I am an Alaskan, when we take a cruise to southern climates- the taxes are higher than Alaska cruises presently. A 7 day cruise-to Alaska- on the Princess site shows approx. $73.00 for taxes- A 7 day cruise to the Western Caribbean the taxes are $116- and you do not have anywhere close to the scenery, wildlife, and etc.- you see on an Alaskan Cruise. The funds will be used directly for tourism related costs- i.e. docks, harbors, trails, viewing areas by glaciers, streams, and etc.- The reason for an inspector on a ship to be sure that our waters are not poluted- that our wonderful waters will produce the safe and abundant seafood we have now, and ship throughout the world. The gambling- well, all other states tax the gambling that happens in thier state- And.. re disclosure of the commissions and advertizing done on the ship- is consumer protection- many first time cruisers- do not know that the "recommended shops" pay for the opportunity to be "recommended"- they may or may not be the best priced or the most reliable.

That is why the majority of Alaskans pass the inititive. The cruise industry spent well over 1 million dollars trying to convince us that "we did not understand"- to bad they didn't spend that money on more productive, concrete things- we did understatnd- - we enjoy all the folks that come to see our great state, but it costs money to provide the necessary infrastructures for all our guests.