Watch for the Town Council's May 19, 2026 executive session and any appeal from ban supporters, since the ruling isn't final. Given cruise itineraries are planned years ahead, don't expect immediate changes to scheduled sailings to Bar Harbor.
Judge Walker's 32-page order splits the difference: the 1,000-passenger cap survives in July and August but falls apart the rest of the year, which is a curious result given he upheld most of the ordinance back in February 2024. The numbers tell the real story — cruise guest visits cratered from roughly 182,000 in 2024 to an expected 50,000 in 2026, with lines diverting to Portland instead. Sidman and Papazian's joint statement makes clear this isn't over; they're appealing and may take it back to voters, who've already backed the cap twice. My read is cruise lines won't rush back given how far in advance itineraries are locked in, and they'll likely wait out the appeal before committing. If I were planning a Bar Harbor call, I'd watch the May 19 Town Council session before assuming anything changes soon.