I was until recently an Alaska resident and I voted for the tax. I think the industry's PR campaign really backfired- it was hectoring and condescending.

Since 9/11 cruise traffic in Alaska has increased incredibly- it is really the only "domestic" market for US cruisers and is one of the few places in the world that one can see a tidewater glacier, for example. As a result many Southeast cities and towns are just swamped by tourists.

The vote for the tax was a reaction to all these things. The cruise lines are promoting an "Alaska" consisting of cruise-owned shops, excursions and attractions. All the revenue goes out of state while the costs stay in state. The tax is an attempt to make the cruise ships pay their own way.