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American Cruise Lines seeks docking agreement, offers investment in Portsmouth waterfront
Summary
City and port staff said American Cruise Lines has discussed a multi‑year docking arrangement for Portsmouth, potential investment in shelter and amenities for passengers, and possible expansion to additional ship calls and origin‑point cruises.
Charlie Baumann, assistant secretary for the Port & Industrial Commission, told commissioners on June 24 that American Cruise Lines executives traveled from Salisbury, Maryland, to discuss expanding calls in Portsmouth and potentially adding a second vessel during peak seasons.
Baumann said ACL asked for a written docking arrangement to enable long‑range bookings “three to five years out,” and that the company has expressed willingness to invest in waterfront improvements. He told the commission ACL executives raised practical needs such as potable water and refuse pickup and suggested a shelter for passengers.
City Manager Brian Carter and other city officials framed the topic as part of a July 7 joint meeting with City Council, noting the need to align port, economic development and council priorities to make waterfront improvements. Carter and other speakers said ACL passengers typically include older travelers who tend to spend locally and that calls bring more than 100 passengers per visit, producing tourism spending in Old Town and beyond.
City staff said ACL sometimes provides buses for excursions and that passengers take walking historical tours in Old Town; some passengers join bused excursions outside Portsmouth. Baumann said ACL is considering using Portsmouth as an origin point for some cruises, which would increase hotel and downtown business by putting passengers in Portsmouth the night before departure.
No formal docking agreement was approved at the June 24 meeting. Baumann said ACL will provide a draft docking agreement for the city and port to review; commissioners discussed bringing tourism staff and other partners into negotiations and said they would follow up before the July 7 joint meeting.
