Cruise Control

The crux of the Holy City's ship terminal debate

​BY MADISON HARTMAN

​

The cruise industry of Charleston has left the “most polite city in the country” divided into a dichotomy of opinions. Charlestonians on either side of the debate are outraged by the other camp’s stance and have gone to extremes to publicize their opinions. Those against the arrival of more ships even sprung for a billboard reading, “Save Charleston: Support Cruise Control.”       
     The debate has become so heated that it has garnered national attention, landing on the front page of The New York Times in February.
     The anti-cruise camp’s flags can be seen around town, particularly in the neighborhoods downtown near the port. The flags and billboard are courtesy of Charleston Communities for Cruise Control, which wants to establish stricter rules and limits on cruise ships in the city and move the proposed terminal to a more appropriate site.
     On the other side of the debate stand those who believe the economic boost provided by the cruise industry outweighs the negative impacts and argue that the “not in my backyard” attitude of the anti-cruise advocates takes away from Charleston’s inviting mentality.
     For those on the fence, here’s a look at the key arguments on each side.